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Comparison of early cardiovascular risk among Brazilian and African university students
Ederson Laurindo Holanda de Sousa1, Jânio Emanuel Andrade Cavalcante1, Daniel Freire de Sousa2
1Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
Insights
Brazilian men have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases due to their anthropometric and biochemical profiles compared to African men. This highlights the importance of early diagnosis through biochemical markers.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading global cause of mortality.
- Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for CVDs.
- Early diagnosis through biochemical markers is crucial for managing CVD risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate biomarkers for diagnosing cardiovascular disease risks in young Brazilian and African adults.
- To compare anthropometric and biochemical profiles between Brazilian and African populations.
- To identify specific risk factors associated with CVDs in these groups.
Main Methods:
- Measurements included weight, height, waist circumference, body fat percentage, and blood pressure.
- Fasting blood samples were analyzed for triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-c, apolipoproteins A-I and B.
- Tests for HDL antioxidant capacity and Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) enzymatic activity were performed.
Main Results:
- Brazilians exhibited higher BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage, triglycerides, and ApoB/ApoA-I ratio.
- Africans showed higher HDL-c, ApoA-I, and PON1 activity.
- Men, particularly African men, demonstrated a significantly higher risk of myocardial infarction compared to women.
Conclusions:
- Anthropometric and biochemical parameters in Brazilians, especially men, indicate a predisposition to higher cardiovascular disease risks.
- HDL antioxidant capacity and PON1 activity were superior in Africans.
- Gender is a significant factor in myocardial infarction risk, especially among African populations.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases are among the main causes of mortality worldwide, and dyslipidemia is a principal factor risk. Hence the study of biochemical markers is necessary for early diagnosis.
Objectives:
Evaluate biomarkers to diagnose the risks of cardiovascular diseases in healthy Brazilian and African young adults.
Design & Methods:
Weight, height, waist circumference, percentage of body fat and systemic blood pressure were measured; and fasting blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-c, and apolipoproteins A-I and B were measured on automated equipment using commercially available kits, in addition to the tests of antioxidant capacity of HDL and the enzymatic activity of Paraoxonase 1.
Results:
After statistical analysis, it was found that BMI, WC, fat (%), triglycerides, ApoB/ApoA-I ratio and Vmax were higher in Brazilians, while HDL-c, ApoA-I, Lag Time, Vmax and PON1 activity were higher in Africans. In Brazilians, the ApoB/ApoA-I ratio was related to obesity factors and lipid profile, but in Africans it was related only to lipids. The antioxidant capacity of HDL and PON1 activity was better in Africans. Through independence testing, we observed an association with moderate risk of myocardial infarction with gender in Africans. In the binary logistic regression analysis, it was found that men in general - and particularly African men - have higher risk of myocardial infarction than women; Odds Ratio 2144 (CI95%: 1343-3424) and 2281 (CI95%: 1082-4811), respectively.
Conclusions:
The anthropometric and biochemical parameters of Brazilians, especially men, predispose them to greater risks of cardiovascular diseases.
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