Non-linear Optical Responses of Low-Density Lipoprotein are Associated with Intima-Media Thickness of Carotid Artery in Athletes

We investigated the association between the degree of oxidative modification of LDL particles by non-linear optical response of LDL (Z-scan technique) and the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in different segments of the carotid artery. We recruited high-intensity athlete runners (n = 44) and controls (n = 51) to participate in the study. The carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), interleukin 10 (IL-10), TNF-alpha, and the non-linear optical responses of LDL particle (Z-scan) were assessed. In athletes, the mean cIMT differed between genders, with higher values observed in female athletes compared to male athletes (P