Association between HDL-C and depression in U.S. adults: A cross-sectional analysis of NHANES.

ABSTRACT: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) has been increasingly recognized not only for its established role in cardiovascular health but also for its potential relevance to mental health, particularly depression. Dysregulated lipid metabolism may affect neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation, thereby influencing mood. This study aimed to investigate the association between HDL-C levels and depression in a nationally representative U.S. population. We analyzed cross-sectional data from 12,310 adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015-2020). Depression was present in 8.8% of participants. Weighted multivariable logistic regression and generalized additive models with restricted cubic spline regression were applie

SUBMITTER: Zheng J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12622704 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature