Rhesus positivity and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: a new link?

摘要

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship of ABO and Rh blood groups with lipid profile in patients with established multivessel coronary artery disease in a population with low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The records of 978 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease, in whom coronary bypass surgery was performed, were investigated. Coronary risk factors including diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and obesity were noted for each patient. Serum lipid profiles: total cholesterol, low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, were also recorded. The mean age of the patients was 59.3 +/- 9.7 years (range, 25-84 years) and 80% were male. The risk factors and lipid profiles of ABO blood types were similar. Rh-negative patients had higher levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (46.9 +/- 9.9 vs. 41.6 +/- 10.4 mg.dL(-1), p = 0.001) and a lower total/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (4.8 +/- 1.3 vs. 5.2 +/- 1.6, p = 0.029) compared to Rh-positive patients. The other lipid levels and risk factors had no association with Rh typing. These results indicate a significant association between rhesus positivity and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease.