Non-HDL-C as a valuable predictor of premature atherosclerosis, coronary events like first Myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality has a high accuracy of measurement both in fasting and non-fasting individuals. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) can promote the development of diabetes mellitus, endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. A common pathway for cross linking of metabolic abnormalities and non-HDL-C has been suggested. In this study we aimed to describe the potential association between non-HDL cholesterol fractions and metabolic syndrome.

Data of third national surveillance of the risk factors of non-communicable diseases (SuRFNCD-2007) were analyzed. We defined metabolic syndrome (MetS) according to the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria for 2125 subjects aging 25–64 years. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the optimal cut-points for the diagnosis of MetS. The curves were depicted for non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and difference of total non-HDL-C and LDL-C (Differential cholesterol or Diff-C) as predictors of MetS. Logistic regression was also performed in a complex sample analysis scheme.

The area under the curve (AUC) with 95% Confidence intervals of total non-HDL-C was computed. Values were 0.693 (0.670-0.715) for IDF-defined MetS and 0.719 (0.697-0.740) for ATPIII criteria. The optimal non-HDL-C cut-point we recommend for both criteria is 153.50 mg/dl (sensitivity: 75.7%, specificity: 57.2%, with ATPIII; sensitivity: 73.2%, specificity: 57.1%, with IDF). Using IDF criteria, the accuracy of predictors were greater in non-diabetic subjects. AUC of Diff-C in DM (−) vs. DM (+) were 0.786 (0.765-0.807) vs. 0.627(0.549-0.705). Adults with high non–HDL-C were 4.42 times more likely to have ATPIII-defined MetS (≥190 vs. < 190 mg/dL). Elevated Diff-C corresponded to increased risk of the MetS (ORs: 10.71 and 26.29 for IDF and ATP III criteria, respectively. All P-values <0.001).

A significant robust association exists between non-HDL-C and MetS whether applying conventional or new thresholds.