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A case-control study of lipoprotein particles in two populations at contrasting risk for coronary heart disease. The

H J Parra1, D Arveiler, A E Evans

  • 1SERLIA, Institut Pasteur, Lille, France.

Arteriosclerosis and Thrombosis : a Journal of Vascular Biology
|June 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Coronary heart disease (CHD) incidence is higher in Northern Ireland than France. Differences in lipoprotein profiles, particularly high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and specific lipoprotein particles, may explain this disparity in myocardial infarction (MI) risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Epidemiology
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) incidence in middle-aged men is significantly higher in Northern Ireland compared to France.
  • This geographical disparity necessitates investigation into underlying etiological factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the striking difference in CHD incidence between Northern Ireland and France.
  • To explore potential differences in lipid profiles and lipoprotein metabolism contributing to myocardial infarction (MI) risk.

Main Methods:

  • The ECTIM study recruited male patients (25-64 years) with MI and population controls from WHO MONICA centers in Belfast, Strasbourg, Toulouse, and Lille.
  • Lipid variables, including cholesterol fractions, triglycerides, apolipoproteins (apo), and lipoprotein particles (Lp), were measured.
  • Hypercholesterolemia was defined by hypolipidemic drug treatment or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol > 200 mg/dl.

Main Results:

  • While hypercholesterolemia prevalence was similar in control groups, CHD patients had lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apo A-I, apo A-II, Lp A-I, Lp A-II:A-I, and higher Lp E:B, Lp(a):B compared to controls in both countries.
  • Triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apo B, and Lp C-III:B were elevated in cases versus controls only in Belfast.
  • Control subjects in Northern Ireland had lower Lp A-I and higher Lp E:B and Lp(a):B than those in France.

Conclusions:

  • Differences in specific lipoprotein particle levels, particularly Lp A-I, Lp E:B, and Lp(a):B, exist between Northern Ireland and France, even in control populations.
  • These lipid profile variations may contribute to the observed higher CHD and MI risk in Northern Ireland.

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