Acute Exposure to Carbon Monoxide Does Not Affect Plasma Lipids,Lipoproteins,and Apolipoproteins

Study objectives: To examine the effects of acute exposure to carbon monoxide and hypoxia on plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins. Design: Random-order assignment to blinded, inhaled exposures of carbon monoxide and hypoxia. Setting: Research laboratory of ambulatory subjects. Subjects: 10 elderly, male nonsmokers with chronic stable angina. Intervention: Random-order two-hour inhaled exposure to clean air at sea level, carbon monoxide at sea level, carbon monoxide at high altitude, and clean air at high altitude. Measurements: Fasting plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins before and after exposures.

Results: No differences were noted between fasting plasma lipid, lipoprotein, or apolipoprotein levels before and after exposures. Conclusion: Acute exposure to carbon monoxide and high altitude does not affect fasting plasma lipid, lipoprotein, or apolipoprotein levels.