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Decreased serum bilirubin is associated with arterial stiffness in men

Y Li1, S-y Meng, C-c Meng

  • 1Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, NO.246 Xuefu ST, Nangang District, Harbin 150086, Heilongjiang, China.

Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases : NMCD
|November 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Serum total bilirubin is negatively associated with arterial stiffness in Chinese men. Lower bilirubin levels may indicate early arterial stiffness, suggesting its potential as a biomarker.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biochemistry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Arterial stiffness, indicated by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), is an early sign of atherosclerosis.
  • Serum total bilirubin (TB) possesses antioxidant properties and has been linked to various cardiovascular conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum total bilirubin (TB) levels and arterial stiffness in a general population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 2207 participants (1331 men, 876 women) undergoing health examinations.
  • Analysis of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) across different quartiles of serum total bilirubin (TB).
  • Statistical analysis including univariate and multivariate models to identify significant factors associated with baPWV.

Main Results:

  • In men, age-adjusted mean baPWV significantly decreased as TB levels increased across quartiles.
  • No significant association was found between TB quartiles and baPWV in women.
  • Multivariate analysis identified TB as a significant factor associated with baPWV in men, but not in women.

Conclusions:

  • Serum total bilirubin concentration is negatively correlated with arterial stiffness in Chinese men.
  • Abnormalities in bilirubin levels may serve as an early indicator for arterial stiffness.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the role of bilirubin in arterial health.
Abstract

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