Publication

Abstract : Background: Metabolic syndrome is characterised by insulin resistance, visceral adiposity, atherogenic dyslipidaemia, endothelial dysfunction, genetic susceptibility, elevated blood pressure, hypercoagulable state, and chronic stress. Apo-B, Apo-A-1 (major apolipoproteins in lipid transport and atherosclerosis) and their ratio are good predictors of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Our study aimed at assessing the correlation of these apolipoproteins and the metabolic syndrome. Material and methods: 50 cases (metabolic syndrome) and 50 controls were included in this cross-sectional observational study of both male and female subjects > 18 years at a large hospital in Delhi. Participants were evaluated by history, examination and laboratory analysis for diagnosis and characterisation of metabolic syndrome and for levels of Apo-B and Apo-A-1. Results: The study showed that metabolic syndrome is prevalent in the age group between 41 - 60 years. Apo-B levels were higher in cases than controls. Apo-A-1 levels were lower in cases than controls. Apo-B/Apo-A-1 ratio is associated with metabolic syndrome. Apo-B/Apo-A-1 ratio correlated positively with SBP, VLDL, and HOMA-IR. Conclusions: Apo-B and Apo-B/Apo-A-1 ratio correlated positively whereas Apo-A-1 had a negative correlation with metabolic syndrome, its components and insulin resistance. Thus these are added associations with metabolic syndrome with clinical implications yet to be discerned. Screening individuals with Apo-B, Apo-A-1, and Apo-B/Apo-A-1 can hence help in the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome as an additional marker.