Association between non-high-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins.

ABSTRACT

Accurate measurements of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are essential in the management of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Since the conventional method of calculating LDL cholesterol by the Friedewald equation has several methodological limitations, the use of a novel and simple method for estimation of non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol concentration was recently proposed as a tool for assessing cardiovascular risk. In the present study, the associations of non-HDL cholesterol with apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins [LDL and lipoprotein (a)] and other lipid parameters were examined in 103 middle-aged apparently healthy individuals. The results revealed a strong correlation between levels of non-HDL cholesterol and those of total cholesterol (r = 0.942), LDL cholesterol (r = 0.943) and total cholesterol HDL cholesterol ratio (r = 0.744). Similarly high correlation coefficients were obtained from individuals with triglyceride levels of more than 140 mg/dl (n = 35). In contrast to LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol also showed significant correlations with triglycerides and HDL cholesterol in the total study population. Levels of lipoprotein (a), on the other hand, did not exhibit association with any of the lipid and lipoprotein variables measured in this study. In conclusion, non-HDL cholesterol may provide a surrogate for calculated LDL cholesterol in assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in individuals with high triglyceride levels.