Association between serum apolipoprotein B and atrial fibrillation: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Biochemistry
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• The association between apolipoprotein B (APOB) and atrial fibrillation (AF) requires further elucidation.
• Understanding this relationship is crucial for identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AF.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between APOB levels and AF in a hospitalized patient cohort.
• To explore potential gender-specific differences in the APOB-AF relationship.
• To evaluate APOB as a potential diagnostic biomarker for AF.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 1913 hospitalized patients (950 with AF, 963 controls).
• Statistical analyses included t-tests, Mann-Whitney, ANOVA, Chi-square, and correlation tests.
• Multiple regression analysis and ROC curve analysis were employed to assess the association and diagnostic performance of APOB.

Main Results:

• Patients with AF exhibited significantly lower APOB levels compared to controls (P < 0.001).
• An independent negative association between APOB and AF was observed in both genders, even after adjusting for confounding factors (OR 0.121, P < 0.001).
• APOB levels showed a significant correlation with lipid profiles (TC, LDL-C) and albumin.
• ROC analysis identified an optimal APOB cutoff value of 0.895 g/L with an AUC of 0.722.

Conclusions:

• APOB demonstrates a protective association with AF in both men and women.
• APOB may serve as a potential predictive biomarker for AF, with a promising cutoff point of 0.895 g/L.
• The findings suggest that APOB's role in AF may involve metabolic factors and influence AF initiation and maintenance.