Post-heparin lipases, lipids and related hormones in men undergoing coronary arteriography to assess atherosclerosis.

Post-heparin lipase activities were measured in normolipemic men with complaints suggestive of symptomatic coronary artery disease. A study group, who showed diffuse atherosclerotic narrowing of the coronary vessels, assessed by a quantitative computer-assisted analysis method, had a lowered hepatic lipase in comparison with a group with normal angiograms. Lipoprotein lipase was lower in the study group but well within the normal range and not statistically different. Some related hormones (cortisol, estradiol, testosterone and glucagon) were different in the two groups while others (insulin, human growth hormone, prolactin, thyroid hormones) were not. The results are discussed in view of the proposed role of hepatic lipase in the uptake of HDL-cholesterol by the liver.