What is Lipoprotein Particle Profile (LPP) Subfractions?
The LPP panel uses Ion Mobility Analysis to separate lipoprotein particles by size and charge, quantifying particle number and size distribution across VLDL, LDL, and HDL subclasses. Small dense LDL particles are more atherogenic per unit cholesterol than large buoyant LDL because they penetrate the arterial wall more readily, are more susceptible to oxidation, and bind more avidly to arterial proteoglycans. VLDL and IDL particle number reflects hepatic triglyceride-rich lipoprotein secretion and remnant clearance, while HDL particle size and number relate to reverse cholesterol transport capacity and anti-inflammatory function.