Very small low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level is a determinant of arterial stiffness in men with impaired glucose metabolism.

Aim: Pulse wave velocity (PWV), an estimate of arterial stiffness, is an important predictor of cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between lipoprotein subclasses and brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV). Methods: A total of 131 apparently healthy Japanese men without a history of cardiovascular disease were divided into two groups: normal glucose metabolism (n = 87) and impaired glucose metabolism (n = 44). Cholesterol concentrations of major lipoproteins and their subclasses were determined by HPLC with gel permeation columns. Results: In the normal glucose metabolism group, age, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic pressure were associated with increased baPWV, and a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age (p = 0.022) and systolic blood pressure (p< 0.001) were significantly independent determinants of baPWV. In the impaired glucose metabolism group, age (p = 0.002), very small LDL cholesterol (p = 0.012), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.021), and the fasting plasma glucose concentration (p = 0.038) were identified as independent determinants of baPWV, although a univariate analysis revealed significant relationships of several plasma lipid compositions or species to baPWV. Conclusions: In addition to aging, hypertension and glucose levels, very small LDL cholesterol levels appear to play an important role in the development of arterial stiffness in men with impaired glucose metabolism.