AUTHOR=Yang Liang , Wu Yuanzhou , Chen Ling , Li Zizhao , Zhu Wenfei , Zhang Ziyan , Li Hui , Huang Yang , Chen Qunqing 

TITLE=The association between high atherogenic index of plasma and impaired lung function: a population-based study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2025.1589605

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2025.1589605

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=ObjectiveAlthough AIP is a recognized cardiovascular risk marker, its association with pulmonary function and sex-specific differences remains unclear. This study investigated whether elevated AIP is independently associated with reduced lung function and examined potential sex-specific patterns.MethodsData from 4,565 participants in the NHANES 2007–2012 dataset were analyzed using a cross-sectional design. AIP served as the exposure variable, with five lung function metrics (including FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratio) as outcomes. Weighted multiple linear regression, threshold effect analysis, subgroup comparisons, and XGBoost modeling were performed to assess associations.ResultsMultivariable regression showed a significant negative association between AIP and FEV1 (β = −121.3 mL/unit, p < 0.001) and FVC (β = −147.1 mL/unit, p < 0.001), with no significant link to FEV1/FVC ratio. Subgroup analysis revealed a U-shaped non-linear association in females, with inflection points at AIP values of 0.77 (FEV1) and 0.78 (FVC), beyond which declines in lung function plateaued. Males exhibited a consistent negative correlation across all AIP levels.ConclusionElevated AIP is independently associated with reduced lung function, particularly non-linear effects in females. These findings support AIP as a potential adjunct marker for pulmonary function assessment in clinical practice.