Elevated oxidized low-density lipoprotein concentrations in postmenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) are probably associated with atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. The influence of LDL-C and ox-LDL on metabolic syndrome among healthy, postmenopausal women has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to assess the association between LDL-C, ox-LDL, and metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.

The study design was a cross-sectional study. A total of 1309 postmenopausal women (355 with metabolic syndrome and 954 without metabolic syndrome) aged 60-79 years were included. Lipid profiles, glucose, ox-LDL, adiponectin, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations were measured.

Plasma ox-LDL levels were higher in subjects with metabolic syndrome, when compared without metabolic syndrome subjects. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that ox-LDL was significantly associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, and adiponectin. After a multivariable adjustment, the odds ratios for the second, third, and fourth quartiles of ox-LDL in metabolic syndrome compared with the lowest quartile were 1.76 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-2.70), 2.45 (95% CI, 1.58-3.79), and 3.98 (95% CI, 2.52-6.28), respectively. LDL levels were not significantly associated with metabolic syndrome.

Ox-LDL concentration was associated with metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. These findings suggest that high ox-LDL levels are associated with high cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome.