SERUM-LIPOPROTEIN (A) CONCENTRATIONS IN A POPULATION OF 819 NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETIC-PATIENTS

Variations in serum Lp(a) concentrations were studied in a large popul ation of non-insulin-dependent diabetic (NIDDM) patients in relation t o long-term complications. Lp(a) concentrations were measured by immun onephelometry in 819 NIDDM subjects and compared with those of 128 con trols. Correlations were investigated relative to plasma lipid and gly caemic parameters, body mass index (BMI) and macro- and microvascular complications. Mean absolute and relative variations of Lp(a) concentr ations were-studied in a subgroup of 245 patients over a one-year peri od. No significant differences were found between Lp(a) concentrations in NIDDM and control subjects. No relationship was evidenced with mac rovascular and microvascular complications or glycaemic control. Mean relative Lp(a) variations were correlated with BMI and absolute and re lative variations in triglyceridaemia. These results confirm the absen ce of any alterations of Lp(a) concentrations in a large cohort of NID DM patients, either with or without micro- and macrovascular complicat ions, but suggest a particular modulatory role for BMI and serum trigl yceride variations.