Image via WikipediaBreak out the niacin! Higher HDL cholesterol levels appear independently linked to lower cancer risk, a meta-analysis found.
The analysis of two dozen randomized, controlled lipid intervention trials found that each 10-mg/dl higher increment of HDL cholesterol was associated with a relative 36% lower risk of incident cancer (95% confidence interval 24% to 47%, P<0.001), according to Richard H. Karas, MD, PhD, of Tufts Medical Center in Boston, and colleagues.
This relationship persisted even after adjusting for baseline LDL cholesterol, age, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, sex, and smoking status, Karas and colleagues reported in the June 22 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Epidemiologic studies have suggested higher risk of incident cancer with lower total cholesterol levels, and a meta-analysis of statin trials by Kara's group showed the same is true for LDL cholesterol levels.
The researchers were quick to note that these association studies cannot prove cause and effect, although HDL may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that could potentially fight cancer.
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