Key result
Each standard deviation increment of apolipoprotein B in LDL was positively associated with an increase in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity of 103.0 cm/s.
Why the study?
LDL-C is associated with baPWV, but its relationship with faPWV or cfPWV is less consistent, prompting investigation into whether LDL protein cargo also relates to segmental arterial stiffness.
Are LDL protein cargo (apoB, C3) and LDL-C levels associated with segment-specific pulse wave velocity in older adults?
Cross-Sectional (n=65)
Yes
Are LDL protein cargo (apoB, C3) and LDL-C levels associated with segment-specific pulse wave velocity in older adults?
Effect estimate: Beta 103.0 cm/s (95% CI 43.3, 162.6)
p-value: p=0.001
LDL cargo proteins apoB and C3 show differential associations with peripheral and central arterial stiffness, suggesting distinct pathophysiological mechanisms involving atherosclerosis and the complement system.
LDL apoB was associated with higher peripheral stiffness in older adults; hypothesis-generating for LDL protein cargo in segmental vascular aging.
Background Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is associated with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). However, its relationship with femoral-ankle PWV (faPWV) or carotid-femoral PWV (cfPWV) is less consistent. In addition to its lipid cargo, LDL also has protein cargo. This study aims to examine and compare cross-sectional associations between LDL protein cargo or LDL-C and segment-specific PWV measures in an aging population. Methods The study included 65 participants without dementia from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, with LDL separated from their plasma. LDL cargo proteins were quantified using a proteomic method based on mass spectrometry. Linear regression was utilized to evaluate the cross-sectional associations between LDL cargo protein or LDL-C and baPWV, faPWV, or cfPWV, after adjusting for covariates. Results The 65 participants had a mean age of 76.3 years (SD = 5.4), 53.8% (35/65) were female, 30.8% (20/65) were Black. In the fully adjusted models, each SD increment of apolipoprotein B (apoB) in LDL and LDL-C was positively associated with an increase in baPWV of 103.0 cm/s (95% CI [43.3, 162.6]; p = 0.001) and 54.3 cm/s (95% CI [−5.9, 114.6]; p = 0.08), respectively. Each SD increment of complement component 3 (C3) in LDL was positively associated with an increase in cfPWV of 80.9 cm/s (95% CI [14.0, 147.7]; p = 0.02), but each SD increment of LDL-C was negatively associated with a decrease in cfPWV of 62.4 cm/s (95% CI [−123.1, −1.8]; p = 0.04). Conclusion We identified differential associations of LDL cargo protein apoB and C3 as well as LDL-C with baPWV or cfPWV.
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An et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Arterial stiffness (n=65). Apolipoprotein B (apoB) in LDL was evaluated on Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) (Beta 103.0 cm/s, 95% CI 43.3, 162.6, p=0.001). Each standard deviation increment of apolipoprotein B in LDL was positively associated with an increase in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity of 103.0 cm/s.
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