Relationship Between Plasma Betaine and Lipids in Acute Coronary Syndrome
Author Information
Author(s): Lever Michael, George Peter M., Atkinson Wendy, Molyneux Sarah L., Elmslie Jane L., Slow Sandy, Richards A. Mark, Chambers Stephen T.
Primary Institution: Clinical Biochemistry Unit, Canterbury Health Laboratories, Christchurch, New Zealand
Hypothesis
We aimed to measure the relationships between plasma and urine betaine and plasma lipids, and the effects of lipid-lowering drugs on these.
Conclusion
Low plasma betaine concentrations correlated with an unfavorable lipid profile, suggesting that betaine deficiency may be common in the study population.
Supporting Evidence
- Plasma betaine negatively correlated with triglyceride and non-HDL cholesterol.
- Subjects taking statins had higher plasma betaine concentrations.
- Betaine deficiency may be common in the study population.
Takeaway
This study found that lower levels of a substance called betaine in the blood are linked to worse cholesterol and fat levels, which can be bad for heart health.
Methodology
Fasting plasma and urine samples were collected from subjects four months after hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome, and various lipid concentrations were measured.
Potential Biases
The study population had established vascular disease and was highly medicated, which may influence the results.
Limitations
The cross-sectional design only generates hypotheses and does not demonstrate causality; the population is selected and may not reflect the general population.
Participant Demographics
{"total":531,"females":148,"males":383,"median_age":{"females":73,"males":67},"diabetes":{"females":28,"males":65}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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