The value of apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio in the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in a Korean population

Objective The ratio of apolipoprotein B (apoB) to apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) has been reported to be associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the optimal cut-off value of apoB/A1 ratio for detecting subjects with MetS has remained undetermined. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether apoB/A1 ratio can be an indicator of MetS and to determine the optimal cut-off value of apoB/A1 ratio in detecting subjects with MetS in a Korean population. Design This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Subjects and measurements We collected the data of 10 940 subjects who participated in a routine health screening examination regarding conventional risk factors and serum levels of apoB and apoA1. Results The odds for MetS were significantly higher in the highest compared with the lowest apoB/A1 ratio quartiles, after adjustment for confounding variables, in both men [odds ratio (OR) = 4·07, 95% CI = 3·42-4·84] and women (OR = 8·41, 95% CI = 5·85-12·08). The optimal apoB/A1 ratio cut-off value for the detection of MetS was 0·65, which had a sensitivity of 63·5% and a specificity of 61·3% (area under the curve = 0·67, 95% CI = 0·66-0·68, P < 0·001) in men and 0·62, which had a sensitivity of 67·9% and a specificity of 61·9% (area under the curve = 0·70, 95% CI = 0·69-0·71, P < 0·001) in women. Conclusions These results suggest that apoB/A1 ratio is independently associated with MetS and that an apoB/A1 ratio >0·65 in men and 0·62 in women is a marker of MetS independent from conventional risk factors.