TG/HDL-C RATIO AS CARDIO-METABOLIC BIOMARKER EVEN IN NORMAL WEIGHT WOMEN.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Cardiovascular Health
• Obesity Research

Background:

• The Triglycerides/High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio is recognized for its association with insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease.
• However, population-specific variations in outcomes necessitate further investigation.

Observation:

• A cross-sectional study involving 253 women aged 40-60 years was conducted.
• Measurements included anthropometrics, glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT).

Findings:

• TG/HDL-C ratio demonstrated significant correlations with body mass index, visceral adipose tissue, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR.
• A TG/HDL-C ratio ≥ 3.0 was associated with increased odds of prediabetes (OR 1.83) and insulin resistance (OR 3.27).
• Notably, this association persisted in normal-weight women, with ORs of 4.7 for prediabetes and 4.38 for insulin resistance. No significant association was found with cIMT.

Implications:

• A TG/HDL-C ratio ≥ 3.0 serves as a potential risk marker for prediabetes and insulin resistance in middle-aged women.
• This risk factor is relevant even for individuals within a normal weight range.
• The findings underscore the utility of the TG/HDL-C ratio in identifying metabolic dysfunction beyond traditional obesity markers.