Current smokers with hyperlipidemia lack elevated preβ1-HDL concentrations

Abstract Background Preβ1-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is an efficient acceptor of cell-derived free cholesterol, which is converted into lipid-rich HDL by lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT). Previous studies have shown that preβ1-HDL is significantly higher in individuals with hyperlipidemia. Preβ1-HDL concentrations may be altered in smokers, who are at high risk for atherosclerosis. Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of smoking on preβ1-HDL concentrations. Methods We measured the preβ1-HDL concentration and LCAT-dependent conversion rate (CHTpreβ1 ) in 74 males (39 nonsmokers and 35 smokers) using an immunoassay. Results The smoker and nonsmoker groups were further divided into normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic subjects. Among nonsmokers, the mean preβ1-HDL concentration was 27% higher in hyperlipidemics than in normolipidemics (25.5±6.7 vs. 20.3±4.6 mg/L apoAI, P