[Lipid and apoprotein A-I and B-100 levels in school children school from five central-eastern provinces of Colombia].

Introduction: Lipid and apolipoprotein are known to vary in children.These variations can be associated to physiologic changes or the environment; this last one probably induces future alterations in the lipids.

Objective: The levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and apoproteins A-I and B-100 were compared in school children from five provinces of middle-eastern Colombia. Associations were made with age, gender, body mass index, fitness activity, and food preference.

Materials And Methods: 741 blood samples were collected and biochemical determinations were undertaken with standard enzymatic, colorimetric, and inmunoturbidimetric methods. All values are presented as mean +/- SE, comparisons among groups were made using Student s t test, ANOVA and Scheffe.

Results: Lipid variation was observed in the school children, however in contrast, the concentrations of Apoproteins ApoB-100 and ApoA-I tended to be constant. The lipid fluctuations showed some relationship with changes in age and gender, however, changes were also observed that indicate a possible relationship with sexual maturation, diet and fitness activity. An important finding was that the HDL cholesterol value was lower that reported from other countries, while the triglycerides was higher and this may indicate a future increased risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusion: Fluctuations occur in the lipid levels and vary with age and gender. Associations with other factors may be present; however, more research is necessary to determinate the contribution of each factor. A promotion campaign among school-age children for a healthier life style may contribute to a decrease in future risk for cardiovascular diseases associated with low HDL-cholesterol levels and higher triglycerides.