Population frequency distributions of HDL, HDL₂, and HDL₃ cholesterol and apolipoproteins A-I and B in healthy men and women and associations with age, gender, hormonal status, and sex hormone use: The Stanford Five City Project

Background. The purpose of this study is to present population-based frequency distribution data for several lipoprotein-related variables and to examine their associations with gender, age, menopausal status, and sex hormone use. Methods. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), HDL₂-C, HDL₃-C, apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I, and Apo B were measured in a population-based sample of 1,027 healthy adults from four California cities who participated in the 1989-1990 survey of the Stanford Five City Project. These data were examined cross-sectionally with sociodemographic and other related variables. Results. Relative to men, all of the HDL-related parameters - HDL-C, HDL₂-C, HDL₃-C, Apo A-I - were significantly higher and Apo B levels were significantly lower among women (P < 0.001). Menopausal status was not associated with HDL-related parameters, but Apo B levels were higher in post- versus premenopausal women (P < 0.001). Among women, HDL-C and Apo A-I levels were higher in oral contraceptive and estrogen replacement therapy users (P = 0.003). Most of the significant findings remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking, energy expenditure, and alcohol intake. Conclusions. These population-based data indicate that gender, menopausal status, and the use of sex hormones among women are associated with differential levels of one or more of HDL-C, HDL₂-C, HDL₃-C, Apo A-I, and Apo B, independent of age and a broad set of lifestyle factors. (C) 2000 American Health Foundation and Academic Press.