Ethnic differences in serum lipoproteins and their determinants in South African women.

The objective of the study was to characterize ethnic differences in lipid levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size and subclasses in black and white South African women and to explore the associations with insulin sensitivity (S(I)), body composition, and lifestyle factors. Fasting serum lipids and LDL size and subclasses, body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), and S(I) (frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test) were measured in normal-weight (body mass index25 kg/m(2)) black (n = 15) and white (n = 15), and obese (body mass index30 kg/m(2)) black (n = 13) and white (n = 13) women. Normal-weight and obese black women had lower triglycerides (0.59 +/…

Ethnic Differences in Serum Lipids and the Association with Insulin Sensitivity, Body Composition and Lifestyle Factors in South African Women

Interleukin-18 levels are associated with low-density lipoproteins size

INTRODUCTION: Both low-density lipoproteins (LDL) size and serum interleukin (IL)-18 levels have been shown to be predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, it is still unknown whether IL-18 levels are independently associated with LDL size. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study including 53 premenopausal women (18-45 years), LDL size (by gradient gel electrophoresis), serum IL-18, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum lipids, insulin sensitivity (S(I), by frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test) were measured. RESULTS: LDL size correlated with IL-18 (r = -0.38, P = 0.006), hs-CRP (r = -0.40, P = 0.003), S(I) (r = 0.36, P = 0.011), serum trig…