Hepatic Lipase and the Clearing Reaction: Studies in Euthyroid and Hypothyroid Subjects

Summary

Eight patients with primary hypothyroidism were compared to eleven euthyroid subjects with regard to the effects of a single i.v. dose of heparin on plasma lipoprotein concentrations (the “clearing reaction”).

The hypothyroid patients were moderately hypercholesterolemic but had normal plasma triglyceride levels. Maximal activities of hepatic lipase (HL) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) were lower in the hypothyroid than in the normal subjects. The hypothyroid patients demonstrated a significant decrease in total plasma cholesterol levels after heparin injection (from 8.36 ± 0.70 mmol/l to 7.55 ± 0.62 mmol/l, P < 0.02). The maximal activity of HL after heparin was significantly correlated to the decrease in plasma cholesterol levels (P < 0.05) and in LDL-cholesterol levels (P < 0.01). The euthyroid subjects demonstrated a smaller decrease in total plasma cholesterol concentrations (from 5.53 ± 0.31 to 5.08 ± 0.28 mmol/l, P < 0.05). In this group, the fall in cholesterol levels was not correlated to maximal HL activity. The reduction in plasma triglyceride levels after heparin was similar and significant (P < 0.01) in both groups.

These data support the view that decreased activity of HL contributes to the dyslipoproteinemia seen in hypothyroidism. They are also in accordance with the notion that HL is involved in the elimination of cholesterol from plasma.

Key-Words

Hypothyroidism - Heparin - Hypercholesterolemia - Hepatic Lipase - Lipoprotein Lipase - Lipoproteins