Obesity,
insulin resistance (IR) with
hyperinsulinemia, and a
dyslipoproteinemia characterized by reduced
high-density lipoprotein 2 (
HDL2) cholesterol and elevated levels of small, dense
low-density lipoprotein (
LDL) particles are risk factors for
coronary artery disease (CAD). The impact of
obesity independent of
hyperinsulinemia on the concentration and composition of small, dense
LDL subfractions is uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between
obesity indices, namely body mass index (BMI), skinfold measurements (SF), and waist to hip ratio (WHR), and
LDL-subfraction particle concentration and composition in 200 healthy men without evidence of IR. A precise analysis of the concentration of
lipids and
apolipoproteins and the composition of
very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL),
intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), and two HDL- and six
LDL-subfraction particles was obtained using the technique of density-gradient ultracentrifugation. Dividing the individuals according to BMI showed that those with a BMI greater than 27 kg/m2 had significantly lower
HDL2 cholesterol and
apolipoprotein (
apo) A-I and higher VLDL and
IDL cholesterol and
apo B concentrations than those with a BMI less than 25 kg/m2. Regarding
LDL particles, we found that men with a BMI above 25 kg/m2 had significantly more small, dense
LDL particles (d 1.044 to 1.063 g/mL) and correspondingly fewer medium, dense
LDL particles (d 1.031 to 1.037 g/mL) than leaner men; those with a BMI above 27 kg/m2 had the highest concentration of circulating small, dense
LDL particles. These findings were not influenced by fasting
insulin concentrations, IR, or WHR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)