Correlation Between Lipoprotein-Related Phospholipase A2 and Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Background

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) has been recognized as a valuable biomarker for identifying the risk of cardiovascular diseases and inflammation. Furthermore, there is strong evidence to suggest that metabolic syndrome is closely associated with chronic inflammation. Accordingly, the present study endeavors to examine the potential correlation between metabolic syndrome and the levels of Lp-PLA2.

Methods

To explore the relationship between Lp-PLA2 levels and metabolic syndrome, and to establish the predictive cut-off value of Lp-PLA2, a retrospective analysis was conducted using medical data from a sample of 3549 Chinese adults (comprising 2182 men and 1367 women) aged between 18 and 50 years, who had undergone health check-ups. In addition, the study also sought to investigate any potential differences in Lp-PLA2 levels based on sex and age.

Results

The analysis of the data indicated that participants had a mean age of 44.2 years, a mean Lp-PLA2 level of 589 IU/L, and a metabolic syndrome prevalence of 22%. Lp-PLA2 levels were significantly different between males and females, and a significant correlation was observed between Lp-PLA2 levels and clinical and metabolic characteristics, including BMI, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Interestingly, Lp-PLA2 demonstrated potential as an indicator of metabolic syndrome, particularly in females, despite other biomarkers, such as TG/HDL-C and WHR, exhibiting better area under the curve.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that Lp-PLA2 may serve as a useful biomarker for identifying individuals at risk of developing metabolic syndrome, particularly in females. Further research is needed to explore the potential of Lp-PLA2 as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for metabolic syndrome.

Keywords:

• Lp-PLA2
• lipoprotein
• metabolic syndrome
• cardiovascular risk
• and lipid profile

Abbreviations

BMI, body mass index; CAD, coronary artery disease; CRP, C-reactive protein; DBP, diastolic blood pressure; FBG, fasting blood glucose; HDL, high-density lipoprotein; Lp-PLA2, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2; LDL, low-density lipoprotein; MAP, mean arterial pressure; MetS, metabolic syndrome; NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; NASH, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; SBP, systolic blood pressure; TG, triglyceride; VLDL, very low-density lipoprotein; WHtR, waist-to-height ratio.

Data Sharing Statement

Raw data were generated at Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital. Derived data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author on request.

Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate

Ethical approval for this study was obtained from Institutional Review Board of Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital (XMCGIRB2022015) and was conducted in accordance with the guidelines laid down in the Declaration of Helsinki in 2013. The Institutional Review Board of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital approved this study and waived the need of consent to participate because of this study’s retrospective, non-interventional design, and because patient data confidentiality and privacy were maintained.

Acknowledgments

We thank the staff in the Health Management Center of Chang Gung Hospital for data collection assistance.

Disclosure

All authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.