Inverse association between triglycerides-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio and alcohol drinking in middle-aged Japanese men

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Disease Research
• Metabolic Syndrome Studies
• Nutritional Epidemiology

Background:

• The triglycerides-to-high-density-lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C ratio) is a recognized marker for cardiovascular disease risk.
• Habitual alcohol consumption is known to impact both triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels.
• Understanding the interplay between alcohol intake and the TG/HDL-C ratio is crucial for accurate cardiovascular risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of habitual alcohol consumption on the TG/HDL-C ratio in a large cohort of Japanese men.
• To determine if alcohol intake modifies the relationship between the TG/HDL-C ratio and obesity indicators.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 21,572 Japanese men aged 35-60 years.
• Participants were categorized into non-, light, heavy, and very heavy alcohol consumption groups based on daily ethanol intake.
• Statistical analyses, including analysis of covariance and logistic regression, were employed to examine the relationship between alcohol intake and the TG/HDL-C ratio.

Main Results:

• A significant inverse association was observed between alcohol intake and the TG/HDL-C ratio, with the ratio being lowest among light drinkers.
• Odds ratios for high TG/HDL-C ratios were significantly lower in light and heavy drinkers compared to non-drinkers.
• While high TG/HDL-C ratios were associated with higher waist-to-height ratios across all drinking groups, this association was attenuated in heavy and very heavy drinkers.

Conclusions:

• Alcohol consumption is inversely associated with the TG/HDL-C ratio.
• Alcohol intake acts as a confounder in the relationship between the TG/HDL-C ratio and obesity, suggesting that its effects on lipid profiles should be considered in risk assessment.