The Relationship between Lectin-Like Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-1 Ligands Containing Apolipoprotein B and the Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index in Healthy Community Inhabitants: The KOBE Study

Aims: Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-1 ligands containing apolipoprotein B (LAB) and lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) are known as LOX-1-related modified LDL indicators. These indicators play an important role in the early phase atherosclerosis, but the relationship between these indicators and subclinical atherosclerosis, as represented by the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), has not been assessed. We herein investigated the association of LOX-1-related modified LDL indicators and the CAVI in healthy, Japanese urban community inhabitants who were considered to be at low risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: The participants were 515 healthy Japanese (310 men and 205 women) without a history of CVD, cancer or the use of medication for hypertension, diabetes or dyslipidaemia. To estimate the association between LOX-1-related modified LDL indicators (LAB, soluble form of LOX-1 (sLOX-1)) and the CAVI, we performed multivariable linear regression analyses with possible confounders such as the serum LDL cholesterol level. Results: The plasma LAB showed a positive association with the CAVI in men (standardized coefficient: 0.11, p=0.04). This relationship was not observed in women. On the other hand, no clear association was observed between the CAVI and the plasma sLOX-1 level in either sex. Conclusions: The plasma LAB levels may represent a useful marker for detecting potential atherosclerosis in healthy individuals considered to be at low risk for atherosclerosis and CVD. Further studies are needed to confirm the present findings.