[Gender differences in lipocalin 2 plasmatic levels are correlated with age and the triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein ratio in healthy individuals].

INTRODUCTION: The increment of lipocalin 2, also called neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, plasmatic levels is associated with cardiometabolic and nefrologic alterations. Nonetheless, there is much controversy about lipocalin 2 plasmatic concentrations among healthy individuals.

AIM: The aim of this study was to quantify lipocalin 2 in plasma of healthy men and women and to assess a possible correlation with cardiometabolic risk factors.

METHODS: Fifty-three subjects (24 men and 29 women) were included. By means of an ELISA, a higher concentration of lipocalin 2 was observed in men than in women (91 ± 9 vs. 57 ± 7 ng/ml). Such difference was statistically significant (p < 0.0001).

RESULTS: Lipocalin 2 levels were significantly correlated with body mass index, homeostasis model assessment index-insulin resistance index, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and age.

CONCLUSION: Lipocalin 2 plasmatic concentrations present a gender-specific profile in healthy subjects and its circulating levels appear to be age-dependent and associated with several cardiometabolic risk factors, including the triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, which has proven to be a reliable marker for cardiometabolic risk among the global population.