Apolipoprotein B is related to arterial pulse wave velocity in young adults: the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study

ObjectiveLimited data are available regarding the relationship of apolipoproteins B (ApoB) and A-1 (ApoA-1) with arterial stiffness. We conducted the present study to determine whether adulthood ApoB and ApoA-1 are related to arterial pulse wave velocity (PWV). Moreover, we examined whether ApoB and ApoA-1 measured in young adulthood are predictive of PWV assessed 6 years later.MethodsThe study population consisted of 1618 apparently healthy Finnish young adults (aged 30–45 years, 44.9% males) whose apolipoproteins, other cardiovascular risk factors and PWV were measured in 2007. In a sub-sample population, apolipoproteins and other cardiovascular risk factors had also been measured in 2001 (n = 1264). PWV measurements were performed using a whole-body impedance cardiography device.ResultsApoB (p < 0.001) and the ApoB/ApoA-1 ratio (p < 0.001) were directly associated with PWV. ApoB and the ApoB/ApoA-1 ratio measured in young adulthood were also predictive of PWV measured 6 later (p < 0.001 for both). These relations remained significant (p < 0.006) in models adjusted for non-lipid risk factors. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC) were similar for ApoB and non-HDL cholesterol (2001: p for AUC comparison = 0.15; 2007: p for AUC comparison = 0.07) in detecting subjects with increased PWV (PWV ≥ 90th percentile).ConclusionThe present study suggests that elevation of ApoB or non-HDL cholesterol is associated with increased arterial stiffness in young adults.