HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA AND LEWIS (A-B-) PHENOTYPE IN NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETIC-PATIENTS

A relationship between Lewis (a-b-) phenotype and the metabolic syndro me X has been suggested. We studied the frequency of Lewis (a-b-) phen otype in subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) as well as the relationship between Lewis phenotype and lipid concent ration in NIDDM patients. Lewis red blood cell phenotyping was done in 207 NIDDM subjects and 345 nondiabetic control subjects by immuno-agg lutination with anti-Lewis a and b monoclonal antibodies. Among NIDDM patients, the proportion with the Lewis (a-b-) phenotype was significa ntly increased (23.6 % vs 14.3 %, p = 0.01), and this phenotype was as sociated with higher levels of triglycerides (2.40 +/- 2.58 vs 1.97 +/ - 1.25, p = 0.03). This study shows a relationship between NIDDM and L ewis (a-b-) phenotype. Hypertriglyceridaemia in Lewis-negative NIDDM c ould suggest an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease for these su bjects.