Apolipoprotein profiles in subjects with and without peripheral artery disease

Abstract

We compared plasma apolipoprotein profiles in subjects with peripheral artery disease (PAD) treated with statin medications ( n = 21), subjects with PAD who are untreated with statins ( n = 18), and control subjects ( n = 70). Subjects were assessed on plasma apolipoproteins, medical history, physical examination, ankle–brachial index, and exercise performance using a treadmill test. The percentage of subjects with an abnormal value of apolipoprotein B (ApoB) (≥ 95 mg/dL) was 53% in the PAD group untreated with statins, 29% in the treated PAD group, and 13% in the controls ( p < 0.001). The PAD group untreated with statins had higher values for ApoB ( p < 0.001), triglycerides ( p < 0.01), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol / high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol ratio ( p < 0.05), and glucose ( p < 0.01) than the control group. In contrast, when the statin-treated PAD group was compared with controls, none of the variables were different except that the treated PAD group had lower LDL-cholesterol ( p < 0.01) and higher glucose ( p < 0.01). Furthermore, the PAD group treated with statins had lower ApoB ( p < 0.01), triglycerides ( p < 0.001), LDL-cholesterol ( p < 0.05), LDL-cholesterol / HDL-cholesterol ratio ( p < 0.05), and non-HDL-cholesterol ( p < 0.05) than the untreated PAD group. In conclusion, subjects with PAD who are untreated with statin medications have higher levels of ApoB than controls, whereas subjects treated with statins have a more favorable risk profile, characterized by lower ApoB, LDL-C, LDL-C / HDL-C ratio, and non-HDL-C concentrations. Statin therapy may be efficacious for improving apolipoprotein profiles in subjects with PAD and intermittent claudication.