[Apolipoprotein A-I and B distribution among the employees and their partners in Korea]

This study was performed to investigate the distribution of apolipoproteins A-I and B among Korean employees and their partners.

The study population consisted of 7,633 men and women (4,578 men and 3,054 women) residing in Seoul and Kyung-gee Do, with an average age of 43.5 +/- 8.3 years. Blood samples were collected following at least 12 hours of fasting. Apolipoproteins A-I and B were measured using a Behring Nephelometer analyzer. The body mass index (BMI) for each participant was calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m2). Information on health-related behaviors such as exercise, alcohol intake, and smoking habits was collected through self-administrated questionnaires.

The mean concentrations of Apo A-I were 132.6 +/- 22.3 mg/dL and 142.9 +/- 24.8 mg/dL in the men and women, respectively. The concentration of Apo A-I increased significantly across all age categories of men. The mean concentrations of Apo B were 101.7 +/- 23.2 mg/dL and 87.8 +/- 23.5 mg/dL in the men and women, respectively, and Apo B increased significantly across all age categories for both the men and women. Exercise and BMI were major determinants for Apo A-I and B levels. The 10th percentile of Apo A-I concentration was 109 mg/dL in the men and 113 mg/dL in the women, and the 90th percentile of Apo B concentration was 131 mg/dL in the men and 118 mg/dL women.

For the prevention of coronary artery disease, we recommend that for individuals in the 10th percentile of concentration for Apo A-I and the 90th percentile of concentration for Apo B, active preventive interventions such as weight loss and exercise should be taken. This study, within its limitations, may be useful for evaluating apolipoprotein A-I and B concentrations in Korean adults.