Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association  2001;40(6):1185-1193

An Association of Serum Cholesterol, Triglycerides, and Impulsiveness in Adolescents.

Jun Suk LEE 1 ; Gang Pyo LEE ; Jang Han LEE ; Jung Hyun NAM ; Byung Hwan YANG

Affiliations

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Keywords

Impulsiveness; Cholesterol; Triglyceride

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Many studies have shown an association between low serum cholesterol concentration and impulsive aggressive behaviors. Recent studies reported that serum triglycerides concentration has been independently associated with impulsive aggressive behaviors regardless of serum cholesterol concentration. However, conflicting results have also been reported. This study was designed to find the relationship between serum lipid levels (cholesterol and triglycerides) and impulsiveness in adolescents. METHODS: Serum cholesterol concentration, serum triglycerides concentration, complete blood count, electrolytes, liver function test, and blood sugar level were measured by overnight fasting blood sampling and urinalysis was also conducted in 450 high school students. Impulsiveness level was measured by Barratt impulsiveness scale(BIS). Serum cholesterol was measured by standard enzymatic assay and serum triglycerides was measured by Boehringer Mannheim method. RESULTS: 1) The cholesterol concentration in high impulsiveness group was found to be significantly lower compared with low impulsiveness group both in male and female separately. Especially, the lower cholesterol concentration was associated with motor impulsiveness, a subscale of BIS. 2) The triglycerides concentration in high impulsiveness group was found to be higher compared with the triglycerides concentration in low impulsiveness group. Above results were still valid even after exclu-ding the factor of sex and of body mass index. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that low cholesterol concentration is associated with an increased impulsiveness, and there is a relationship between serum triglycerides concentration and impulsiveness. These results support the previous hypothesis that serum lipid levels(cholesterol and triglycerides) affect brain serotonin level and human psychologic characteristics.