How to get hdl
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
How to Measure HDL: Methods and Techniques
Importance of HDL in Cardiovascular Health
High-density lipoproteins (HDL) play a crucial role in cardiovascular health. HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) is inversely correlated with the incidence of atherosclerosis and vascular diseases. The cardioprotective properties of HDL, particularly the HDL2 subfraction, are well-documented in various populations, including patients with coronary artery disease, postmenopausal women, and individuals with diabetes or familial hypercholesterolemia.
Traditional Methods for HDL Measurement
Ultracentrifugation Techniques
Analytical ultracentrifugation has been a gold standard for measuring HDL subclasses due to its reliability. However, it is expensive and unsuitable for processing large numbers of samples. Iodixanol density gradient ultracentrifugation (IxDGUC) is a newer, time-saving method that separates HDL subclasses in just 2.5 hours and provides results comparable to gradient gel electrophoresis (GGE).
Electrophoresis
Electrophoresis, including polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis (GGE), is another method used to separate HDL subfractions based on particle size and density. However, it is laborious and time-consuming, making it less suitable for large-scale studies.
Modern and Rapid Methods
Precipitation Methods
Precipitation methods, such as those using polyethylene glycol, offer a simpler and faster alternative for HDL2 and HDL3 quantitation. These methods are particularly useful for routine clinical laboratory determinations. The Vertical Auto Profile-II (VAP-II) method is another rapid and cost-effective technique that quantifies HDL2 and HDL3 cholesterol without additional assay steps.
Laser-Light Scattering (LLS)
Laser-light scattering (LLS) is a novel method for HDL particle sizing. It is less laborious and expensive compared to traditional methods. LLS can be performed after chemical precipitation of apo B-containing lipoproteins, providing a rapid and reliable measurement of HDL particle sizes.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy
NMR spectroscopy is used to estimate the sizes of HDL subfractions. Although it is a sophisticated technique, it has shown strong discordance with other methods like 2D-PAGE in measuring medium and small HDL particles, particularly in individuals with low HDL-C concentrations.
Conclusion
The measurement of HDL and its subfractions is essential for assessing cardiovascular health. While traditional methods like ultracentrifugation and electrophoresis are reliable, they are often too laborious and expensive for routine use. Modern techniques such as precipitation methods, LLS, and NMR spectroscopy offer faster and more cost-effective alternatives, each with its own advantages and limitations. The choice of method depends on the specific requirements of the study or clinical application.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic