Population Frequency Distributions of HDL, HDL2, and HDL3 Cholesterol and Apolipoproteins A-I and B in Healthy Men and Women and Associations with Age, Gender, Hormonal Status, and Sex Hormone Use: The Stanford Five City Project,

Background. The purpose of this study is to present population-based frequency distribution data for several lipoprotein-related variables and to examine their associations with gender, age, menopausal status, and sex hormone use. Methods. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), HDL2-C, HDL3-C, apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I, and Apo B were measured in a population-based sample of 1,027 healthy adults from four California cities who participated in the 1989–1990 survey of the Stanford Five City Project. These data were examined cross-sectionally with sociodemographic and other related variables. Results. Relative to men, all of the HDL-related parameters—HDL-C, HDL2-C, HDL3-C, Apo A-I—were significantly higher and Apo B levels were significantly lower among women (P < 0.001). Menopausal status was not associated with HDL-related parameters, but Apo B levels were higher in post- versus premenopausal women (P < 0.001). Among women, HDL-C and Apo A-I levels were higher in oral contraceptive and estrogen replacement therapy users (P = 0.003). Most of the significant findings remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking, energy expenditure, and alcohol intake. Conclusions. These population-based data indicate that gender, menopausal status, and the use of sex hormones among women are associated with differential levels of one or more of HDL-C, HDL2-C, HDL3-C, Apo A-I, and Apo B, independent of age and a broad set of lifestyle factors.