Lipoprotein Metabolism in Normal Volunteers and Patients With High Levels of Lipoproteins

Researchers plan to study the fat-rich particles, called lipoproteins, which circulate in the blood. This study is designed to improve understanding of normal, as well as abnormal, lipoprotein metabolism and the role it plays in the development of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Patients participating in this study will receive injections of lipoproteins or apolipoproteins (the protein component of lipoproteins) that have been isolated and purified. These lipoproteins will be labeled with small amounts of radioactive material and sterilized before they are injected into the patient. Patients participating in the study will be required to have blood samples taken, and provide urine samples throughout the course of the study. In addition, patient will be required to follow a specially formulated diet. Patients will be weighed throughout the course of the study. We propose to investigate human in vivo lipoprotein metabolism using radiolabeled apolipoproteins on plasma lipoproteins. Paired kinetic studies using dual-labeled iodinated lipoproteins and apolipoproteins are performed in healthy volunteer controls with normal lipids and subjects with dyslipidemia under controlled metabolic conditions. Studies are designed to formulate metabolic pathways in patients with undefined genetic disorders of lipid metabolism as well as in healthy volunteers to provide original insights into normal and pathologic metabolic pathways. All kinetic data is computer analyzed to provide quantitative data and facilitate direct comparison of multiple studies.