Lipid, lipoprotein and apolipoprotein profiles in active and sedentary men with tetraplegia

Objective: To investigate whether the risk profile of coronary heart disease (CHD) is more favorable in physically active men with tetraplegia compared with sedentary men with tetraplegia. Design: Using a cross-sectional design, the lipid and (apo)lipoprotein concentrations of 11 active and 13 sedentary men with tetraplegia were compared. Regression analysis was applied to investigate the influence of subject characteristics and behavioral factors on the risk profile of CHD. Main Outcome Measures: Total plasma cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, apolipoprotein-A1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein-B (ApoB) concentrations were determined. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and the ratios TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, ApoA1/ApoB, and HDL-C/ApoA1 were calculated. Results: A significantly higher HDL-C and ApoA1/ApoB and lower TC/HDL-C were found in the active group. Age and body mass index were important determinants of the lipids and (apo)lipoproteins. Sport activity was the only significant determinant of HDL-C. Conclusions: Results suggest a positive influence of sport activity on HDL-C in men with tetraplegia, which may reduce the risk of CHD.