The Relationship Between Apob/a1 Ratio And Measures Of Adiposity Among Adults In Nigeria
Akinyemi Temitope Michael
Department of Pharmacology, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo
Oluwaseun Grace Ifeoluwa
Department of Chemical Pathology, University College Hospital, Ibadan.
Abstract
Background: The apolipoprotein B/A1 (apo B/A1) ratio has been shown to outperform conventional lipid markers in predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD). Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Circumference (WC) serve as indicators of total body and central adiposity, respectively, and are closely linked to obesity-related risk factors. This study aimed to evaluate the association between these adiposity indicators and apo B/A1 ratio, and to further assess its relationship with other cardiovascular risk factors.
Methods: A total of 245 apparently healthy individuals (84 males, 161 females) aged 30–65 years were recruited from the health workforce of University College Hospital Ibadan over six months. Serum lipids, apolipoprotein A1, and apolipoprotein B were measured using enzymatic and immunoturbidimetry methods.
Results: The mean apo B/A1 ratio was 0.71 in men and 0.68 in women. Female participants had significantly higher BMI and WC compared to males. Apo B/A1 ratio showed significant correlations with BMI and WC in both sexes. Additionally, it was strongly associated with age, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C levels.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a clear relationship between apo B/A1 ratio and indicators of adiposity. Elevated apo B/A1 ratio is linked to a more atherogenic lipid profile and worsened cardiovascular risk factors. These results support the potential utility of apo B/A1 ratio in cardiovascular risk assessment, particularly in populations with varying adiposity levels.