A. Ribault et al., Determination of lipoprotein(a) concentrations and apolipoprotein(a) molecular weights in diabetic patients, DIABETE MET, 26(2), 2000, pp. 107-112
Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) with atherogenic and thrombotic properties has been
frequently studied in diabetes, because a high cardiovascular risk has been
reported both in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Few studies have considered g
enetic factors, especially the isoforms of apolipoprotein(a). The aim of th
is work is to determine the distribution of apo(a) phenotypes in the serum
of 148 diabetic patients (59 type 1, 89 type 2) with or without vascular co
mplications. Apo(a) phenotypes are determined using 4-15% sodium dodecyl su
lfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by immunoblotting (PhastS
ystem - Pharmacia). An inverse relationship is observed between Lp(a) serum
concentration and the apparent molecular mass of apo(a) isoforms: type 1 r
= - 0.61, p < 0.01; type 2 r = - 0.55, p < 0.01. The frequency of apo(a) i
soforms is significantly different between type 1 and type 2 diabetes melli
tus. A higher prevalence of isoforms of low molecular weight was observed i
n the type 2 diabetic population.