A population study of plasma neuropeptide Y: correlations with components of the metabolic syndrome

To study the relations between neuropeptide Y (NPY) and age, gender, blood pressure (BP) and risk factors for cardiovascular disease and the renin angiotensin system, we performed a population-based study through random selection of 220 subjects (49% men). Subjects on antihypertensive therapy were excluded and participation rate was 67%. Venous blood was drawn at 08.00 h in the fasting state and a Spacelab 90202/90207 ambulatory BP device was then fitted. Plasma NPY levels were normally distributed and the mean level was 144 +/- 17 pmol/L (mean +/- SD). There was a trend towards higher levels in women than in men (147 +/- 17 pmol/L and 142 +/- 17 pmol/L, respectively, p = 0.053). No correlations were found between NPY and ambulatory BP or clinic BP in either gender. Angiotensin II correlated positively with NPY in men but not in women (r = 0.27, p = 0.007). There were no correlations between NPY and body mass index, waist/hip ratio, BP or C-peptide in either gender. Total cholesterol (r = 0.39, p < 0.0001) and LDL-cholesterol (r = 0.35, p = 0.0001) were positively correlated with NPY in women only. The correlation remained in multiple regression analysis with plasma total or LDL- cholesterol as second independent variable to age, and NPY as dependent variable (total cholesterol: standardised r = 0.43, p = 0.0002, LDL-cholesterol: standardised r = 0.34, p = 0.002, respectively).

The positive correlation between LDL-cholesterol and NPY in women, independent of age, and components of the metabolic syndrome, makes it a possible gender-specific cardiovascular riskmarker.