Is there a relationship between small, dense LDL and lipoprotein--associated phospholipase A2 mass in dialysis patients?

BACKGROUND: We aimed to measure small, dense LDL (sdLDL) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) concentrations and to evaluate their relationship with other risk factors of atherosclerotic heart disease in dialysis patients. METHODS: Study group consisted of 30 peritoneal dialysis and 20 hemodialysis patients with 20 healthy control subjects. sdLDL was measured by homogeneous LDL assay after precipitation of Apo B containing lipoproteins with heparin-magnesium. Lp-PLA2 mass was measured by immunoturbidimetric assay. RESULTS: sdLDL concentrations in the samples collected before hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis treatment were significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). Lp-PLA2 concentrations of both pre-hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis groups were higher than control group (p < 0.05). There was not a significant correlation between sdLDL and Lp-PLA2. sdLDL concentrations are significantly decreased after a hemodialysis session. CONCLUSIONS: sdLDL and Lp-PLA2 concentrations are increased independently in the end stage renal failure patients who are receiving dialysis treatment.