Lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins during the first year of life: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Nielsen S T , Lytsen R M , Strandkjaer N , Rasmussen I J , Sillesen A S , Voegg R O , Axelsson A R , Nordestgaard B G , Kamstrup P R , Iversen K K , Bundgaard H , Tybjaerg-Hansen A , Frikke-Schmidt R 
Published: November 2023

Background/Introduction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, and treatment of well-established lifestyle risk factors are cornerstones in CVD prevention. An atherogenic lipid profile with high concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and other apolipoprotein B containing lipoproteins is a driving force in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD). The lifelong atherosclerotic process is proportional to concentrations of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins, hence risk of developing ASCVD is cumulative over time. The higher the baseline concentrations, the sooner the threshold for increased risk of ASCVD will be reached. It is therefore crucial to implement changes as early as possible and prevent risk factors in occurring – so-called primordial prevention. Childhood has been described as a "window of opportunity" for preventing risk factors in occurring and thus avoiding ASCVD. Whether concentrations of atherogenic lipoproteins at birth can predict future concentrations in early childhood and thus may indicate increased risk of dyslipidemia later in life remains unknown.

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to investigate atherogenic lipid traits during the first year of life, to identify influential factors for lipid concentrations, and to determine whether concentrations at birth can predict future lipid concentrations in early childhood.

Methods

For this purpose, we used the Copenhagen Baby Heart Study comprising more than 13,000 umbilical cord blood samples and parallel venous blood samples from children and parents at birth (n=444), at two months (n=363), and at 14-16 months (n=158). Lipid traits were determined in all samples.

Results

Concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B increased during the first year of life. Girls had higher concentrations at birth and at two months compared with boys. Children born preterm had higher cord blood concentrations than children born at term. A linear mixed model showed that high concentrations of LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B at birth predicted high concentrations at two months and at 14-16 months. Multivariable adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for having high concentrations at two months when children had high concentrations at birth were 1.95 (1.01-3.79) for LDL cholesterol, 1.36 (0.69-2.67) for non-HDL cholesterol and 1.90 (1.02-3.53) for apolipoprotein B.

Conclusion

The lipid profile change during the first year of life and sex and gestational age influence concentrations. Children with high concentrations of LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B at birth had higher levels at two and at 14-16 months. Concentrations at birth may thus be used to identify children at risk of dyslipidemia in later life.