J. Mceneny et al., Very low density lipoprotein subfractions in Type II diabetes mellitus: alterations in composition and susceptibility to oxidation, DIABETOLOG, 43(4), 2000, pp. 485-493
Aims/hypothesis. Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus is assoc
iated with raised triglycerides and increased very low density lipoprotein
cholesterol. The aim of this study was to assess if very low density lipopr
otein subfraction composition and potential to oxidise were altered in this
condition.
Methods. Very low density lipoprotein was separated into four subfractions
(A --> D) by a novel, rapid ultracentrifugation procedure. Analysis of each
subfraction included lipid and fatty acid composition. Preformed peroxides
were measured spectrophotometrically and conjugated dienes were used as an
indicator of in vitro lipid oxidation.
Results. In all results we compared patient and control subfractions. Mean
fasting plasma glucose was 8.9 +/- 2.0 mmol/l in patients vs 5.1 +/- 0.4 mm
ol/l in control subjects (p < 0.001); patient HbA(1c) was 7.6 +/- 1.4%. Pat
ient total lipid standardised for apo B was higher than controls in subfrac
tions A, B and C; A, 201 vs 60; B, 191 vs 40; C, 63 vs 21; D, 29 vs 34 mu m
ol lipid per mg apo B (p < 0.05). Preformed peroxides were higher in all pa
tient subfractions compared with controls: A, 340 vs 48; B, 346 vs 42; C, 2
62 vs 28; D, 54 vs 16 nmol per mg apo B (p < 0.001). Patient subfractions A
and D were more susceptible to in vitro oxidation. Monounsaturated fatty a
cids were lower in patients subfractions, 35.2 vs 36.7; B, 35.1 vs 38.7; C,
34.4 vs 36.5; D, 33.0 vs 35.5 as per cent total (p < 0.05).
Conclusions/interpretation. These results indicate abnormalities in very lo
w density lipoprotein subfraction composition and oxidation profile in Type
II diabetic subjects, which are characteristic of more atherogenic particl
es and that may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease in
these patients.