Relationship between the cholesterol and triglyceride content of lipoprotein subclasses and carotid intima-media thickness: A cross-sectional population-based study

Abstract

BackgroundThe association between lipoprotein subclasses and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) progression has yet to be fully evaluated. We assessed which lipoprotein subclasses were associated with maximum cIMT levels in the general population. MethodsIn this study, cholesterol and triglyceride content of 20 lipoprotein subclasses were analyzed using gel permeation high-performance liquid chromatography (GP-HPLC) in 864 Japanese women and men (mean age 57 y, free of chronic liver or kidney diseases and off lipid-lowering, hormone replacement, or adrenocorticosteroid medications). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses and univariate and partial correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationships between lipoprotein subclasses and maximum cIMT levels. ResultsAfter adjusting for age, sex, systolic blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and anti-hypertensive agents, elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-2 and −3 cholesterol (particle diameter 25.5 nm and 23.0 nm, respectively; medium and small LDL) were associated with higher maximum cIMT levels in both women and men (all p for trend < 0.05). These associations were significant even after participants taking anti-diabetic or anti-hypertensive agents were excluded. No significant associations were found between any triglyceride subclasses and maximum cIMT levels. ConclusionsSmaller LDL particle cholesterol values are the most atherogenic lipoprotein parameter.