FIGURE 1.

Estimated path analysis model showing the associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations, potential mediators, and cardiovascular risk factors: the Jackson Heart Study (n = 4010). HDL cholesterol is in milligrams per deciliter, and waist circumference is in centimeters. Values of ALD, CRP, adiponectin, and leptin were log-transformed for normalization. The regression equations, with the potential mediators and cardiovascular risk factors as the outcomes, are represented by single-headed arrows. Coefficients with significance levels are presented beside each arrow (*P < 0.10, **P < 0.05). The product of the coefficients along a compound path reflects the total weight of that path. All of the regression equations involved in the path analysis model (for cardiovascular risk factors and all of the mediating risk factors) were adjusted for individual participant’s age, sex, education, smoking status, BMI, physical activity level, medication use (if applicable), and season. ALD, aldosterone; CRP, C-reactive protein; FPG, fasting plasma glucose (in milligrams per deciliter); MAP, mean arterial pressure [mm Hg; calculated as 1/3 (systolic blood pressure) + 2/3 (diastolic blood pressure)].