Predominance of small dense LDL differentiates metabolically unhealthy from metabolically healthy overweight adults in Korea.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The purposes of this study were (1) to determine the association between lipoprotein subfraction profiles and metabolically healthy overweight (MHO) phenotype, as defined by visceral adiposity; and (2) to identify the strongest predictor of metabolic health among the lipoprotein measurements.

MATERIALS/METHODS:

This cross-sectional study was comprised of 462 overweight patients, who were classified as MHO or non-MHO based on their visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area to subcutaneous adipose tissue area (SAT) ratio (VAT/SAT ratio). Serum lipoprotein subfraction analyses and other metabolic parameters were measured.

RESULTS:

Among the overweight participants, two hundred fifty-five individuals (53.7%) had the MHO phenotype. After adjusting for age, sex, medication, lifestyle factors, and confounding metabolic characteristics, the non-MHO group showed significantly higher lipid levels and a greater prevalence of unfavorable lipid profiles. LDL subclass pattern type B was the most significant predictor of the non-MHO phenotype (odds ratio 2.70; 95% CI 1.55-4.69), while serum LDL cholesterol level was not a significant predictor of the non-MHO phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS:

Lipoprotein subfraction particle measurements were significantly associated with the non-MHO phenotype and a higher VAT/SAT ratio, with small dense LDL predominance being the most significant predictor of MHO phenotype. These findings will help identify MHO and non-MHO phenotypes and perhaps lead to a development of cost-effective individualized treatments.

• Authors: Sue Kim, Hyangkyu Lee, Duk-Chul Lee, Hye-Sun Lee, Ji-Won Lee
• Journal: Metabolism: clinical and experimental (Metabolism) Vol. 63 Issue 3 Pg. 415-21 (Mar 2014) ISSN: 1532-8600 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24369917 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Lipoproteins
• Lipoproteins, LDL

Topics

• Adiposity (physiology)
• Adult
• Body Mass Index
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Female
• Humans
• Intra-Abdominal Fat (metabolism)
• Korea
• Lipoproteins (metabolism)
• Lipoproteins, LDL (blood)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Obesity (blood, metabolism)
• Overweight (blood, metabolism)