Daniel Siniawski, Walter Massón, Ignacio Bluro, Patricia Sorroche, Walter Scordo, Juan Krauss, Arturo Cagide
BackgroundEpidemiological and intervention studies demonstrated that plasma levels of apolipoprotein B (ApoB), apolipoprotein A- 1 (ApoA-1) and ApoB/A-1 ratio are independent predictors of cardiovascular risk. Yet, updated regional information regarding biomarkers distribution, reference values and goals is not available. Objectives1) To describe the distribution of ApoB, ApoA-1, and ApoB/ A-1 ratio in a healthy population of Argentina. 2) To analyze the influence of gender, age, body weight and smoking habits. 3) To infer ApoB goals that can be applied to our population. Material and MethodsWe analyzed the distribution of apolipoproteins in blood donors according to the variables described using univariate and multivariate analyses. The preestablished percentiles of LDL-C were compared to those corresponding to ApoB. ResultsThe concentration of apolipoproteins was measured in 463 subjects and conventional lipid profile was determined in 263. Compared to women, men had an average ApoB level 9.3 mg/dl higher (95% CI 4.08-14.52), ApoA-1 level 22.23 mg/dl lower (95% CI 15.98-28.45) and ApoB/A-1 ratio 0.25 higher (95% CI 0.11-0.19). ApoB levels increased 5.6 mg/dl (95% CI 3.79-7.46) and ApoB/A-1 ratio increased 0.03 (0.02- 0.05) every 10 years of age. Overweight increased ApoB levels 7.9 mg/dl (95% CI 2.88-12.83) and ApoB/A-1 ratio increased 0.07 (95% CI 0.04-0.11). Percentiles 20 and 80 of LDL-C corresponded to values closer to the recommended goals in high and low coronary risk subjects, <100 and <160 mg/dl respectively. The corresponding levels of ApoB were 72 and 117 mg/dl. Conclusions Gender, age and body weight affected apolipoproteins levels. These findings might be related to the greatest cardiovascular risk observed in certain sub-populations. Our results suggest that current ApoB goals should be reviewed.