Total cholesterol, total triglycerides, and cholesterol distribution among lipoproteins as predictors of atherosclerosis in selected lines of Japanese quail

The proportions of plasma high and low density lipoprotein cholesterol have been linked to inherited tendency for atherosclerosis in humans. Studies were conducted with Japanese quail males from lines genetically selected for high and low TC and a randombred (unselected) control line that were fed 0.0 or 0.5% cholesterol for 12 weeks. Atherosclerotic plaques were more severe in the high than in the low line quail and in those fed cholesterol compared to non-cholesterol-fed quail. Serum TG, TC, VLDLC, LDLC, and HDLC were also higher in the high than in the low line quail and in cholesterol-fed vs. non-cholesterol-fed quail. Significant interactions indicated that TC and LDLC concentrations were more affected by dietary cholesterol in the high line than in the low line. The low line quail maintained higher HDLC and lower LDLC than the high line. Regression and correlation analyses revealed that although VLDLC, LDLC, and TC were significant predictors of atherosclerosis in the high line birds, the TC/HDLC ratio was a better predictor in the low line. The Japanese quail lines used herein represent useful experimental models for studies of genetic differences in atherosclerosis in humans.