HDL2-cholesterol/HDL3-cholesterol ratio was associated with insulin resistance, high-molecular-weight adiponectin, and components for metabolic syndrome in Japanese.

Aims Recent data have suggested a relationship between the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclass ratio and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, limited information is available regarding the relationships between the HDL subclass ratio and insulin resistance, associated adipocytokine levels, and MetS components. The associations of the high-density lipoprotein 2 cholesterol (HDL 2 -C) to high-density lipoprotein 3 cholesterol (HDL 3 -C) ratio with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, high-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMW-Ad) levels, and MetS components were examined. Methods The study included 1155 Japanese subjects who met our inclusion criteria and underwent an annual health examination that included an HDL subclass analysis. Results The HDL 2 -C/HDL 3 -C ratio and the HMW-Ad level gradually decreased as the number of MetS components increased. In contrast, HOMA-IR gradually increased as the number of MetS components increased. The HDL 2 -C/HDL 3 -C ratio correlated inversely with HOMA-IR and positively with the HMW-Ad level. A strong positive correlation was observed between the HDL 2 -C/HDL 3 -C ratio and the HDL-C level. The HDL 2 -C/HDL 3 -C ratio exhibited moderate negative correlations with the body mass index, waist circumference, and triglyceride level. Weak negative correlations were observed for the HDL 2 -C/HDL 3 -C ratio with the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and fasting plasma glucose levels. Conclusions Our data indicated that the HDL 2 -C/HDL 3 -C ratio was associated with insulin resistance, the HMW-Ad level, and MetS components, and it was useful for evaluating MetS in Japanese individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]