Evaluation of Lipoproteins

Lipoproteins are particles that carry fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides through the blood stream. These particles are involved in causing blood vessel disease that can lead to conditions like hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) or heart attacks (myocardial infarctions). This study is designed to look closely at the factors affecting lipoproteins. Researchers plan to study patients and normal volunteers by measuring lipoprotein levels in the blood. Patients and volunteers will be placed on a balanced diet during the study. In addition, researchers plan to measure levels of various hormone and enzymes in the blood. Patients and volunteers participating in the study may be asked to undergo more specific tests in order to collect more information about lipoprotein metabolism. This study may not provide direct benefits to patients and volunteers participating in it. However, information gathered from this study may help researchers develop better skills and techniques to diagnose and treat patients with diseases of lipoprotein metabolism.