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Lipoprotein (a) distribution in a Nigerian population
R W Evans1, C H Bunker, F A Ukoli
1Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
Ethnicity & Health
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] concentrations are elevated in Nigerians, especially women, compared to other populations. Lp(a) levels showed stronger associations with other lipoproteins in Nigerians than in white individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Lipid Metabolism
- Population Health
Background:
- Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
- Understanding Lp(a) distribution is crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk in diverse populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and determinants of Lp(a) concentrations in a Nigerian population.
- To compare Lp(a) levels and their associations with other lipoproteins in Nigerians versus Caucasian and Oriental groups.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of civil servants in Benin City, Nigeria.
- Measurement of Lp(a), total cholesterol, HDLc, HDL2c, HDL3c, triglycerides, and insulin.
- Analysis of demographic factors, BMI, waist-hip ratio, alcohol, and tobacco use.
Main Results:
- Nigerian populations exhibit elevated and more skewed Lp(a) concentrations compared to Caucasian and Oriental groups.
- Median Lp(a) levels were higher in Nigerian women (24.0 mg dl-1) than men (19.0 mg dl-1), with a significant age-related increase in women.
- Serum lipids, particularly total cholesterol and LDLc, showed stronger correlations with Lp(a) in Nigerian men than in women or white populations.
Conclusions:
- Lp(a) concentrations are notably high in Nigerians, particularly in women.
- The association between Lp(a) and other lipoproteins is more pronounced in Nigerians than in white populations, suggesting potential ethnic-specific risk factors.