Computerized measurement of LDL particle size in human serum: Reproducibility studies and evaluation of LDL particle size in relation to metabolic variables and the occurrence of atherosclerosis

Abstract

Objectives: The main aims of the present research project were to develop and evaluate a new software program for evaluation of LDL particle size applied to the gradient gel electrophoresis methodology without the use of previous ultra-centrifugation, and to investigate the relationships among LDL particle size, metabolic variables and atherosclerosis, as measured by ultrasound, in subjects with different degrees of insulin resistance. Methods: LDL particle size was determined by polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis. Results: Coefficient of variation for between-assay experiments was 0.3% (r=0.99) for measurement of LDL peak particle size. LDL peak particle size was negatively correlated to serum triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, fasting insulin, BMI and diastolic blood pressure and positively correlated to HDL. Furthermore, subjects with moderate to large plaques in the carotid artery had smaller LDL particles compared to subjects without plaques. Conclusions: This project resulted in a highly reproducible, computerized method for the analysis of LDL particle size. The data suggest that it is possible to assess LDL particle size in serum without the use of previous ultra-centrifugation. LDL particle size was associated with metabolic variables and the occurrence of moderate to large plaques in the carotid artery.