Low-density lipoproteins in atherogenesis – role of sialic acid

Abstract

Sialic acid level in blood plasma and circulating lipoproteins is a marker for a few pathologic conditions, including atherosclerotic lesion, cancer, etc. Modified low density lipoprotein (LDL), possessing lowered, in comparison with native lipoproteins amount of sialic acid, are named in this connection desialated LDL. The aim of the present study was the investigation of seasonal fluctuations of trans-sialidase activity in serum of human’s blood. Almost 39 % of volunteers haven’t revealed reliable seasonal changes of blood trans-sialidase activity. However, among other volunteers the quantity of people with maximum trans-sialidase activity values in the winter, almost three times exceeded quantity of volunteers with invariable seasonal dynamics. In percentage of total people, it has made about 43 % and 17 %, accordingly. During the winter period trans-sialidase activity in serum raises and modifies circulating low density lipoproteins (LDL). As a result, it is an additional factor increasing risk of cardiovascular diseases for many people. This effect may lead to occurrence or progressing of atherosclerotic lesions in periods of increased trans-sialidase activity in serum.