Dynamics of postprandial remnant-like lipoprotein particles in serum after loading of diacylglycerols.

BACKGROUND

To compare the effects of diacylglycerol (DAG) on postprandial lipid metabolism with triacylglycerol (TAG), we examined the differences in the dynamics of remnant lipoproteins after loading of DAG or TAG of the same fatty acid composition.

METHODS

The subjects were comprised of 6 male volunteers who orally took creamed test meals prepared with either DAG or TAG at a dose of 30 g lipid/m(2) of body surface area in the early morning after fasting for at least 12 h. Blood was taken before and 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 h after lipid loading. To quantify the amount of remnants, as the parameters, we used concentrations of cholesterol (RLP-C) and triacylglycerol (RLP-TG) in remnant-like lipoprotein particles (RLP) of serum.

RESULTS

The serum triacylglycerol concentration was markedly increased 2 h after loading of DAG and TAG. Serum triacylglycerol concentrations at 2, 3 and 8 h after loading of DAG were significantly lower than those after loading of TAG. The serum RLP-C concentration was significantly lower 2, 3 and 8 h after loading of DAG than TAG. There was a trend toward less increase in the RLP-TAG in the DAG group. The area under the curve (AUC) of serum RLP-TAG after DAG loading was significantly lower than that following TAG loading.

CONCLUSIONS

DAG might reduce the risk of coronary arteriosclerotic diseases by weakening the postprandial increase of RLP that is known to be closely correlated with atherosclerosis.