Serum uric acid: marker for atherosclerosis as it is positively associated with "atherogenic index of plasma"

Relationship Between Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Serum Uric Acid in Patients With Untreated Essential Hypertension in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Several studies have reported that the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is associated with serum uric acid (SUA) in healthy middle-aged men, kidney transplant patients, and diabetic patients. We assessed the relationship between AIP and SUA in patients with untreated essential hypertension (EH) in China. In the cross-sectional study, we evaluated 5003 patients with untreated EH in China; 1490 were assigned to the hyperuricemia (HUA) group and 3513 to the normouricemia (non-HUA) group according to the diagnostic criteria of HUA (SUA level≥6 mg/dL in females and ≥7 mg/dL in males). A higher AIP level was found in the HUA group (P < .001), and AIP was positively and independently correlated with SUA after adjusting for statistically significant variables (β = .204, P < .001). Moreover, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the AIP was closely and independently related to HUA after adjusting for confounders (odds ratio [OR]: 11.980, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.186-45.047, P < .001). Our findings suggested that the AIP was positively and independently associated with SUA, and elevated AIP might be a significant risk factor for HUA in patients with untreated EH in China.

Metabolic Syndrome, Hyperlipidemias, and Associated Clinical Markers Among Military Airmen

BACKGROUND: Due to the increased overweight and obesity prevalence in Colombia, the aim of this study is to determine the frequency of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Colombian Air Force military aviators, crews, remote piloted aircraft operators, and air traffic controllers and relationships with clinical markers.METHODS: Operationally active Columbian Air Force military personnel examined periodically at the Colombian Air Force Aerospace Medical Directorate were chosen for a cross-sectional study performed among 2179 subjects. Medical history, anthropometrics, and laboratory results were analyzed and frequencies, correlations, and odds ratios were calculated.RESULTS: Overall prevalence of MetS was 21.7%; in subjects with BMI ≥25, frequency increased to 36% vs. those with BMI <25. Hypertriglyceridemia was present in 31%, impaired fasting glucose 12.5%, hypertension (≥130/85 mmHg) 14.4%, low HDL-C 35.2%, and increased waist circumference 46.2%. Those with three criteria were 14.6%, four criteria 5.8%, and five criteria 1.2%. Pilots had a significantly lower prevalence of MetS at 17.7% and an adjusted OR of 0.61 (0.49-0.76) than other crew; hyperuricemia was three times more likely (3.2-5.1) and hypercholesterolemia OR was 2.3 (1.9-2.9). Subjects with MetS had a significantly higher fat percentage, waist circumference, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), uric acid, and white blood cell (leukocyte) count, and a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate. There is a linear relationship of the AIP and waist circumference, BMI, uric acid, and white blood cell count.DISCUSSION: MetS prevalence among Colombian Air Force aviators is lower than the general population, higher than other countries, and displays worse lipid profiles that increase cardiovascular and diabetes mellitus risk within the military.Malpica D. Metabolic syndrome, hyperlipidemias, and associated clinical markers among military airmen. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2023; 94(8):604-609.

Triglyceride glucose index and Atherogenic index of plasma for predicting colorectal neoplasms in patients without cardiovascular diseases

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Colorectal neoplasms (CRN) include colorectal cancer (CRC) and colorectal adenoma (CRA). The relationship between CRN and triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index or between CRN and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is unclear. This study aims to investigate the roles of TyG index and AIP in predicting CRN in people without cardiovascular disease (CVD).

METHODS

2409 patients without CVD underwent colonoscopy were enrolled. Clinical information and relevant laboratory test results of these patients were collected and recorded. According to endoscopic and pathological results, all participants were divided into a neoplasms group and a non-neoplasms group. The TyG index was calculated as ln (TGs×FPG/2), while AIP was calculated as log (TGs/HDL-C). We used uni- and multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) to analyze the association between the TyG inedx, AIP and CRN, develop predictive models and construct the nomograms. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to evaluate the predictive value for CRN.

RESULTS

Participants in the neoplasms group were more likely to be older, have higher TyG index, higher AIP and higher rates of fecal occult blood test positivity, and were more likely to be male, smokers and those with the family history of CRC (P < 0.05). The higher TyG index was related to the higher risk of CRN [OR (95% CI): 1.23 (1.08 - 1.41), P = 0.003]. The higher AIP was related to the higher risk of CRN [OR (95% CI): 1.55 (1.16 - 2.06), P = 0.003]. These two indicators are better for predicting CRN in women than men. The combined use of the TyG index and other independent risk factors (age, sex, smoking status, family history and FOBT) to distinguish CRN was effective, with a sensitivity of 61.0%, a specificity of 65.1% and an AUC of 0.669 (95%CI, 0.639 - 0.698). Likewise, the combined use of the AIP and other independent risk factors to distinguish CRN was also effective, the model had an overall 56.3% sensitivity and 68.7% specificity with an AUC of 0.667 (95%CI, 0.638 - 0.697).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the TyG index and the AIP might be biomarkers that could be used to predict the risk of CRN in patients without CVD.

Association of hyperuricemia with apolipoprotein AI and atherogenic index of plasma in healthy Chinese people: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is a predictor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), while hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for a variety of CVD. Apolipoprotein AI has been found to be a protective factor for CVD. However, the role of APO AI in the association between plasma uric acid and AIP among healthy Chinese people needs to be further explored.

AIMS

To evaluate the relationship between blood uric acid and AIP level in healthy Chinese people. To evaluate the relationship between blood uric acid and Apolipoprotein AI in healthy Chinese people.

METHOD

A total of 3501 normal and healthy subjects who had physical examinations were divided into the hyperuricemia (HUA) group and the normouricemia (NUA) group.

RESULT

The AIP of HUA group was significantly higher than that of NUA group [0.17±0.30 vs. -0.08±0.29]. Apo AI (1.33 ± 0.21 vs. 1.47 ± 0.26 g/l) and HDL-c (1.12 ± 0.27 vs. 1.36 ± 0.33 mmol/l) were significantly lower in the HUA group than in the NUA group. LDL-C (2.81 ± 0.77 vs. 2.69 ± 0.73 mmol/l), Apo B (0.96 ± 0.20 vs. 0.89 ± 0.20 g/l), FBG (5.48 ± 0.48 vs. 5.36 ± 0.48 mmol/l) and HOMA-IR [2.75 (1.92-3.91) vs. 2.18 (1.50-3.12)] was significantly higher in HAU group than the NUA group. Increases in plasma UA were associated with increases in AIP (β = 0.307, p < 0.01) and decreases in Apo AI (β =  - 0.236, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for high AIP level. Inhibition of Apolipoprotein AI may be one of the mechanisms of UA which is involved in the progression of cardiovascular disease.

Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Coronary Artery Disease in the Adult Population: A Meta-Analysis

Background: The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), which is the logarithm of the ratio between the triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) concentrations in molar units, is correlated with the burden of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the AIP and coronary artery disease (CAD) in the adult population by performing a meta-analysis. Methods: Observational studies relevant for this meta-analysis were identified by searching the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Only studies using multivariate analysis were considered. A random-effects model, which incorporates potential intra-study heterogeneity, was applied to combine the results. Results: Ten observational studies were included. In studies with the AIP analyzed as a continuous variable, a higher AIP was associated with a higher odds of CAD (adjusted risk ratio [RR] per 1-standard deviation [SD] increment of AIP: 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51-2.93, P < 0.001, I² = 90%). Further analysis of studies with the AIP analyzed as a categorical variable showed a higher odds of CAD (adjusted RR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.88-2.93, P < 0.001, I² = 37%) in the participants with the highest versus the lowest AIP value. Subgroup analyses demonstrated consistent results in asymptomatic and symptomatic populations as well as in male and female participants (all between-group P values > 0.05). Discussion: Current evidence, mostly from cross-sectional studies, suggests that a higher AIP value may be independently associated with CAD in the adult population.

Blackcurrant Improves Diabetic Cardiovascular Dysfunction by Reducing Inflammatory Cytokines in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mice

Diabetic cardiovascular dysfunction is a representative complication of diabetes. Inflammation associated with the onset and exacerbation of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an essential factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiovascular complications. Diabetes-induced myocardial dysfunction is characterized by myocardial fibrosis, which includes structural heart changes, myocardial cell death, and extracellular matrix protein accumulation. The mice groups in this study were divided as follows: Cont, control (db/m mice); T2DM, type 2 diabetes mellitus mice (db/db mice); Vil.G, db/db + vildagliptin 50 mg/kg/day, positive control, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor; Bla.C, db/db + blackcurrant 200 mg/kg/day. In this study, Bla.C treatment significantly improved the homeostatic model evaluation of glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) indices and diabetic blood markers such as HbA1c in T2DM mice. In addition, Bla.C improved cardiac function markers and cardiac thickening through echocardiography. Bla.C reduced the expression of fibrosis biomarkers, elastin and type IV collagen, in the left ventricle of a diabetic cardiopathy model. Bla.C also inhibited TD2M-induced elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines in cardiac tissue (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β). Thus, Bla.C significantly improved cardiac inflammation and cardiovascular fibrosis and dysfunction by blocking inflammatory cytokine activation signals. This showed that Bla.C treatment could ameliorate diabetes-induced cardiovascular complications in T2DM mice. These results provide evidence that Bla.C extract has a significant effect on the prevention of cardiovascular fibrosis, inflammation, and consequent diabetes-induced cardiovascular complications, directly or indirectly, by improving blood glucose profile.

Evidence for the atherogenic index of plasma as a potential biomarker for cardiovascular disease in schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia is known to be accompanied with increased cardiovascular mortality, which causes reduced life expectancy.

AIM

The aim of the current study was to investigate if atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) could be a good marker in assessing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in patients with schizophrenia.

METHODS

Patients with schizophrenia (n = 328) and healthy controls (n = 141) were recruited. Schizophrenia patients were evaluated according to the presence of antipsychotic (AP) drug use as AP(+)Sch group and AP(-)Sch group. Atherogenic indices, such as AIP, Castelli's risk index-I (CRI-I), Castelli's risk index-II (CRI-II), and atherogenic coefficient (AC), were calculated according to the laboratory examination of serum lipid parameters.

RESULTS

According to the comparison of serum lipid levels, triglyceride (TG) levels were found to be highest and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were lowest in AP(+)Sch group than AP(-)Sch group and control group (CG) (p < 0.001). AIP, CRI-I, and CRI-II scores were found to be significantly higher in AP(+)Sch group than AP(-)Sch group, and in AP(-)Sch than healthy controls (p < 0.001). Mean AC scores were higher in AP(+)Sch group than both AP(-)Sch and CG and were similar in AP(-)Sch and control subjects (p < 0.001). According to the correlation analysis, AIP scores were positively correlated with duration of disease (r = 0.235; p = 0.002) and age (r = 0.226; p = 0.003) in AP(+)Sch group but not in drug-free subjects. In all groups, atherogenic indices of CRI-I, CRI-II, and AC scores were found to be positively correlated with AIP scores (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that AIP is an easily calculable and reliable marker for determining the CVD risk in both drug-free schizophrenia patients and patients under AP treatment.

Using the Atherogenic Index of Plasma to Estimate the Prevalence of Ischemic Stroke within a General Population in a Rural Area of China

Objective

To investigate the relationship between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and ischemic stroke.

Design

We collected a range of data from 11,495 residents (aged ≥35 years; 54.28% female) residing in rural areas of northeast China between January and August 2013, including fasting lipid profile and anthropometric parameters. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the correlation between AIP and ischemic stroke. Category-free analysis was used to determine whether AIP enhanced our capacity to estimate ischemic stroke.

Results

Irrespective of gender, AIP was independently associated with the occurrence of ischemic stroke. The prevalence of ischemic stroke increased significantly from the lowest quartile to the highest quartile (females: 10.5%-48.7%, P < 0.001; males: 22.0%-36.5%, P = 0.08). After adjusting for age, gender, income, education, smoking, drinking, exercise, hypertension, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and a family history of stroke, we found that for every 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in AIP, there was a 34.8% and 20.9% increase in the prevalence of stroke for females and males, respectively. Curve fitting was also used to evaluate the linear relationship between AIP and the occurrence of ischemic stroke. Category-free analysis indicated that AIP significantly enhanced our ability to estimate ischemic stroke in both females (NRI (95% confidence interval (CI)): 0.188 (0.105-0.270)) and males (NRI (95% CI): 0.175 (0.017-0.333)).

Conclusion

Analyses detected a significant and positive linear relationship between AIP and the prevalence of ischemic stroke. This relationship was independent of a range of conventional risk factors.

Subclinical Hypothyroidism (SH) and Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) in Women: A Case-Control Study From a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

Introduction

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is defined as an increase in serum-thyroid stimulating hormone (S-TSH) above the normal level with free triiodothyronine (T4) and free thyroxine (T3) within the normal range. It is more common in females. The association between SH and dyslipidemia is unclear. There are many controversial studies regarding the same. This is the single largest study of Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in SH among women from our country. Our aim is to study the lipid profile and AIP in SH patients. We will also study the correlation between AIP and S-TSH levels in SH patients.

Materials and methods

It was a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary care center. A total of 97 females with SH were taken as cases and 86 normal females were taken as euthyroid (ET) controls. They were matched for demographic characteristics. T3, T4, S-TSH, total cholesterol, S-triglycerides (S-TG), high-density lipoprotein - cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and AIP were compared between the two groups. Spearman’s correlation between TSH and AIP was studied in the SH group. Mann-Whitney U test was performed.

Results

The TG, HDL, AIP levels were significantly different between both groups. TG, AIP was higher in the SH group compared to the ET group (p value of TG= 0.01, p value of AIP <0.0001). HDL was lower in the ET group compared to the SH group (p value <0.0001). AIP showed a significant positive correlation with S-TSH levels in the SH group. (r value=0.72, p value=<0.001).

Conclusion

It is important to regularly monitor SH patients for dyslipidemia, in order to start early therapy with levothyroxine/statins. Emphasis should be laid on lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise from the time of diagnosis. Community level education and awareness should be encouraged. Also, AIP is a better parameter to assess cardiovascular risk in SH patients than a conventional lipid profile.

Atherogenic index of plasma as a marker of cardiovascular risk factors in Mexicans aged 18 to 22 years

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the use and application of the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in the prediction of cardiovascular risk factors including mixed hyperlipidemia, hypertension, hyperuricemia, and metabolic syndrome in a population of young Mexican adults. Values were obtained for metabolic parameters, such as glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol (total, high-density, low-density, and very low density), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and uric acid. Through univariate and multivariate analysis, parametric comparisons were applied and receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk of hyperuricemia, hypertension, mixed hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome from a high AIP. Metabolic parameters and AIP had a significant correlation, with higher rates observed with increased AIP. As a set, metabolic parameters increased with an AIP >0.21 (λ Wilks = 0.58, F(14,344) = 7.7, P < 0.0001). The area under the curve was statistically significant for prediction of hyperuricemia (0.6), mixed hyperlipidemia (0.9), hypertension (0.8), and metabolic syndrome (0.95). In conclusion, in a sample of young Mexican adults, AIP was strongly associated with cardiovascular risk factors and could serve as a useful marker for the prediction of metabolic alterations related to cardiovascular disease.

Atherogenic Index in Type 2 Diabetes and Its Relationship with Chronic Microvascular Complications

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to investigate risk factors related to atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), as well as the relationship between AIP and chronic microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

METHODS

This study included 2523 patients with T2DM who had not been treated with lipid-lowering drugs and were admitted to the Department of Endocrinology at Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, during the period from January 2015 to February 2018. Anthropometric indicators were measured after overnight fasting. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) were detected by enzymatic analysis. Standard 75 g oral glucose tolerance testing was performed to measure 0 and 2 hr plasma levels of glucose and insulin. Insulin sensitivity was assessed with HOMA-IR.

RESULTS

Increase in AIP was associated with an increased risk for hypertension (P < 0.05), HbA_1c (P < 0.05), HOMA-IR (P < 0.05), UA (P < 0.05), and decreased eGFR levels (P < 0.05). Furthermore, AIP values directly correlated with BMI (r = 0.182, P < 0.001), waist circumference (r = 0.129, P < 0.001), blood glucose index (FBG (r = 0.153, P < 0.001), PPBG (r = 0.117, P < 0.001), and HbA_1c (r = 0.074, P < 0.001)), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; r = 0.112, P < 0.001), and uric acid (UA, r = 0.177, P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that waist circumference, HOMA-IR, FBG, systolic blood pressure, and UA were independent risk factors for AIP (all P < 0.05). The prevalence of diabetic neuropathy and metabolic syndrome was significantly higher among patients with higher AIP.

CONCLUSION

AIP represents a clinically convenient indicator for the detection of T2DM with high risk of complications and associated diseases and thus is a good predictor and indicator for follow-up monitoring in the treatment of patients with high-risk type 2 diabetes.

Atherogenic index of plasma and 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease in adult Africans living with HIV infection: A cross-sectional study from Yaoundé, Cameroon

Background

The paucity of data regarding the association between atherogenic index of plasma and risk of cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected populations living in sub-Saharan Africa prompted us to conduct this study which aimed to assess the relationship between atherogenic index of plasma and risk of cardiovascular disease among a Cameroonian HIV-infected population.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 452 HIV-infected adults in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Risk of cardiovascular disease was calculated using the Framingham risk score; atherogenic index of plasma was derived as log (triglycerides/high-density lipoproteins cholesterol).

Results

Participants' mean age (80% females) was 44.4 ± 9.8 years. Atherogenic index of plasma values ranged from -0.63 to 1.36 with a median of 0.11 (25th-75th percentiles: -0.08-0.31). Most participants (88.5%) were on antiretroviral treatment. There was a significant correlation between atherogenic index of plasma and fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.116; p = 0.014), atherogenic index of plasma and total cholesterol (r = -0.164; p < 0.001). Atherogenic index of plasma was significantly associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease either in univariable (β = 5.05, 95% CI: 3.31-6.79; p < 0.001, R² = 0.067) or in multivariable linear regression model after adjusting for socio-demographic, clinical and biological confounders (adjusted β = 3.79, 95% CI: 1.65 - 4.88; p < 0.001, R² = 0.187).

Conclusion

Atherogenic index of plasma may be an independent factor impacting the risk of cardiovascular disease among Cameroonian HIV-infected people. More studies are needed to better elucidate the association between atherogenic index of plasma and risk of cardiovascular disease in our setting.

Gender-and lesion number-dependent difference in "atherogenic index of plasma" in Chinese people with coronary heart disease

Few studies has investigated the interrelationship between Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and coronary heart disease (CHD) especially in Asians. AIP is the logarithmically transformed ratio of triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and is thought to be associated with arteriosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Of the 463 patients from Central Hospital of Nanchong in 2011–2014 diagnosed with angiograms, 229 CHD (>50% stenosis in one or more arteries) and the rest 234 were the controls (maximum stenosis < 10% in any artery) according to the world health organization (who) diagnostic criteria. The multiple regression analysis showed that AIP was independently associated with CHD in men (odds ratio (OR) = 4.44, 95%CI 1.62–12.21, P = 0.004) after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose(FBG), homocysteine (Hcy), and smoking, but not in women (OR = 0.47, 95%CI 0.11–2.08, P = 0.318). Subgroup analysis showed that the significant difference in AIP between the CHD and the controls only exists in patients with multi-vessel lesions but not in those with single-vessel lesion. Further large-scale studies with balanced sex ratio and vessel lesion numbers should verify the present findings.

Shared metabolic and immune-inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress pathways in the metabolic syndrome and mood disorders

This review examines the shared immune-inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress (IO&NS) and metabolic pathways underpinning metabolic syndrome (MetS), bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Shared pathways in both MetS and mood disorders are low grade inflammation, including increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins, increased lipid peroxidation with formation of malondialdehyde and oxidized low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), hypernitrosylation, lowered levels of antioxidants, most importantly zinc and paraoxonase (PON1), increased bacterial translocation (leaky gut), increased atherogenic index of plasma and Castelli risk indices; and reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c) cholesterol. Insulin resistance is probably not a major factor associated with mood disorders. Given the high levels of IO&NS and metabolic dysregulation in BD and MDD and the high comorbidity with the atherogenic components of the MetS, mood disorders should be viewed as systemic neuro-IO&NS-metabolic disorders. The IO&NS-metabolic biomarkers may have prognostic value and may contribute to the development of novel treatments targeting neuro-immune, neuro-oxidative and neuro-nitrosative pathways.

Insulin resistance, atherogenicity, and iron metabolism in multiple sclerosis with and without depression: Associations with inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers and uric acid

Depression is accompanied by metabolic disorders in iron metabolism, lipoproteins, and insulin resistance. We measured plasma levels of ferritin, iron, lipids, insulin, and glucose and computed the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA2IR) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in MS patients with and without depression and healthy controls. Explanatory variables were serum uric acid, interleukin (IL)-6, lipid hydroperoxides (CL-LOOH), albumin, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Depression was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), neurological disability using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and disease progression using ∆EDSS over five years earlier. HOMA2IR and insulin were predicted by diagnosis (increased in MS), age and body mass index (BMI); AIP by diagnosis, sex, BMI, CRP, and uric acid; triglycerides by diagnosis (higher in MS without depression), age, BMI and uric acid; ferritin by diagnosis (higher in MS), sex, CRP, and albumin; and iron by albumin. The HADS score was significantly predicted by ∆EDSS, gastro-intestinal symptoms, iron (inverse), and age. MS is characterized by significantly increased insulin resistance, which is determined by increased insulin levels; and increased ferritin, a biomarker of inflammation. Depression in MS is not associated with increased insulin resistance and atherogenicity but with lowered iron.

Atherogenic Index of Plasma Predicts Hyperuricemia in Rural Population: A Cross-Sectional Study from Northeast China

We aimed to determine the association of atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) with hyperuricemia (HUA) in the rural population of northeast China. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural areas of northeast China from January 2012 to August 2013, and the final analysis included data obtained form 5253 men and 6092 women. 1104 participants (9.7%) suffered from HUA. Spearman rank test showed that AIP was positively correlated with uric acid in both sexes (r = 0.310 for men and r = 0.347 for women, both p < 0.001). AIP was classified into three groups: the low (<0.11), the intermediate (0.11-0.21) and the increased (>0.21) risk. The prevalence of HUA increased with AIP. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, compared to the low AIP group, participants in increased AIP group had a 2.536-fold risk for HUA (2.164-fold in male and 2.960-fold in female) after adjustment for covariates. Results of receiver operating characteristic curves showed that the area under the curve (95% confidence intervals) was 0.686 (0.665-0.707) for male and 0.730 (0.706-0.755) for female. We indicated that increased AIP was associated with higher serum uric acid levels and could be identified as an independent risk factor of HUA in the rural population of northeast China.

High atherogenic index of plasma in subclinical hypothyroidism: Implications in assessment of cardiovascular disease risk

BACKGROUND

A controversy exists regarding the association between subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) and dyslipidemia. Moreover, studies on lipid ratios and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in SH are rare, particularly in the Indian scenario.

AIM

This study aimed to investigate abnormalities in conventional lipid profile, lipid ratios, and AIP in SH and attempted to correlate thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and AIP in SH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective analysis of patient records of SH subjects and euthyroid subjects, age, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, TSH, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, lipid ratios, and AIP were compared between the two groups. The correlation of TSH and AIP in SH was studied. Spearman's correlation, Mann-Whitney U-test and logistic regression analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Triglyceride, triglyceride/HDL-C, and AIP were significantly higher in SH as compared to euthyroid group, but there was no correlation between TSH and AIP in SH. AIP emerged as the significant single factor associated with SH in multiple logistic regressions.

CONCLUSION

The positive association of dyslipidemia and SH indicates a need for regular screening of these patients to enable early diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidemia. Even in patients who have a normal conventional lipid profile, lipid ratios, and AIP have to be calculated for better assessment of atherogenic risk.

Differential Effects of Continuous and Interval Exercise Training on the Atherogenic Index of Plasma in the Non-Obese Young Male

BACKGROUND

The process of atherogenicity is known to be influenced by exercise. However, appropriate exercise stimulus necessary to generate the response and adaptation in sedentary non-obese individuals has not yet been investigated. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of an 8-week continuous training and corresponding interval training on the atherogenic index of plasma in sedentary Nigerian males.

METHODS

Overall, there were 54 male university students that participated in our study, which used a pretest- posttest control group design. Participants (18 males per group) were assigned into continuous, interval and control groups respectively. During the first two weeks, training was done 3 times weekly for 30 minutes each day, and was increased by 5 minutes every 2 weeks. Continuous training was done at 70-84% of heart rate reserve. Interval training was done at 70-84%/30-39% heart rate reserve in 1:2 minutes work/rest intervals, respectively. The control group did not participate in the training. Data collected were analysed using descriptive, paired t-test, analysis of covariance and Bonferroni post-hoc analysis.

RESULTS

Young sedentary non-obese males were at high risk (atherogenic index of plasma > 0.24) of cardiovascular diseases/conditions. However, continuous training led to significant reductions (p = 0.002) in the atherogenic index of plasma. In contrast, non-significant increase (p = 0.084) followed interval training. After controlling for baseline values, only continuous training still had significant effects on atherogenic index of plasma when compared with other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous training of vigorous intensity is better than a corresponding interval training protocol as a natural anti-atherogenic method of reducing risk of cardiovascular event in sedentary non-obese males.

KEY WORDS

Atherogenicity; Cholesterol; Exercise; Training; Vigorous.

Factors influencing insulin resistance in relation to atherogenicity in mood disorders, the metabolic syndrome and tobacco use disorder

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the effects of malondialdehyde (MDA) and uric acid on insulin resistance and atherogenicity in subjects with and without mood disorders, the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and tobacco use disorder (TUD).

METHODS

We included 314 subjects with depression and bipolar depression, with and without the MetS and TUD and computed insulin resistance using the updated homeostasis model assessment (HOMA2IR) and atherogenicity using the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), that is log10 (triglycerides/high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

RESULTS

HOMA2IR is correlated with body mass index (BMI) and uric acid levels, but not with mood disorders and TUD, while the AIP is positively associated with BMI, mood disorders, TUD, uric acid, MDA and male sex. Uric acid is positively associated with insulin and triglycerides and negatively with HDL cholesterol. MDA is positively associated with triglyceride levels. Comorbid mood disorders and TUD further increase AIP but not insulin resistance. Glucose is positively associated with increasing age, male gender and BMI.

DISCUSSION

The results show that mood disorders, TUD and BMI together with elevated levels of uric acid and MDA independently contribute to increased atherogenic potential, while BMI and uric acid are risk factors for insulin resistance. The findings show that mood disorders and TUD are closely related to an increased atherogenic potential but not to insulin resistance or the MetS. Increased uric acid is a highly significant risk factor for insulin resistance and increased atherogenic potential. MDA, a marker of lipid peroxidation, further contributes to different aspects of the atherogenic potential. Mood disorders and TUD increase triglyceride levels, lower HDL cholesterol and are strongly associated with the atherogenic, but not insulin resistance, component of the MetS.