MON-565 Exploring the Relationship between Serum Lipids and West African Genetic Ancestry in African Americans

Abstract Disclosure: K. Webb: None. R.A. Kittles: None. T. Leak-Johnson: None. S. Colbert: None. L. Woods-Burnham: None. J. Johnson: None. K.S. Kimbro: None. Exploring the Relationship between Serum Lipids and West African Genetic Ancestry in African AmericansK. Webb, R. Kittles, T. Leak-Johnson, L. Woods- Burnham, J. Johnson, K. S. KimbroPurpose: The aim of this study was to investigate sex-specific differences in serum lipids among African Americans (AA) and their relationship to West African (WAFR) ancestry proportions. We examined key biomarkers (LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides) to understand how genetic ancestry influences sex-based variations in lipid profiles and associated cardiovascular risk factors. Additionally, we aimed to explore the interaction between sex and ancestral-related genetic influences, providing a comprehensive framework for addressing health disparities and personalized prevention strategies in this population. Methods: Data was collected from the research study Discovery of Us™(DOU) in metro Atlanta, Georgia. Participants were stratified by WAFR ancestry into tertiles: Low (<76%), Mid (77-86%), and High (>87%). Sex-specific differences were analyzed using independent t-tests, while ancestry tertile comparisons were conducted using ANOVA. Descriptive statistics were calculated, including the mean and standard error of the mean for each parameter. Results: The mean age was similar between AA males and females (59 years). Body mass index (BMI) showed distinct patterns between sexes, with females having higher values (33.4-35.4 kg/m2) compared males (29- 31.8 kg/m2). Analysis of WAFR ancestry tertiles revealed sex-specific differences in lipid profiles. Among females, significant differences were observed between Low and High WAFR ancestry tertiles for VLDL (p= 0.02), triglycerides (p=0.01), and total cholesterol (p= 0.03), while males showed no significant differences across tertiles. Comparison between sexes within WAFR ancestry groups revealed significant differences in HDL cholesterol in both Low (p=0.03) and High (p= <0.01) tertiles. Conclusion: Our findings reveal significant sex-specific variations in lipid profiles that significantly correlate with WAFR ancestry proportions, particularly in females, underscoring the need for personalized health interventions and sex-specific research in lipid metabolism genetic ancestry. The observed differences in lipid profiles may contribute to distinct disease risks and clinical outcomes between males and females, particularly in the context of cardiovascular and metabolic disease prevention and management in AA populations. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025