Effect of Bariatric Surgery on the Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A1 Ratio and Insulin Resistance

Obesity is a global health challenge associated with various diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Bariatric surgery not only aids in weight loss but also enhances metabolic health. Apolipoproteins, particularly the Apo B/Apo A1 ratio, serve as key biomarkers for evaluating cardiovascular risk and insulin resistance. Despite their importance, there is limited research on how these markers are affected by bariatric surgery and their long-term health implications.

This prospective cohort study was conducted in Mashhad, Iran, involving 42 patients with severe obesity undergoing bariatric surgery. Key metabolic markers, including serum levels of Apo A1, Apo B, the Apo B/Apo A1 ratio, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), were measured preoperatively and 6 months post-surgery. Statistical analyses were used to evaluate changes and correlations among the variables.

Significant improvements were observed in several metabolic markers following bariatric surgery. Serum Apo A1 levels increased, while Apo B levels and the Apo B/Apo A1 ratio decreased. Additionally, reductions in the AIP and HOMA-IR were noted. However, no significant correlation was found between the change in ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and weight loss or other metabolic markers.

Bariatric surgery improves metabolic health, shown by favorable changes in the Apo B/Apo A1 ratio and insulin resistance. These biomarkers can aid in assessing cardiovascular risk and evaluating surgery candidates. Further research is needed to explore their long-term impacts and predictive value for future health outcomes.