Lipid trajectories as predictors of depressive symptoms: the Young Finns Study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to identify common trajectories of lipid levels across childhood and early adulthood life span.


METHODS
The sample was a subpopulation of 824 young adults (3 to 9 years of age at baseline in 1980) of the ongoing population-based prospective Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study. Lipid levels were determined in 1980, 1983, 1986, and 2001.


METHODS
Depressive symptoms were assessed using a modified version of Beck's Depression Inventory (Beck, 1967) in 1992 and 2001.


RESULTS
The 2 triglycerides trajectories (steeply vs. moderately increasing) were differently related to depressive symptoms in adulthood. The trajectory showing steep increase over time was associated with higher level of depressive symptoms (M 2.18, 95% CI [2.08, 2.28] vs. 1.99, [1.95, 2.04]). This relationship persisted after adjustments for various risk factors. These triglycerides trajectories accounted for part of the association between high body mass index and depressive symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
A pattern of steeply increasing triglyceride levels throughout childhood and adulthood may be associated with increased the risk of depressive symptoms in adulthood. This pattern may also be one link between obesity and depressive symptoms.
Elovainio
Marko
M
National Institute for Health and Welfare, and Department of Psychology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. marko.elovainio@thl.fi
Pulkki-Råback
Laura
L
Kivimäki
Mika
M
Jokela
Markus
M
Viikari
Jorma
J
Raitakari
Olli T
OT
Telama
Risto
R
Keltikangas-Järvinen
Liisa
L
D015992:Body Mass Index; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood*; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D003863:Depression / Q000097:blood* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood*
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D014280:Triglycerides; D002097:C-Reactive Protein