Interrelationships between the concentration and size of the largest high-density lipoprotein subfraction and apolipoprotein C-I in infants at birth and follow-up at 2–3 months of age and their parents

Background Lipoprotein subfractions in infants may predict the risk of cardiovascular disease factors in children. Objective To examine the relationships between lipid and nonlipid factors and lipoprotein subfractions in infants at birth and follow-up (FU) and in their parents. Methods Prospective study in a community-based hospital of 103 families ascertained through a pregnant mother at 36 weeks gestation or older. Of 103 infants studied at birth, 85 were sampled at FU at 2-3 months of age, along with 76 fathers. Lipids, lipoproteins, and their subclasses were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Correlations of lipid-related parameters were calculated using Spearman rank correlations. Results Female gender in infants and use of formula only were the only nonlipid variables associated with lipoprotein subfractions. LDL parameters were significantly correlated between infants at birth and FU. The largest high-density lipoprotein subfraction, H5C, was the only lipid variable significantly associated between mothers and infants at birth. Paternal low-density lipoprotein size was significantly correlated with that of infants at FU but not at birth. In each of the four groups, markedly inverse interrelationships were found between H5C and small LDL particles. At birth and at FU, apoC-I was strongly related with H5C but not TG. Conversely, apoC-I in the parents was strongly related with TG but not H5C. Conclusion Significant relationships were found between lipoprotein subfractions within infants at birth and FU and their parents. ApoC-I and H5C levels very early in life may affect the development of dyslipidemia and obesity in childhood.