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The determinants of fasting and post-load non-esterified fatty acids in older adults: The cardiovascular health study.

TitleThe determinants of fasting and post-load non-esterified fatty acids in older adults: The cardiovascular health study.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2023
AuthorsBene-Alhasan, Y, Siscovick, DS, Ix, JH, Kizer, JR, Tracy, R, Djoussé, L, Mukamal, KJ
JournalMetabol Open
Volume20
Pagination100261
Date Published2023 Dec
ISSN2589-9368
Abstract<p><b>AIM: </b>Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) are potential targets for prevention of key cardiometabolic diseases of aging, but their population-level correlates remain uncertain. We sought to identify modifiable factors associated with fasting and post-load NEFA levels in older adults.</p><p><b>METHODS: </b>We used linear regression to determine the cross-sectional associations of demographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle characteristics and medication use with serum fasting and post-load NEFA concentrations amongst community-dwelling older adults enrolled in the Cardiovascular Health Study (n = 1924).</p><p><b>RESULTS: </b>Fasting NEFA levels generally demonstrated a broader set of determinants, while post-load NEFA were more consistently associated with metabolic factors. Waist circumference and weight were associated with higher fasting and post-load NEFA. Cigarette smoking and caffeine intake were associated with lower levels of both species, and moderate alcohol intake was associated with higher fasting levels whereas greater consumption was associated with lower post-load levels. Unique factors associated with higher fasting NEFA included female sex, higher age, loop and thiazide diuretic use and calcium intake, while factors associated with lower fasting levels included higher educational attainment, beta-blocker use, and protein intake. Hours spent sleeping during the daytime were associated with higher post-load NEFA, while DASH score was associated with lower levels.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION: </b>Fasting and post-load NEFA have both common and unique modifiable risk factors, including sociodemographics, anthropometric, medications, and diet. Post-load NEFA were particularly sensitive to metabolic factors, while a broader range of determinants were associated with fasting levels. These factors warrant study as targets for lowering levels of NEFA in older adults.</p>
DOI10.1016/j.metop.2023.100261
Alternate JournalMetabol Open
PubMed ID38115866
PubMed Central IDPMC10728567
ePub date: 
23/10