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 cardioankle 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.