The formation of deoxycholic acid in patients with type II and IV hyperlipoproteinaemia.

The formation of deoxycholic acid (D) was studied in 8 patients with Type II hyperlipoproteinaemia and in 6 with Type IV hyperlipoproteinaemia, using orally administered [2.4--3H]cholic acid and [24--14C]deoxycholic acid. The diet was standardized and of natural type. The mean values for fractional turnover, pool size and D synthesis in the patients with Type II pattern were 0.23 days-1, 331 mg and 75 mg/day, respectively; in Type IV they were 0.39 days-1, 587 mg and 191 mg/day. Compared with a group of healthy subjects, the pool size and formation of D were normal in Type IV, but significantly reduced in Type II. The mean conversion of cholic acid into the circulating pool of D was calculated to be 37% in Type II, and 38% in Type IV patients. Both these values are within normal limits.