Factors affecting the rate of catalyzed transfer of cholesteryl esters in plasma.

The transfer of cholesteryl esters generated by lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase to low- and very low-density lipoproteins is greatly modified under different physiologic and pathologic conditions. A major factor determining transfer rates is the level of unesterified cholesterol in the acceptor lipoproteins. Low cholesteryl ester transfer rates are characteristic of several groups at increased risk for coronary artery disease. This appears to reflect a systematic abnormality of free cholesterol metabolism and transport in these groups.