Equipment to assess the impact of nutrition on lipoprotein particle parameters

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The absorption of fats (lipids) by the intestine results in the uptake, incorporation and re-secretion of fats in the blood stream as macromolecules called lipoproteins. Lipoprotein particles act as detergents so that lipids (including cholesterol and triglyceride) absorbed from the diet can be transported into the blood in solution and delivered to tissues and be metabolized by the body. There is very little known about how the absorption of fats by the intestine is regulated and/or how the diet can effect the production of lipoprotein particles being secreted into the blood. The size of lipoprotein particles is thought to increase during the absorption of dietary cholesterol and triglyceride, however this can vary depending on the type of and amount of lipids ingested. The electrochemical charge of lipoprotein particles may also vary with respect to nutrition. Both charge and size are important characteristics that define how readily these particles are metabolized by the body, and indeed how they may be involved in dietary-related diseases (such as heart disease). In this proposal we request a new highly sensitive instrument that can provide accurate and precise measurements on lipoprotein particle size, charge and mass. The new instrument is not currently available with our research environment and will greatly enhance numerous graduate student projects. The analytical measurements are critical to the ongoing understanding of the physiological impact of nutrition on the function of lipoproteins and their metabolism.