Association of sex, adiposity, and diet with HDL subclasses in middle-agedChinese

Background: There is limited information regarding the associations of life style factors and Sex with HDL subclasses containing apolipoprotein (apo) A -I (Lp A-I) and both apo A-I and apo A-II (Lp A-I:A-II). Objective: We sought to examine the relations between 2 major HDL subclasse s and sex, menopausal status, nutrient intakes, and adiposity. Design: We conducted interviews and measured blood variables in 409 governm ent employees aged 40-59 y in Taiwan. Results: Women (n = 203) had significantly higher concentrations of HDL cho lesterol, Lp A-I, and Lp A-I:A-II than did men (n = 206). Postmenopausal wo men (n = 72) had higher concentrations of HDL cholesterol, Lp A-I, and Lp A -I:PL-II than did premenopausal women (n = 131) Body mass index and waist-t o-hip ratio were strong predictors of and exerted an independent additive e ffect on Lp A-I concentrations in both men End women. However, body adiposi ty was associated with Lp A-I:A-II concentrations only in men. Waist-to-hip ratio was an independent determinant of Lp A-I but not of Lp A-I:A-EI in m en and postmenopausal women after adjustment for age, body mass index, smok ing, and diet. Although there were relatively weak associations between die tary factors and both HDL subclasses (r = 0.01-0.26) in men and women accor ding to bivariate analyses, multiple regression models showed that total fa t, saturated fat, and cholesterol intakes were significantly correlated wit h HDL cholesterol and both Lp A-I and Lp A-I:A-U: in men, but not in women. Conclusion: Our data suggest that body adiposity and dietary Eat consumptio n affect 2 major HDL subclasses differently depending on subject sex and me nopausal status.