Small-dense low-density lipoproteins are the predominant apoB-100-containing lipoproteins in cord blood.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional observational laboratory study in neonates and mothers.
PubMed 24362269 · doi:10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2013.12.009
What was done
Researchers measured lipid profiles and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle distribution in 83 healthy neonates (cord blood) and 17 paired healthy mothers. Lipids (LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides) and glucose were measured with enzymatic methods. ApoB-100 size distribution was quantified via western blot following native 4-12% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and LDL subclasses were also analyzed using the Lipoprint-LDL system.
What was found
In neonates, small-dense LDL (sdLDL) accounted for 67 ± 7% of apoB-containing particles, despite Lipoprint measuring only 1.5% sdLDL. Maternal serum contained 47 ± 6% of apoB in smaller LDL versus 6 ± 1% in non-pregnant women (p < 0.001). The divergence between western blot and Lipoprint measurements indicates that neonatal sdLDL particles are comparatively lipid-poor relative to adult particles.
Why it matters
The findings demonstrate that cord blood LDL is predominantly composed of lipid-poor small-dense apoB-100 particles. This highlights that lipid-based assays may mischaracterize LDL particle size distribution in newborns.
Limits
The study is a small cross-sectional study with a limited maternal comparator subgroup (n = 17) and an unspecified non-pregnant control group size in the abstract. It evaluates only surrogate laboratory endpoints without longitudinal follow-up or clinical outcomes.
Cited by
- context Human infants are typically born with an LDL cholesterol or ApoB level below 20 mg/dL.