Related Experiment Videos
Plasma C-reactive protein in subjects with hypo/hyperalphalipoproteinemias
Matteo Pirro1, Donatella Siepi, Graziana Lupattelli
1Internal Medicine, Angiology and Arteriosclerosis Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Italy.
Insights
Low high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (HDL-C) is linked to higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a marker of heart disease risk. High HDL-C is associated with lower CRP, suggesting HDL-C influences this cardiovascular risk marker.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Lipidology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hypoalphalipoproteinemia (Hypo-A) involves low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and is linked to increased coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
- Hyperalphalipoproteinemia (Hyper-A) involves high HDL-C and may offer protection against CHD and promote longevity.
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is an emerging marker for CHD risk, but its relationship with extreme HDL-C levels is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and extreme concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C).
- To determine if low (Hypo-A) or high (Hyper-A) HDL-C levels influence circulating CRP concentrations.
- To assess CRP as a potential indicator influenced by HDL-C variations in individuals without established CHD.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study measuring plasma lipids and CRP in 52 middle-aged adults.
- Participants included 20 with Hypo-A, 12 with Hyper-A, and 20 healthy normolipemic controls.
- Statistical analysis, including correlation and multivariate models, was used to assess relationships between HDL-C and CRP.
Main Results:
- CRP levels were highest in Hypo-A subjects (0.22 mg/dL), lowest in Hyper-A subjects (0.03 mg/dL), and intermediate in controls (0.10 mg/dL).
- Significant differences in CRP were observed between Hypo-A and the other groups, and between Hyper-A and controls.
- Plasma CRP showed a strong negative correlation with HDL-C (r = -0.66, P <.001), with HDL-C being the sole significant predictor in multivariate models.
Conclusions:
- HDL-C levels significantly influence plasma CRP concentrations, independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.
- Subjects with Hypo-A exhibit higher CRP levels, while those with Hyper-A show lower CRP levels.
- These findings highlight the role of HDL-C in modulating CRP, a key marker of cardiovascular risk.
Abstract:
Hypoalphalipoproteinemia (Hypo-A), a lipid disorder characterized by low high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, is frequently associated with an increased risk of suffering future coronary heart disease (CHD). Conversely, hyperalphalipoproteinemia (Hyper-A) is a characterized by high HDL-C concentrations and is possibly associated with longevity and protection against CHD. Whether plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) level, an emerging marker of CHD risk, may be influenced by either extremely low or high HDL-C concentrations is yet to be determined. Plasma levels of lipids and CRP have been measured in 52 middle-aged men and women, clinically free of CHD, including 20 subjects with Hypo-A, 12 with Hyper-A, and 20 healthy normolipemic age-matched controls. CRP levels were the highest in Hypo-A [0.22 mg/dL (interquartile range, 0.15 to 0.44)], the lowest in Hyper-A [0.03 mg/dL (0.02 to 0.07)], and intermediate in the control group [0.10 mg/dL (0.05 to 0.20)]. Differences in plasma CRP concentrations were significant between Hypo-A and the other 2 groups, as well as between Hyper-A and controls. Plasma CRP levels showed a particularly strong correlation with plasma HDL-C concentrations (r = -.66, P <.001). In multivariate models, HDL-C represented the only significant predictor of circulating levels of CRP. In conclusion, in subjects with Hypo-A or Hyper-A, HDL-C levels may account for plasma CRP variations independent of other potential cardiovascular risk factors.