Protective lifestyle behaviours and lipoprotein particle subclass profiles in a middle-to older-aged population

Lipoprotein particle size is associated with increased atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease risk. Certain lifestyle behaviours may be cardioprotective. Researchers examined lipoprotein particle size and concentration relationships with a protective lifestyle behaviour (PLB) score.
The cross-sectional analysis included 2,045 middle-to older-aged adults. Lipoprotein particle subclass size and concentrations were determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Five protective behaviours included never smoking, moderate alcohol intake, moderate to vigorous physical activity, a high-quality diet (upper 40% Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension score) and a normal body mass index (BMI) (18.5-24.9 kg/m2). Linear and logistic regression analyses tested individual protective behaviour and PLB score associations with lipoprotein subclasses.
Individual behaviour associations varied according to lipoprotein subclass, with normal BMI showing the greatest number of significant relationships. The researchers found that subjects with the fewest number of protective behaviours had 1.4-2.8 increased odds of having less favourable lipoprotein profiles defined as above or below median level lipoprotein particle subclass size or concentration. Following additional adjustment for BMI, significant trend relationships were observed between the PLB score and large and medium very low-density lipoprotein, total and smaller low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations, LDL size and a lipoprotein insulin resistance score.
Results show a cumulative protective effect of healthy lifestyle behaviours against an unfavourable potentially pro-atherogenic lipoprotein profile in middle-to older-aged adults, highlighting the importance of lifestyle promotion in healthy ageing.
Source: Millar SR, Harrington JM, Perry IJ, Phillips CM. Protective lifestyle behaviours and lipoprotein particle subclass profiles in a middle-to older-aged population. Atherosclerosis. 2020 Dec;314:18-26.