Serum lipids, lipoprotein analysis and apoprotein A-I, A-II and B levels in Friedreich's ataxia.

Serum lipid, lipoprotein and apoprotein parameters were evaluated in 15 patients (7 males and 8 females) with Friedreich's ataxia. Serum lipid levels in patients showed no significant differences compared to controls. Small reduction in serum phospholipid and in total HDL and HDL3 cholesterol levels were observed, and the female patients presented a slight reduced total cholesterol level; among the serum apoproteins, apo B was reduced only in the males. The most interesting findings concerned the lipoproteins, since both lipid and protein masses of the VLDL, LDL and HDL2 fractions were reduced. In reference to lipoprotein composition, however, HDL2 was the most modified fraction, showing an important protein reduction. From this point of view, this lipoprotein seems the most responsible for the changes observed in our patients. The meaning of this modified lipoprotein pattern in the pathophysiology of Friedreich's ataxia is not clear.