Association of lipoprotein subfraction characteristics and metabolically healthy and unhealthy overweight individuals in Korea

Abstract

ObjectiveThe 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 associated parameter with metabolic health among the lipoprotein measurements.Materials and MethodsThis 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.ResultsAmong the overweight participants, two hundred fifty-five individuals (53.7%) had the MHO phenotype. After adjusting for age, sex, medication status, 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 significantly strongest associated parameter with the non-MHO phenotype (odds ratio 2.70; 95% CI 1.55-4.69), while serum LDL cholesterol level was not significantly associated with the non-MHO phenotype.ConclusionsLipoprotein 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 significantly strongest associated parameter with MHO phenotype. These findings will help identify MHO and non-MHO phenotypes and perhaps lead to a development of cost-effective individualized treatments.