Association between body shape index and small dense LDL particles in a cohort of mediterranean women: Findings from Progetto ATENA

Abstract

Small dense LDL particles (sdLDL) and body shape index (ABSI), were evaluated in 228 women, living in Naples, Italy (Progetto ATENA). Serum cholesterol, HDLcholesterol, LDLcholesterol, tri glycerides, insulin, HOMA, Apo B, hsCPR and sdLDL were mea sured. LDL particle separation was performed by Lipoprint System: seven LDL subfractions were obtained and LDL score (% of sdLDL particles) calculated. ABSI was calculated according to Krakauer’s formula: ABSI (m11/6 kg-2/3). The association between sdLDL and ABSI was evaluated taking into account different adjustment models. Women with elevated levels of ABSI show the following OR of having high LDL score: 2.39, p = 0.002; unadjusted; 2.47, p = 0.002; adjusted for age; 2.13, p = 0.011; adjusted for age and Apo B; 1.93, p = 0.026; adjusted for age and Apo B and triglycerides. ABSI was associated with elevated LDL score independently of age, Systolic pressure, Apo B and triglycerides. Median of LDL diameter decreased among ABSI quartiles: quartile I: 271.5 nm, quartile II: 270.7 nm, quartile III 270.5 nm, quartile IV 269.4 nm; Kruskall Wallis Test: p = 0.016. These results are in line with the hypothesis that ABSI could be a marker of visceral abdominal associated to adverse metabolic changes including presence of elevated sdLDL, a risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease.