Kim SJ, et al. – The purpose of the present research was to determine the relationship between low high–density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL–C) and the onset of mood disorder in Korea based on different cut–off levels. The results showed that level of HDL–C was related to potential risk factors in mood disorder. However, a flexible threshold value in HDL–C level would be required to assess the subsequent risk of mood disorder.

Methods

• For the purpose of this study, the researchers utilized National Health Examinations Service cohort data from 2009–2013.
• They utilized time-dependent Cox regression analysis to assess the relationship between low level of HDL-C and onset of mood disorder.
• Hazard ratios (HRs) for onset of mood disorder were assessed for 1- to 2-year time intervals, beginning at the first health examination and accounting for the duration until the next health examination.

Results

• An aggregate of 400,803 members (male: 220,573; female: 180,230) were incorporated into the investigation.
• An aggregate of 4,576 (2.07%) males and 7,598 (4.22%) females developed mood disorder.
• Low level of HDL-C was related to the risk of mood disorder in both male and female, however, only females demonstrated statistically significant (HR: 1.097, 95% CI: 1.012–1.189) based on dyslipidemia (<40 mg/dL).
• Females with low levels of HDL-C (<47 mg/dL) and males with high levels of HDL-C (≥59 mg/dL) were related to subsequent risk of mood disorder based on quartile-based approach.