Changes in lipid, lipoprotein and apolipoprotein profiles in persons with spinal cord injuries during the first 2 years post-injury

Objective: To investigate changes in lipid, lipoprotein and apolipoprotein profiles in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) during the first 2 years post-injury, and to determine whether changes in risk profiles were associa ted with sport activity and/or changes in physical capacity parameters. Design: Risk profiles and physical capacity were investigated in 19 subject s with recent SCI during rehabilitation (t1) and +/- 1 year after discharge from rehabilitation (t2). Main outcome measures: Changes in total plasma cholesterol (TC), high-densi ty lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LD L-C), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein-A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein-B (ApoB ) concentrations, the ratios TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, ApoA1/ApoB and HDL-C/Ap oA1, and physical capacity (maximal isometric strength, sprint power output , maximal power output, aerobic power). Results: Risk profile parameters changed towards more favorable values at t 2, except for HDL-C (P = 0.06), TG and HDL-C/ApoA1. Sport activity and chan ges of the physical capacity were the most important determinants of change s in lipid and (apo)lipoprotein profiles, showing more favorable values wit h larger increases of the physical capacity and in persons who were physica lly active. Conclusion: Results show that the lipid and (apo)lipoprotein profiles impro ve in persons with SCI during the first 2 years post-injury, and that impro ving the physical capacity or being physically active can improve the lipid and (apo)lipoprotein profiles.