An Assessment of the Role of Alpha and Beta Ghylomicra in Hyperlipemic States. ∗

Summary

Plasma chylomicra of fasting subjects with hyperlipemia were separated into α and β types by PVP gradient flocculation. Subjects with diabetes, CHO-induced hyperlipemia and the nephrotic syndrome had predominantly or exclusively β chylomicra (Group 1), while those with fat-induced hyperlipemia and severe hyperlipemia associated with alcoholism and probable pancreatitis had predominantly α chylomicra (Group 2). Consideration of the diet of each subject and of serial observations of a subject from each group during dietary manipulation leads to these conclusions: β chylomicronemia occurs primarily because of increased synthesis. Clearing may be grossly normal or moderately decreased at moderately elevated TG levels, and may become severely impaired at high TG levels, due to these levels per se. α-Chylomicronemia occurs primarily because of impaired clearing but is regularly accompanied by retention of small quantities of β chylomicra.