Affiliation:
1. Laboratory of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, Sub-Unit 1 (Pólo III), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
2. ESAV and Educational Technologies and Health Study Center, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
3. Internal Medicine Department, General Hospital, University and Hospital Centre of Coimbra, 3041-801 São Martinho do Bispo, Portugal
4. Neurology Department, General Hospital, University and Hospital Centre of Coimbra, 3041-801 São Martinho do Bispo, Portugal
5. Pharmacology and Pharmacotoxicology Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
6. Research Centre for Health Sciences, Beira Interior University, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Abstract
To evaluate the impact of low levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) on patients with LDL-c average levels, focusing on oxidative, lipidic, and inflammatory profiles. Patients with cardiovascular risk factors (n=169) and control subjects (n=73) were divided into 2 subgroups, one of normal HDL-c and the other of low HDL-c levels. The following data was analyzed: BP, BMI, waist circumference and serum glucose Total-c, TGs, LDL-c, oxidized LDL, total HDL-c and subpopulations (small, intermediate, and large), paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity, hsCRP, uric acid, TNF-α, adiponectin, VEGF, and iCAM1. In the control subgroup with low HDL-c levels, significantly higher values of BP and TGs and lower values of PON1 activity and adiponectin were found, versus control normal HDL-c subgroup. However, differences in patients’ subgroups were clearly more pronounced. Indeed, low HDL-c subgroup presented increased HbA1c, TGs, non-HDL-c, Ox-LDL, hsCRP, VEGF, and small HDL-c and reduced adiponectin and large HDL. In addition, Ox-LDL, large-HDL-c, and adiponectin presented interesting correlations with classical and nonclassical markers, mainly in the normal HDL-c patients’ subgroup. In conclusion, despite LDL-c average levels, low HDL-c concentrations seem to be associated with a poor cardiometabolic profile in a population with cardiovascular risk factors, which is better evidenced by traditional and nontraditional CV biomarkers, including Ox-LDL, large HDL-c, and adiponectin.
Funder
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia