Lipoprotein abnormalities in patients with early primary biliary cirrhosis

Abstract

In 12 females with early forms of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) serum lipoproteins, the i.v. fat tolerance test (IVFTT) and the lecithin:cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) rate were determined and compared to healthy controls. The cholestatic LDL [low density lipoprotein] (LP-X) test was negative in all cases. PBC patients had lower very low density lipoprotein TG [triglycerides] concentrations than controls and had levels of (high-density lipoprotein) HDL-TG, -cholesterol and -phospholipids that were about 50% higher than in controls. In PBC the HDL2-cholestrol concentration was double, but the HDL3-cholesterol concentration was 60% of control values (P < 0.001 for both). The LCAT rate and the IVFTT value did not differ between the groups. A typical finding on agarose gel electrophoresis was the appearance of a slow-moving .alpha.-band. Several interpretations of these results are possible. In PBC the hepatic lipase activity may be impaired leading to a shift of the HDL2/HDL3 relation. The transport of HDL2 to the liver lipase site may also be affected and HDL3 production reduced due to malabsorption in the intestine.