Abstract Body (Do not enter title and authors here): Background: Cancer is a chronic disease, which requires extended support from family caregivers. Although the evidence on compromised mental health of family caregivers over time is cumulating, that of physical health remains lacking. This study aimed (1) to describe the levels of NMR lipoprotein particle profiles, novel and highly sensitive cardiometabolic risk biomarkers, in caregivers of patients with colorectal cancer over 24 months after the patients’ diagnoses, and (2) to examine factors (exposure to stress and vulnerability, psychological distress, and health habits) associated with the changes in the cardiometabolic risk biomarkers (Figure 1).
Methods: A prospective, longitudinal design was utilized in 98 caregivers (50 years old, 71% female, 57% Hispanic) of patients with colorectal cancer completed a questionnaire and provided blood samples at 4-month (T1), 12-month (T2) and 24-month post-diagnosis (T3). 25 cardiometabolic risk biomarkers (e.g. concentration and size for all lipoprotein classes) measured by NMR Lipoprotein particle profiles were assayed from blood serum. The linear mixed model repeated measure analyses were conducted.
Results: In unadjusted analyses, the levels of 13 biomarkers significantly changed over the three-time points (Figure 2). In addition, sociodemographic factors (except for education), morbidity, caregiving stress, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking were associated with cardiometabolic biomarkers. In the adjusted model, including the significant factors and controlling age, gender, and morbidity, seven biomarkers (Triglycerides, LDL-C, TRL-C, HDL-Z, TRL-P, Small TRL-P, Large HDL-P) remained significant. Heavy drinkers had lower levels of Medium LDL-P compared with moderate or no drinkers (p ≤ .036) over time. Smokers had lower levels of GlycA (p = .021) and not married caregivers had lower levels of HDL-P (p = .018) overall.
Discussion: The study demonstrated that the NMR lipoprotein profile may be a helpful tool in assessing the cardiometabolic risk in the caregiver population. Findings suggest that family caregivers of cancer patients may be at increased risk for cardiometabolic disease due in part to the caregiving experience. In addition, the study guides healthcare providers attempting to identify at-risk caregivers by confirming the findings of previous research that caregivers who drink heavily, smoke, and are not married are at increased risk for cardiometabolic disease.