Small dense LDL

lipoprotein

Small dense LDL particles are highly atherogenic, readily retained in the arterial intima, and oxidized to promote atherosclerotic plaque initiation.

Pathway placement

Cascade stepLipid retention & oxidation

Confidencehigh

RationaleAtherogenic LDL subclass; retained in intima; potent substrate for oxidation and plaque formation.

Druggability

Not assessed (no mapped human gene target).

Assay & specimen

Specialized reference method

Specimen

Serum or plasma (EDTA)

Collection tube

K2/K3-EDTA (lavender-top) · Serum separator (gold/red-top, SST)

Method / principle

NMR lipoprotein particle analysis or density-gradient ultracentrifugation

Reagent / substrate

No chemical reagent — NMR spectral deconvolution of lipid methyl signals (or ultracentrifugal separation by density)

Platform

NMR (LabCorp NMR LipoProfile) / analytical ultracentrifuge

Turnaround · availability

Send-out · Specialized reference lab