Interaction of HDL cholesterol concentrations on the relationship between physical function and inflammation in community-dwelling older persons.
BACKGROUND
the existence of a relationship among inflammation, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and physical function has been suggested.


OBJECTIVE
the aim of the study is to investigate the possible interaction of HDL-C on inflammation and physical function.


METHODS
cross-sectional study.


METHODS
town of Tuscania (Italy).


METHODS
all the 329 community-dwelling older persons aged > or =75 years (mean age 79.8 +/- 5.2 years, women 56.2%).


METHODS
HDL-C, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. Activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADL (IADL) and 4-m walking speed were assessed. Linear regression models were performed.


RESULTS
given the multiple significant interactions, models were stratified according to HDL-C concentrations. In participants with normal HDL-C concentrations, only IL-6 showed a significant association with IADL (beta = -0.439, SE = 0.176, P = 0.01). In participants with low HDL-C concentrations, all three inflammatory biomarkers were significantly associated with 4-m walking speed and IADL. IL-6 was also significantly associated with ADL (beta = -0.755, SE = 0.259, P = 0.006), whereas borderline significances were reported for CRP and ESR.


CONCLUSIONS
the association between inflammation and physical function is particularly enhanced in elders with low HDL-C concentrations. Though HDL-C may merely act as a wellbeing index, HDL-C concentrations should be considered in studies evaluating inflammation and physical function.
Cesari
Matteo
M
Centro per la Salute dell'Anziano - Area di Geriatria, Università Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy. macesari@gmail.com
Marzetti
Emanuele
E
Laudisio
Alice
A
Antonica
Livia
L
Pahor
Marco
M
Bernabei
Roberto
R
Zuccalà
Giuseppe
G
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000378:metabolism*; D007558:Italy; D012111:Residence Characteristics
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D015850:Interleukin-6; D002097:C-Reactive Protein