Quantimetrix Corp’s Lipoprint® HDL System, a new medical test awaiting US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance, can resolve up to 10 subfractions of HDL cholesterol. These subfractions are grouped into three main subclasses: HDL 1–3 represent the large HDL, HDL 4–7 represent the intermediate HDL, and HDL 8–10 represent the small HDL. Studies have identified the large HDL subclass, commonly referred to as HDL-2, as truly good HDL cholesterol, the most protective of the arteries.
     Quantimetrix scientists Nehemias Muniz and Jennifer Morais, PhD, recently completed a study, “Differences in HDL Subfraction Distribution in Normolipidemic Versus Dyslipidemic Individuals,” that found that some HDL subfractions may actually have the potential of contributing to heart disease. Measurement of these subfractions could be a better indicator of heart disease than measurement of total HDL alone. The small, dense HDL (HDL 8–10) may indicate increased heart disease risk. The study was conducted on 319 participants (159 males and 160 females, ages 18–87). Of that number, 123 participants were identified as normal using the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP, ATP III) guidelines for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride readings. Significant differences in the distribution of the various HDL subfractions were observed between those participants identified as normal and those who did not meet the normal criteria according to NCEP.
     “The Lipoprint HDL system provides another laboratory tool that may aid in determining risk factors for heart disease, as supported by the findings of this study,” says Muniz, who pioneered the Lipoprint LDL System. Introduced in 2002, the Lipoprint LDL system is an FDA-cleared diagnostic test for the measurement of LDL subfractions associated with increased risk of heart disease. “The traditional lipid profile presently used for heart disease risk evaluation lacks the ability to recognize possible risks such as very small, dense LDL and HDL that can only be identified by tests such as the Lipoprint LDL and HDL,” says Muniz.
     After FDA approval, which is expected later this year, the Lipoprint HDL system can be used in conjunction with the Lipoprint LDL system for advanced assessment of heart disease risk.

Quantimetrix Corp
(800) 624-8380; www.4qc.com