Relation of cholesterol and lipoprotein parameters with carotid artery plaque characteristics: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) carotid MRI study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

There is a paucity of data regarding relations of apolipoproteins (apolipoprotein B [ApoB] and apolipoprotein A-1 [Apo A-1]), lipoprotein particle measures (low-density lipoprotein particle concentration [LDLp] and high-density lipoprotein particle concentration [HDLp]), and lipoprotein cholesterol measures (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [non-HDL-C], and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]) with atherosclerotic plaque burden, plaque eccentricity, and lipid-rich core presence as a marker of high-risk plaques.

METHODS:

Carotid artery magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 1670 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study participants. Vessel wall and lipid cores were measured; normalized wall index (NWI), standard deviation (SD) of wall thickness (measure of plaque eccentricity) were calculated; and lipid cores were detected in vessels with ≥ 1.5mm thickness. Fasting concentrations of cholesterol, ApoB and Apo A-1, and LDLp and HDLp were measured.

RESULTS:

Measures of plaque burden (carotid wall volume, wall thickness, and NWI) were positively associated with atherogenic cholesterol and lipoproteins (p < 0.05 for total cholesterol, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, ApoB, and LDLp), but not with HDL-C, Apo A-1, or HDLp. SD of wall thickness was associated with total cholesterol (p 0.01) and non-HDL-C (p 0.02). Although measures of atherogenic or anti-atherogenic cholesterol or lipoprotein were not individually associated with detection of a lipid-rich core, their ratios (total cholesterol/HDL-C, non-HDL-C/HDL-C, and LDLp/HDLp) were associated with lipid-rich core presence (p ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Extent of carotid atherosclerosis is associated with atherogenic cholesterol and lipoproteins. Atherogenic/anti-atherogenic cholesterol or particle ratios were associated with presence of a detectable lipid-rich core.

• Authors: Salim S Virani, Diane J Catellier, Lisa A Pompeii, Vijay Nambi, Ron C Hoogeveen, Bruce A Wasserman, Josef Coresh, Thomas H Mosley, James D Otvos, A Richey Sharrett, Eric Boerwinkle, Christie M Ballantyne
• Journal: Atherosclerosis (Atherosclerosis) Vol. 219 Issue 2 Pg. 596-602 (Dec 2011) ISSN: 1879-1484 [Electronic] Ireland
• PMID: 21868017 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)
• Copyright: Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Chemical References

• APOA1 protein, human
• Apolipoprotein A-I
• Apolipoproteins B
• Biomarkers
• Cholesterol, HDL
• Cholesterol, LDL
• Contrast Media
• Lipoproteins
• gadodiamide
• Cholesterol
• Gadolinium DTPA

Topics

• Aged
• Apolipoprotein A-I (blood)
• Apolipoproteins B (blood)
• Biomarkers (blood)
• Carotid Artery Diseases (blood, pathology)
• Cholesterol (blood)
• Cholesterol, HDL (blood)
• Cholesterol, LDL (blood)
• Contrast Media
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Female
• Gadolinium DTPA
• Humans
• Linear Models
• Lipoproteins (blood)
• Logistic Models
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Necrosis
• Odds Ratio
• Plaque, Atherosclerotic (blood, pathology)
• Predictive Value of Tests
• Risk Assessment
• Risk Factors
• Severity of Illness Index
• United States