HDL2/HDL3 Ratio Changes, Metabolic Syndrome Markers, and Other Factors in a Japanese Population.

Aim And Methods: The high-density lipoprotein 2 cholesterol (HDL2-C) to HDL3-C ratio is associated with insulin resistance, high-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMW-Ad), and metabolic syndrome (MetS) components and is useful for evaluating MetS in Japanese individuals. We investigated potential associations between changes in HDL2-C/HDL3-C and changes in MetS components, insulin resistance, adipocytokine, lipids, and lifestyle habits in 892 Japanese subjects who underwent annual health examinations twice at a mean interval of 1.1 years. Study subjects were divided into three groups on the basis of HDL2-C/HDL3-C changes.

Results: Average changes in waist circumference (WC) and HDL-C were significantly lower and higher, respectively, in the 0 to ＜0.5 and ≥0.5 HDL2-C/HDL3-C change groups compared with those in the reference group (＜0 HDL2-C/HDL3-C change). Among MetS components, average changes in HDL2-C/HDL3-C were associated with changes in WC and HDL-C. Average changes in HMW-Ad and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were significantly higher and lower, respectively, in the ≥0.5 HDL2-C/HDL3-C change group compared with those in the reference group. In addition, the average low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) gradually decreased as HDL2-C/HDL3-C increased. The average change in LDL-C was significantly lower in the 0 to ＜0.5 and ≥0.5 HDL2-C/HDL3-C change groups than in the reference group. Moreover, a ≥0.5 HDL2-C/HDL3-C change positively correlated with good lifestyle statuses in terms of smoking, physical activity, and alcohol consumption.

Conclusion: Changes in HDL2-C/HDL3-C inversely correlated with changes in WC, insulin resistance, and LDL-C and positively correlated with HMW-Ad and good lifestyle habits. Therefore, HDL2-C/HDL3-C changes comprise a useful marker for both MetS and atherogenic conditions in Japanese population.