Current smokers with hyperlipidemia lack elevated preβ1-high-density lipoprotein concentrations

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. 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 lecithin–cholesterol acyltransferase–dependent conversion rate (CHT preβ1 ) in 74 men (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 preβ1 in nonsmokers, but not in smokers. Smoking a single cigarette did not change preβ1-HDL concentrations or CHT preβ1 . Compared with nonsmokers, preβ1-HDL concentrations were relatively low in hyperlipidemic smokers but not in normolipidemic smokers, and CHT preβ1 was not a significant determinant of preβ1-HDL concentrations in smokers. Conclusion Our findings suggest that smoking may be disadvantageous to individuals with hyperlipidemia because preβ1-HDL metabolism is altered.