Investigation on postprandial triglyceride and remnant-like particle cholesterol levels after low-fat meal ingestion in the Japanese population

Objective Postprandial hyperlipidemia has been considered as one of the residual risk factors for cardiovascular disease after a decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Although low-fat meal ingestion may be the first step in the prevention and amelioration of postprandial hyperlipidemia, there is limited information on how lipid levels change after low-fat meal ingestion in the Japanese population. Methods We recruited 28 Japanese subjects (20 men and 8 women) who underwent an annual health examination in our hospital in 2020 and were not using any medications. The determinants of 2 h and 3h postprandial triglyceride (TG) and remnant-like particle cholesterol (RLP-C) levels were determined using multiple regression analyses. Postprandial TG and RLP-C levels were compared in subjects classified according to fasting TG and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results Fasting immunoreactive insulin (FIRI) and apolipoprotein (apo) B were positively correlated with 2 h and 3 h postprandial TG and remnant RLP-C levels. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that FIRI and apo B levels were positively associated with postprandial TG levels, whereas age was negatively associated with these levels. Additionally, FIRI and apo B levels were positively associated with postprandial RLP-C levels. Postprandial 2 h and 3 h TG and RLP-C levels increased as HOMA-IR and/or apo B level increased. Conclusion Postprandial 2 h and 3 h TG and RLP-C levels mainly depend on HOMA-IR and apo B levels after low-fat meal ingestion in Japanese subjects. In addition to low-fat meals, amelioration of insulin resistance may be necessary to improve postprandial hyperlipidemia.