Plasma lipids and lipoproteins in protein-calorie malnutrition.

Plasma triglycerides, phospholipids and total cholesterol estimations and lipoprotein electrophoresis on agarose gel were done in control, Kwashiorkor, and marasmic kwashiorkor children. The beta lipoprotein percentage in both conditions is reduced to a statistically significant extent, whereas there is a statistically significant increase in plasma triglycerides in both conditions. Pre-beta fraction was present in all cases, and even increased in marasmic kwashiorkor, which is found to be significant. The results do not support the hypothesis that fatty liver in kwashiorkor is due to impaired release of triglycerides from liver.