Association between body shape index and small dense LDL particles in a cohort of mediterranean women: findings from Progetto ATENA

Small dense LDL particles (sd-LDL) and body shape index (ABSI), were evaluated in 228 women, living in Naples, Italy (Progetto ATENA). Serum cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, HOMA, Apo B, hs-CPR and sd-LDL were measured. LDL particle separation was performed by Lipoprint System: seven LDL subfractions were obtained and LDL score (% of sd-LDL particles) calculated. ABSI was calculated according to Krakauer's formula: ABSI (m11/6 kg-2/3). The association between sd-LDL and ABSI was evaluated taking into account different adjustment models. Women with elevated levels of ABSI show the following OR of having high LDL score: 2.39, p = 0.002; unadjusted; 2.47, p = 0.002; adjusted for age; 2.13, p = 0.011; adjusted for age and Apo B; 1.93, p = 0.026; adjusted for age and Apo B and triglycerides. ABSI was associated with elevated LDL score independently of age, Systolic pressure, Apo B and triglycerides. Median of LDL diameter decreased among ABSI quartiles: quartile I: 271.5 nm, quartile II: 270.7 nm, quartile III 270.5 nm, quartile IV 269.4 nm; Kruskall Wallis Test: p = 0.016. These results are in line with the hypothesis that ABSI could be a marker of visceral abdominal associated to adverse metabolic changes including presence of elevated sd-LDL, a risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease.