Cholesterol transfer to high‐density lipoprotein in obesity and the effects of weight loss after bariatric surgery

Abstract

SummaryObesity increases serum triglycerides and decreases high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C). The objective is to explore some functions of HDL, cholesterol transfers and antioxidant, in subjects with grade I (G1‐OB) and III (G3‐OB) obesity and effects of bariatric surgery on G3‐OB. Fifteen G3‐OB patients (43 ± 6 years, BMI 49 ± 3 kg/m2) were studied before and 1 year after bariatric surgery; 15 G1‐OB (32 ± 2 years, 32 ± 2 kg/m2) and 15 normal weight (NW) (38 ± 6 years, 22 ± 1 kg/m2) were also studied. HDL diameter, cholesterol transfer to HDL and antioxidant capacity of HDL were determined. G3‐OB had higher triglycerides and lower HDL‐C; G1‐OB had higher triglycerides than NW but HDL‐C was equal. Compared to NW, HDL size was smaller in G3‐OB but equal in G1‐OB. One year after bariatric surgery, BMI and triglycerides of G3‐OB decreased (p < .0001 and p = .0012, respectively) and HDL‐C increased (p < .0001), equalling of NW group. Antioxidant capacity and cholesterol transfers were not different in groups and were unchanged 1 year after bariatric surgery in G3‐OB. HDL antioxidant capacity and transfer of cholesterol to HDL were not defective in obesity despite HDL‐C reduction and smaller HDL size. In addition, pronounced weight loss by bariatric surgery did not change those protective functions.