Lipids and theirs carriers in sportsmen: the lipoprotein particles.

This study presents an original approach to the effect of regular sporting activity on the metabolism of lipids. We have examined the physiological variations of lipoparticles (Lp) AI, Lp B:CIII, Lp B:E, Lp (a) and the principal lipid markers in 21 high-level rugby players and men of the same age group who take part in no sporting activity (reference group; n = 35). The analysis showed a paradoxical decrease in the high-density lipoprotein fraction of cholesterol (P < 0.05) and in apolipoprotein AI (P < 0.0001), and an increase in the apoprotein B/apoprotein AI ratio in the sportsmen, compared with the reference group. According to these results, physical activity seems to have only a slight influence on anti-atherogenic serum markers. However, the drop in Lp B:E (P < 0.0001) and the static level of Lp AI in the sportsmen indicate a favourable effect of sport on these lipoparticles. The results of this study also highlight the importance of triglycerides and their metabolism. In fact, the lower triglyceride levels (P < 0.05) of the sportsmen justify special attention to diet, especially during a period of competition.