Post-heparin lipolytic activity in atherosclerotic hyperlipemic and obese patients

Summary Post-heparin plasma lipolytic activity was investigated in 49 control subjects, 14 obese, 42 hyperlipemic and 44 atherosclerotic patients, using a method based upon the photocolorimetric quantitation of free fatty acids liberated from a standardized fat emulsion (Intralipid) in vitro . Prior to testing, all subjects were fed glucose. A significant decrease of post-heparin plasma lipolytic activity was noted in coronary patients but no important changes were found in the obese or hyperlipemic group. It was concluded that deficient lipolysis has little to do with the increase of serum lipids level, though it may be concerned in the etiology of atherosclerosis.