Analytical chemistry suggests triglyceride impedes HDL maturation

Higher levels of triglyceride in the blood could impede the maturation of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) by reducing their particle size, analytical chemistry published in Lipids in Health and Disease suggests.

Scientists at Sichuan University, Chengdu University's Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chengdu Hoist Biotechnology used two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to look at the size of particles of HDL subclasses in 500 Chinese subjects.

Their analytical chemistry found that, as triglyceride levels increase, HDL subclasses' particle size decreases, which they say is a potential indication of impeded maturation and weakened efficiency of reverse cholesterol transport.

According to the researchers, the findings also "raise the possibility that triglyceride levels' effects on HDL maturation metabolism are subjected to plasma apolipoproteins and apolipoprotein ratios".

Lipids in Health and Disease addresses the synthesis of new lipids, as well as their pharmacology, biochemistry, toxicology and the part they play in maintaining health and affecting disease.