Skeletal Muscle Adiposity is associated with Serum Lipid and Lipoprotein Levels in Afro-Caribbean Men

OBJECTIVE: Compared to other ethnic groups, African ancestry individuals have lower triglycerides and higher HDL-C levels, although the mechanisms for these differences remain unclear. Our objective was to evaluate a comprehensive array of factors potentially related to fasting serum lipid and lipoprotein levels in African ancestry men. DESIGN AND METHODS: 1821 men underwent DXA measures of total body fat and quantitative computed tomography assessments of calf skeletal muscle adiposity (subcutaneous and intermuscular adipose tissue (AT), and muscle density as a measure of intra-muscular AT). RESULTS: Multivariable linear regression analysis identified age (−), total body fat (+), subcutaneous AT (−), fasting glucose (+), fasting insulin (+), diastolic blood pressure (+) and non-African ancestry (+) as independent correlates of triglycerides (all P<0.05). Total body fat (+), intra-muscular AT (−) and diastolic blood pressure (+) were independent correlates of LDL-C (all P<0.001). Age (+), waist circumference (−), fasting insulin (−), physical activity (+) and alcohol intake (+) were independent correlates of HDL-C (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study illuminates a novel relationship between skeletal muscle adiposity and serum lipid and lipoprotein levels in African ancestry men, independent of total and central adiposity. Our finding also suggests that in African ancestry populations, genetic factors are likely a significant determinant of triglycerides levels.