Rat Plasma VLDL Composition and Concentration and Hepatic Lipase and Lipoprotein Lipase Activities Are Impaired during Two Types of Protein Malnutrition and Unaffected by Balanced Refeeding1

The relationships between VLDL concentrations and composition and changes in hepatic lipase and lipoprotein lipase activities were determined in rats, during the consumption of two low protein diets (2% casein or 5% gluten) (protein malnutrition) for 28 d, followed by the refeeding of a balanced diet for 14 d (15% casein) (refeeding). A control group was fed 15% casein for 42 d. In the control group, total lipolytic activity increased with age (r = 0.83, P < 0.001), whereas in both depleted groups, this activity remained low and stable throughout the period of protein malnutrition. At d 28 of protein malnutrition, plasma total lipolytic activities were significantly reduced in both depleted…