Inflammation and cardiovascular risk assessment in Moroccan obese patients with and without metabolic syndrome: importance of lipoproteins ratios

Obesity predisposes an individual to numerous risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Inflammation, reported as a link between obesity and cardiovascular disease, contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between lipid parameters, low grade inflammation and metabolic syndrome in a sample of obese Moroccan adults with or without metabolic syndrome (MetS). Our study included 235 obese patients, mean aged 53.30 ± 9.73 years, with or without MetS. Our data included anthropometric measurements, lipoprotein and apolipoproteins profiles and several lipid ratios. In patients with MetS, lipoprotein profile alterations and low-grade inflammation were observed. Lipid ratios were better predictors of cardiovascular risk than lipids alone because of their relative associations with lipoproteins and apolipoproteins. Our study shows that Moroccan obese adults with MetS have altered lipoproteins profiles and suffer from low-grade inflammation. Indeed, we have detected a high level of small dense LDL particles and HDL particles defectiveness. Hence, we propose that risk management of cardiovascular events should be based on lipoprotein ratios rather than lipids alone. Treatments should also take into account inflammatory markers and LDL heterogeneity.