Metabolic syndrome, lipoprotein(a) and subclinical atherosclerosis in Mexican population

To assess the relationship of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and Lp(a) with subclinical atherosclerosis (CAC) in Mexican adults.

Clinical, biochemical and tomographic data of visceral, subcutaneous, hepatic abdominal fat and CAC were evaluated in 953 women and men. Lp(a) was determined by nephelometry and MetS was diagnosed according to ATP III criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent association of these variables with CAC.

Age, weight, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, volumes of visceral, subcutaneous and hepatic abdominal fat, lipids, glucose, insulin and HOMA-RI were significantly higher in subjects with MetS. The median Lp(a) was lower in subjects with MetS compared to subjects without MetS (3.7 [IR: 2.3-9.2 vs. 5.9 [IR: 2.5-13.1) mg/dL; p < 0.01). The number of components and the MetS were inversely associated with the elevated Lp(a) (> 30 mg / dL). The presence of MetS was associated with a CAC risk >0 (OR: 2.19, [95% CI (1.64-2.94)]; p < 0.001), independently of elevated Lp(a). The components of MetS that were independently associated with the presence of CAC > 0 UA were glycaemia > 100 mg/dL (OR 2.42, [95% CI (1.7-3.4)]; p < 0.0001) and high blood pressure (OR 2.14 [95% CI (1.5-3.1)]; p < 0.0001).

In Mexican population there is an inverse association between Lp(a) levels and MetS. The MetS and its components were associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. The high prevalence of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure high triglycerides and low HDL-C, characteristics of Mexican population could explain the differences with other populations.