RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To carry out a clinical-epidemiological analysis of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol subfractions (HDL-C) in adults from Maracaibo, Venezuela. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive and cross-sectional study of the database from the Metbolic Syndrome Prevalence in Maracaibo Study was carried out. HDL3 and HDL2 serum concentration, as well as the HDL2/HDL3 ratio, were determined in 359 individuals of both sexes, over 18 years of age. Values obtained were evaluated according to sociodemographic, clinical and biochemical characteristics. RESULTS: Mean population age was 39.4 ± 15.2 years, and 51.5% were female. Differences in HDL-C subfraction levels were only observed in those subjects with low HDL-C levels. Women with hypertriglyceridemia showed significantly lower serum HDL3 and HDL2 concentrations than those with normal triglycerides (p=0.033), as well as a lower HDL3 level and HDL2 / HDL3 ratio in those with higher levels of ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP) (p<0.001). A significantly lower concentration of HDL2 was observed in men with some degree of hypertension (p=0.031), insulin resistance (p=0.050) and metabolic syndrome (p=0.003); while those with elevated us-CRP showed a lower concentration of HDL3 (p=0.011). CONCLUSION: HDL-C subfractions show varying clinical-epidemiological behavior in adults from Maracaibo. Lower serum levels are observed in men, differences only in those with low HDL-C; and no predominance of any subclass was observed according to sociodemographic, clinical and biochemical characteristics.
OBJETIVO: Realizar un análisis clínico-epidemiológico de las subfracciones de colesterol unido a lipoproteinas de alta densidad (HDL-C, por sus siglas en inglés) en adultos de la ciudad de Maracaibo, Venezuela. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de la base de datos del Estudio de Prevalencia de Síndrome Metabólico de Maracaibo, que incluyó 359 individuos de ambos sexos, mayores de 18 años, a quienes se les determinó la concentración sérica de HDL3 y HDL2, así como el índice HDL2/HDL3; evaluando sus niveles según características sociodemográficas, clínicas y bioquímicas. RESULTADOS: La edad promedio de la población era 39,4 ± 15,2 años, y 51,5% era de sexo femenino. Solo se observaron diferencias en los niveles de HDL-C en aquellos sujetos con HDL-C bajas. Las mujeres con hipertriacilgliceridemia mostraron concentraciones séricas de HDL3 y HDL2 significativamente menores con respecto a aquellas con triacilglicéridos normales (p = 0,033); asimismo, se encontró una concentración menor de HDL3 y relación HDL2/HDL3 en aquellas con proteína C reactiva ultrasensible (PCR-us) elevada (p < 0,001). En hombres, se evidenció una concentración significativamente menor de HDL2 en aquellos con algún grado de hipertensión arterial (p = 0,031), insulinorresistencia (p = 0,050) y síndrome metabólico (p = 0,003); mientras que aquellos con PCR-us elevada mostraron una menor concentración de HDL3 (p = 0,011). CONCLUSIÓN: Las subfracciones de HDL-C muestran un comportamiento clínico epidemiológico variable en adultos de la población de Maracaibo, con promedios más bajos en los hombres, diferencias en los niveles únicamente en aquellos con HDL-C bajas, y sin predominio de alguna subclase según las características sociodemográficas, clínicas y bioquímicas.
Assuntos
HDL-Colesterol , Lipoproteínas HDL2 , Lipoproteínas HDL3 , Adulto , HDL-Colesterol/sangue , Cidades/epidemiologia , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , Lipoproteínas HDL2/sangue , Lipoproteínas HDL3/sangue , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Venezuela/epidemiologiaRESUMO
RESUMEN Objetivo: Realizar un análisis clínico-epidemiológico de las subfracciones de colesterol unido a lipoproteinas de alta densidad (HDL-C, por sus siglas en inglés) en adultos de la ciudad de Maracaibo, Venezuela. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de la base de datos del Estudio de Prevalencia de Síndrome Metabólico de Maracaibo, que incluyó 359 individuos de ambos sexos, mayores de 18 años, a quienes se les determinó la concentración sérica de HDL3 y HDL2, así como el índice HDL2/HDL3; evaluando sus niveles según características sociodemográficas, clínicas y bioquímicas. Resultados: La edad promedio de la población era 39,4 ± 15,2 años, y 51,5% era de sexo femenino. Solo se observaron diferencias en los niveles de HDL-C en aquellos sujetos con HDL-C bajas. Las mujeres con hipertriacilgliceridemia mostraron concentraciones séricas de HDL3 y HDL2 significativamente menores con respecto a aquellas con triacilglicéridos normales (p=0,033); asimismo, se encontró una concentración menor de HDL3 y relación HDL2/HDL3 en aquellas con proteína C reactiva ultrasensible (PCR-us) elevada (p<0,001). En hombres, se evidenció una concentración significativamente menor de HDL2 en aquellos con algún grado de hipertensión arterial (p=0,031), insulinorresistencia (p=0,050) y síndrome metabólico (p=0,003); mientras que aquellos con PCR-us elevada mostraron una menor concentración de HDL3 (p=0,011). Conclusión: Las subfracciones de HDL-C muestran un comportamiento clínico epidemiológico variable en adultos de la población de Maracaibo, con promedios más bajos en los hombres, diferencias en los niveles únicamente en aquellos con HDL-C bajas, y sin predominio de alguna subclase según las características sociodemográficas, clínicas y bioquímicas.
ABSTRACT Objective: To carry out a clinical-epidemiological analysis of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol subfractions (HDL-C) in adults from Maracaibo, Venezuela. Materials and methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study of the database from the Metbolic Syndrome Prevalence in Maracaibo Study was carried out. HDL3 and HDL2 serum concentration, as well as the HDL2/HDL3 ratio, were determined in 359 individuals of both sexes, over 18 years of age. Values obtained were evaluated according to sociodemographic, clinical and biochemical characteristics. Results: Mean population age was 39.4 ± 15.2 years, and 51.5% were female. Differences in HDL-C subfraction levels were only observed in those subjects with low HDL-C levels. Women with hypertriglyceridemia showed significantly lower serum HDL3 and HDL2 concentrations than those with normal triglycerides (p=0.033), as well as a lower HDL3 level and HDL2 / HDL3 ratio in those with higher levels of ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP) (p<0.001). A significantly lower concentration of HDL2 was observed in men with some degree of hypertension (p=0.031), insulin resistance (p=0.050) and metabolic syndrome (p=0.003); while those with elevated us-CRP showed a lower concentration of HDL3 (p=0.011). Conclusion: HDL-C subfractions show varying clinical-epidemiological behavior in adults from Maracaibo. Lower serum levels are observed in men, differences only in those with low HDL-C; and no predominance of any subclass was observed according to sociodemographic, clinical and biochemical characteristics.
Assuntos
Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Venezuela , Técnicas de Laboratório Clínico , Lipoproteínas HDL2 , Lipoproteínas HDL3 , Venezuela/epidemiologia , Epidemiologia , Estudos Transversais , Fatores de Risco , Cidades/epidemiologia , Lipoproteínas HDL2/sangue , Lipoproteínas HDL3/sangue , HDL-Colesterol , HDL-Colesterol/sangueRESUMO
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a diverse group of particles with multiple cardioprotective functions. HDL proteome follows HDL particle complexity. Many proteins were described in HDL, but consistent quantification of HDL protein cargo is still a challenge. To address this issue, the aim of this work was to compare data-independent acquisition (DIA) and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) methodologies in their abilities to differentiate HDL subclasses through their proteomes. To this end, we first evaluated the analytical performances of DIA and PRM using labeled peptides in pooled digested HDL as a biological matrix. Next, we compared the quantification capabilities of the two methodologies for 24 proteins found in HDL2 and HDL3 from 19 apparently healthy subjects. DIA and PRM exhibited comparable linearity, accuracy, and precision. Moreover, both methodologies worked equally well, differentiating HDL subclasses' proteomes with high precision. Our findings may help to understand HDL functional diversity.
Assuntos
Lipoproteínas HDL/sangue , Proteômica/métodos , Adulto , Idoso , Calibragem , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão/métodos , Humanos , Limite de Detecção , Lipoproteínas HDL2/sangue , Lipoproteínas HDL3/sangue , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Proteômica/estatística & dados numéricos , Controle de Qualidade , Espectrometria de Massas em Tandem/métodos , Fluxo de Trabalho , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest a relationship of the epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) with progression and calcification of the atherosclerotic plaque; however, it is unknown if this tissue expresses genes that may participate on these processes and if the expression of these genes is regulated by high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclasses. METHODS: To explore this possibility, we determined the mRNA expression by qPCR of a pro-calcifying gene (osteopontin (OPN)), and two anti-calcifying genes (osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteonectin (ON)), in biopsies of EAT obtained from 15 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) determined by angiography, and 15 patients with diagnostic of aortic valve stenosis but without CAD as control group. We determined the distribution and composition of HDL subclasses by electrophoresis and their statistical relationship with the gene expression in EAT. RESULTS: EAT from CAD patients showed a higher expression level of OPN and OPG than control group, whereas ON expression was similar between groups. Large HDL subclasses were cholesterol-poor in CAD patients as estimated by the cholesterol-to-phospholipid ratio. A linear regression model showed an independent association of OPN expression with HDL3a-cholesterol, and OPG expression with the relative proportion of HDL3b protein. Logistic analysis determined that OPN expression was positively associated with the presence of atherosclerotic plaque CONCLUSION: OPN, ON, and OPG genes are transcribed in EAT; to the exception of ON, the level of expression was different in CAD patients and control group, and correlated with some HDL subclasses, suggesting a new role of these lipoproteins.
Assuntos
Estenose da Valva Aórtica/genética , Doença da Artéria Coronariana/genética , Osteopontina/genética , Osteoprotegerina/genética , Placa Aterosclerótica/genética , Tecido Adiposo/metabolismo , Tecido Adiposo/patologia , Idoso , Estenose da Valva Aórtica/metabolismo , Estenose da Valva Aórtica/patologia , Estudos de Casos e Controles , HDL-Colesterol/sangue , Doença da Artéria Coronariana/metabolismo , Doença da Artéria Coronariana/patologia , Feminino , Regulação da Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Lipoproteínas HDL3/genética , Lipoproteínas HDL3/metabolismo , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Osteonectina/genética , Osteonectina/metabolismo , Osteopontina/metabolismo , Osteoprotegerina/metabolismo , Pericárdio/metabolismo , Pericárdio/patologia , Placa Aterosclerótica/metabolismo , Placa Aterosclerótica/patologia , RNA Mensageiro/genética , RNA Mensageiro/metabolismo , Índice de Gravidade de DoençaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Low plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) are typical of acute myocardial infarction (MI) and predict risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. The potential relationships between modifications in the molecular composition and the functionality of HDL subpopulations in acute MI however remain indeterminate. METHODS AND RESULTS: ST segment elevation MI (STEMI) patients were recruited within 24h after diagnosis (n=16) and featured low HDL-C (-31%, p<0.05) and acute-phase inflammation (determined as marked elevations in C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A (SAA) and interleukin-6) as compared to age- and sex-matched controls (n=10). STEMI plasma HDL and its subpopulations (HDL2b, 2a, 3a, 3b, 3c) displayed attenuated cholesterol efflux capacity from THP-1 cells (up to -32%, p<0.01, on a unit phospholipid mass basis) vs. CONTROLS: Plasma HDL and small, dense HDL3b and 3c subpopulations from STEMI patients exhibited reduced anti-oxidative activity (up to -68%, p<0.05, on a unit HDL mass basis). HDL subpopulations in STEMI were enriched in two proinflammatory bioactive lipids, lysophosphatidylcholine (up to 3.0-fold, p<0.05) and phosphatidic acid (up to 8.4-fold, p<0.05), depleted in apolipoprotein A-I (up to -23%, p<0.05) and enriched in SAA (up to +10.2-fold, p<0.05); such changes were most marked in the HDL3b subfraction. In vitro HDL enrichment in both lysophosphatidylcholine and phosphatidic acid exerted deleterious effects on HDL functionality. CONCLUSIONS: In the early phase of STEMI, HDL particle subpopulations display marked, concomitant alterations in both lipidome and proteome which are implicated in impaired HDL functionality. Such modifications may act synergistically to confer novel deleterious biological activities to STEMI HDL. SIGNIFICANCE: Our present data highlight complex changes in the molecular composition and functionality of HDL particle subpopulations in the acute phase of STEMI, and for the first time, reveal that concomitant modifications in both the lipidome and proteome contribute to functional deficiencies in cholesterol efflux and antioxidative activities of HDL particles. These findings may provide new biomarkers and new insights in therapeutic strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk in this clinical setting where such net deficiency in HDL function, multiplied by low circulating HDL concentrations, can be expected to contribute to accelerated atherogenesis.
Assuntos
Lipoproteínas HDL3/sangue , Lisofosfatidilcolinas/sangue , Infarto do Miocárdio/sangue , Ácidos Fosfatídicos/sangue , Proteína Amiloide A Sérica/metabolismo , Adulto , Idoso , Apolipoproteína A-I/química , Apolipoproteína A-I/deficiência , Apolipoproteína A-I/metabolismo , Proteína C-Reativa/metabolismo , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Linhagem Celular , Feminino , Humanos , Interleucina-6/sangue , Lipoproteínas HDL3/química , Lisofosfatidilcolinas/química , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Monócitos/metabolismo , Infarto do Miocárdio/patologia , Ácidos Fosfatídicos/química , Proteoma/química , Proteoma/metabolismoRESUMO
To evaluate functional and compositional properties of HDL in subjects from a kindred of genetic apoA-I deficiency, two homozygotes and six heterozygotes, with a nonsense mutation at APOA1 codon -2, Q[-2]X, were recruited together with age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 11). Homozygotes displayed undetectable plasma levels of apoA-I and reduced levels of HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and apoC-III (5.4% and 42.6% of controls, respectively). Heterozygotes displayed low HDL-C (21 ± 9 mg/dl), low apoA-I (79 ± 24 mg/dl), normal LDL-cholesterol (132 ± 25 mg/dl), and elevated TG (130 ± 45 mg/dl) levels. Cholesterol efflux capacity of ultracentrifugally isolated HDL subpopulations was reduced (up to -25%, P < 0.01, on a glycerophospholipid [GP] basis) in heterozygotes versus controls. Small, dense HDL3 and total HDL from heterozygotes exhibited diminished antioxidative activity (up to -48%, P < 0.001 on a total mass basis) versus controls. HDL subpopulations from both homozygotes and heterozygotes displayed altered chemical composition, with depletion in apoA-I, GP, and cholesteryl ester; enrichment in apoA-II, free cholesterol, and TG; and altered phosphosphingolipidome. The defective atheroprotective activities of HDL were correlated with altered lipid and apo composition. These data reveal that atheroprotective activities of HDL particles are impaired in homozygous and heterozygous apoA-I deficiency and are intimately related to marked alterations in protein and lipid composition.
Assuntos
Apolipoproteína A-I/deficiência , Apolipoproteína C-III/sangue , Proteínas de Transferência de Ésteres de Colesterol/sangue , HDL-Colesterol/sangue , Hipoalfalipoproteinemias/sangue , Lipoproteínas HDL/sangue , Adulto , Apolipoproteína A-I/sangue , Apolipoproteína A-I/genética , Apolipoproteína A-I/metabolismo , Apolipoproteína C-III/metabolismo , Brasil , Proteínas de Transferência de Ésteres de Colesterol/metabolismo , Ésteres do Colesterol/sangue , Ésteres do Colesterol/metabolismo , HDL-Colesterol/metabolismo , LDL-Colesterol/sangue , LDL-Colesterol/metabolismo , Códon sem Sentido , Saúde da Família , Feminino , Heterozigoto , Homozigoto , Humanos , Hipoalfalipoproteinemias/genética , Hipoalfalipoproteinemias/metabolismo , Lipoproteínas HDL/metabolismo , Lipoproteínas HDL3/sangue , Lipoproteínas HDL3/metabolismo , Masculino , Fosfolipídeos/sangue , Fosfolipídeos/metabolismo , Esfingolipídeos/sangue , Esfingolipídeos/metabolismo , Triglicerídeos/sangue , Triglicerídeos/metabolismoRESUMO
AIMS: Patients with type 1 diabetes, in the absence of chronic complications, have serum concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) similar to the general population. However, their HDL particles may be dysfunctional. We aimed to evaluate the antioxidant effect of HDL2 and HDL3 obtained from Caucasian males with type 1 diabetes with normoalbuminuria and microalbuminuria. METHODS: Twenty Caucasian men with type 1 diabetes (10 with normoalbuminuria and 10 with microalbuminuria) and 10 healthy Caucasian men participated in the study. Lipoproteins were obtained by density gradient ultracentrifugation. The antioxidant effect of HDL was assessed by measuring lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) concentration after 3h of pooled LDL oxidation catalyzed by 5µM CuSO4 in the absence or presence of HDL2 or HDL3. RESULTS: The control, normoalbuminuria, and microalbuminuria groups had similar HDL-C concentration and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Glycemic control was similar between diabetes groups (HbA1c 8.1±0.9% and 8.3±0.7%, P=0.70), but estimated glucose disposal rate was lower in patients with microalbuminuria (8.0±0.6 and 4.5±1.1mg/kg/min, P<0.01). The relative antioxidant effect of HDL2 from control, normoalbuminuria, and microalbuminuria groups were 92.8±2.4%, 85.4±1.7%, and 74.2±4.6%, respectively (P<0.01), and the HDL3 effect were 95.0±2.2%, 86.4±4.4%, and 75.3±4.2%, respectively (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Both HDL2 and HDL3 inhibited LOOH formation in copper-catalyzed oxidation of LDL in vitro. Overall, this antioxidant effect was lower in Caucasian men with type 1 diabetes, and was further compounded in those with microalbuminuria.
Assuntos
Albuminúria/metabolismo , Antioxidantes/fisiologia , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/sangue , Lipoproteínas HDL/metabolismo , Adulto , HDL-Colesterol/sangue , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/fisiopatologia , Humanos , Peróxidos Lipídicos/biossíntese , Peróxidos Lipídicos/sangue , Lipoproteínas HDL/sangue , Lipoproteínas HDL2/fisiologia , Lipoproteínas HDL3/fisiologia , Lipoproteínas LDL/metabolismo , MasculinoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Determine the relationship of exercise with serum levels of apoA-I and HDL2 and HDL3, subpopulations in hypertensive individuals from the city of Armenia - Quindío. METHODS: The interventions were two months of exercise. Blood pressure was taken with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health of Colombia. HDL subpopulations were measured with the method of precipitate ionic and the apoA-I was measured using nephelometry of Bindig site. RESULTS: Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. A total of 160 patients of whom 125 remained until the end of the project were gathered, that is, there was a 78.12 % retention, 28 % did the exercise. The analysis showed a highly significant reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, higher in people who did exercise. The HDL were below normal before exercise, significantly increased with exercise but still remained below the reference values, the HDL2 increased significantly, while HDL3 decreased with normal levels of apoA-I. CONCLUSION: This study shows that exercise increases the total HDL, but the most important is that exercise modified the HDL subpopulations in a relationship that favors those which seem to have ateroprotective properties. The evidence of the interrelationship between protective factors provides new arguments for public health actions against the cardiovascular risk and hypertension.
Assuntos
Apolipoproteína A-I/sangue , Pressão Sanguínea , Exercício Físico/fisiologia , Lipoproteínas HDL2/sangue , Lipoproteínas HDL3/sangue , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeAssuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Patologia Clínica , Lipoproteínas , Lipoproteínas HDL , Lipoproteínas HDL2 , Lipoproteínas HDL3 , Estudo Observacional , UruguaiRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is an idiopathic chronic inflammatory disease that causes occlusion of large arteries, but little is known about whether affected patients are characterized by endothelial dysfunction, different high-density lipoproteins (HDL) subclasses and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the present study, 30 patients with TA, 30 age- and gender-matched volunteers (controls) and 15 patients with essential hypertension were studied. Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and maximal blood flow velocity, assessed in the brachial artery by high-resolution ultrasound, were significantly lower in patients. HDL subclass distribution was determined by polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis. HDL-cholesterol, HDL3b subclass and PON1 activity, assessed spectrophotometrically using phenylacetate as the substrate, were also lower in patients compared with controls. In a multiple regression analysis, the use of prednisone and systolic blood pressure were independent variables that predicted the FMD. CONCLUSIONS: A low FMD, abnormal size distribution of HDLs, and low PON1 activity are observed in TA patients. These abnormalities appear independently and constitute a cluster that may contribute to the vascular dysfunction of TA arteritis.
Assuntos
Arildialquilfosfatase/sangue , Lipoproteínas HDL3/sangue , Arterite de Takayasu/sangue , Vasodilatação , Adulto , Velocidade do Fluxo Sanguíneo , Feminino , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Arterite de Takayasu/fisiopatologiaRESUMO
This study evaluated the serum concentrations of lipids, lipoproteins, apolipoproteins, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions in Brazilian adults. We analyzed the distribution of lipids in HDL2 and HDL3 in a normolipidemic population without evidence of established cardiovascular disease (CVD). A total of 93 males and 92 females, healthy and normolipidemic, volunteered to be submitted to a clinical examination, a blood collection, and to answer a questionnaire aimed at determining signs and symptoms of atherosclerotic disease. Their fasting plasma lipid, lipoproteins, apolipoproteins, and the cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in HDL2 and HDL3, isolated by microultracentrifugation, were determined by enzymatic-colorimetric methods. The interpercentile intervals (2.5-97.5) for the population were established as being 5-18 mg/dL in men and 4-28 mg/dL in women for HDL2 cholesterol (HDL2chol) and 1-57 mg/dL in men and 2-61 mg/dL in women for HDL3 cholesterol (HDL3chol). HDL2 triglyceride levels (HDL2Tg) in men were 1-26 mg/dL and in women 2-28 mg/dL; moreover, the HDL3 triglyceride (HDL3Tg) intervals were established as 4-46 mg/dL for both sexes. The determination of reference ranges for lipids in HDL subfractions in populations without clinical atherosclerosis, is an useful tool for metabolic, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches. We determined the intervals for HDL2chol, HDL3chol, HDL2Tg, and HDL3Tg. There were variations with sex and/or age for HDL2chol, HDL3chol, and HDL2Tg in the studied population.
Assuntos
Lipoproteínas HDL/sangue , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Feminino , Humanos , Lipoproteínas HDL2 , Lipoproteínas HDL3 , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Valores de Referência , Inquéritos e Questionários , Triglicerídeos/sangueRESUMO
Fasting serum lipoprotein lipid concentrations were measured in 64 subjects aged 11-18 and 72 aged 33-54 years, who comprised 86% of long-term residents of these ages in a rural community in Trinidad. Total HDL, HDL2, and HDL3 cholesterol concentrations were similar in males and females after allowance for alcohol consumption. The results differ from other societies in which HDL2 concentration is lower in men than women, and are thought to provide further evidence for interaction between hormonal status and factors such as adiposity and triglyceride concentration with respect to HDL concentration.