The Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A 1 ratio in relation to metabolic syndrome and its components in a sample of the Tunisian population

ObjectiveThis study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between the Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A 1 (ApoB/ApoA 1) ratio and various characteristics of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a sample of the Tunisian population.MethodsThe study included 330 adults aged 35–74 (172 patients with MetS and 158 controls). Waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), glucose, insulin, and apolipoprotein concentrations were measured. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) was used to assess insulin resistance (IR). MetS was defined by NCEP-ATPIII report.ResultsThe ApoB/ApoA 1 ratio was significantly higher in patients with MetS versus normal control subjects (p < 0.001). Mean values of ApoB/ApoA 1 ratio increased significantly as the numbers of MetS components increased in men (p < 0.001) and women (p < 0.001). ApoB/ApoA 1 ratio showed statistically significant associations with WC, HDL-C, TG, systolic and diastolic BP, and HOMA-IR. After adjusting for age and gender, the high ApoB/ApoA 1 ratio was significantly associated with the presence of MetS (odds ratio [OR] = 6.10), IR (OR = 1.88), and with each of the MetS components, including: high WC (OR = 2.43), High TG (OR = 6.14), and low HDL-C (OR = 6.92).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the ApoB/ApoA 1 ratio is strongly associated with MetS and its components, as well as with IR.

► We assess the association between the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and MetS and its components.
► We find that the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio increased in patients with MetS.
► The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio increased as the numbers of the MetS components increased.
► High ApoB/ApoA 1 ratio is significantly associated with MetS and its components.
► ApoB/ApoA 1 ratio is strongly associated with MetS and its components.