Background: Atherosclerosis is a chronic disorder caused by the accumulation of atherogenic lipoproteins in the artery wall leading to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Oxidation of lipoproteins may play a role in its etiogenesis. Oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are associated with the development of atherosclerosis. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) may protect against CVD through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and vasoprotective effects, and it may have a role in reverse cholesterol transport. Reverse transport of oxidized lipids by HDL is suggested to be an important mechanism explaining the atheroprotective mechanisms of HDL. Aims: To study the associations of oxidized HDL lipids (oxHDLlipids) with the risk factors for atherosclerosis including serum fatty acids, developing fatty liver disease and serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1). 

Subjects and Methods: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study is an ongoing population-based multicenter follow-up study in Finland. The 21-year follow-up was conducted in 2001 with a total of 2,283 participants. Analysis of oxidized lipoprotein lipids was performed from samples collected in 2001 and was based on the determination of conjugated dienes. 

Results: OxHDLlipids were directly associated with oxidized LDL lipids (oxLDLlipids) and inversely with age. In women, higher oxHDLlipid levels were associated with a lower polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) proportion and a higher monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) proportion. The risk of future fatty liver disease was associated with lower oxHDLlipid levels. Intima-media thickness (IMT) and PON1 activity were not associated with oxHDLlipids. 

Conclusion: An elevated cardiovascular risk profile is associated with lower oxHDLlipid levels in a population of young Finnish men and women.