Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in progeria as a model of ageing.

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria was observed in two brothers. Their parents, sister and other relatives did not show any signs of this illness. Serum total cholesterol and total triglyceride levels were normal in the whole family. The serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level of parents was low and that of boys was extremely low. The serum HDL-C level of the healthy sister and other relatives was normal. These findings in homozygous children and heterozygous parents may explain the development of the very early fatal arteriosclerosis described in this disease. The connection between the disorder of the lipid metabolism and progeria can serve as a useful model in the study of the role of lipid metabolism in normal ageing.