Fasting Plasma Glucose Mediates the Association Between the Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Depression in US Adults: A Study From NHANES 2005-2020
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is a marker of atherosclerosis, a key pathology in cardiovascular disease. While depression has been increasingly linked to atherosclerosis, the mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the association between AIP and depression and explored the extent to which fasting plasma glucose (FPG) is involved in this association. METHODS: This study included 10 080 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2020). AIP was calculated as a lipid metabolism marker, depression was defined using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and FPG was assessed as a potential explanatory factor. The association was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression, restricted cubic splines, subgroup, and interaction analyses. Mediation analysis was performed to quantitatively decompose the association. RESULTS: A positive linear association was observed between AIP and depression. After full adjustment, the highest AIP quartile (Q4) had significantly increased odds of depression (odds ratios: 1.44, 95% confidence intervals: 1.03-2.02) compared to the lowest (Q1). Mediation analysis indicated that FPG accounted for 10.42% of the total association between AIP and depression. CONCLUSION: AIP is positively associated with depression, with FPG statistically explaining a significant portion of this association. These findings suggest a potential link between lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and depression, highlighting AIP as a correlate that merits further investigation in the context of mental health.
Source: Endocrine Practice
Authors: Tingting Hu, Jun Su, Zhu Chen, Ying Zhang
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,480
OpenAlex ID: W7129200898