Evaluation of serum apolipoprotein concentrations and atherogenic indices in menopausal and premenopausal women in Nkwelle-Ezunaka

Background of study: The hormonal change in menopause affects lipid metabolism which could lead to dyslipidaemia, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Aim of study: To evaluate the levels of apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, Castelli risk index-1, Castelli risk index-11, atherogenic index of plasma and atherogenic coefficient in menopausal and premenopausal women.

 Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study ninety females were selected which consisted of 45 premenopausal, and 45 menopausal women using simple random sampling technique. Levels of apolipoprotein A1 and B were determined spectrophotometrically using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Atherogenic indices were calculated with their respective formulas.

Results: There was no significant difference in the mean levels of apo B (134.83±28.90 vs 130.73±30.55; p>0.05), apo A1, atherogenic index of plasma, Castelli risk index-1, Castelli risk index-11 and atherogenic coefficient  in the menopausal women  compared with the premenopausal women but the mean values of both groups were outside the normal range of apo B, Castelli risk index-1, atherogenic index of plasma and atherogenic coefficient.

Conclusion: Apo B, atherogenic index of plasma, Castelli risk index-1 and atherogenic coefficient are better indicators of cardiovascular risk.