Alterations of lipolytic enzymes and high-density lipoprotein subfractionsinduced by physical activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective This study investigates the effects of regular moderate physical activity on lipolytic enzymes and plasma lipid concentration, particularly high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) subfractions, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Design Ten patients participated in a 3-month exercise programme without an y changes in current medical therapy. The control group consisted of six pa tients who were matched with regard to sex, age, diabetes duration and diab etes therapy. Results Mean (+/- SE) physical activity in the intervention group increased from 70 +/- 21 to 220 +/- 28 min per week, which resulted in an increase i n total HDL-C from 1.04 +/- 0.07 to 1.28 +/- 0.12 (P < 0.001). The HDL3-C s ubfraction increased from 0.71 +/- 0.08 to 0.86 +/- 0.08 mM (P = 0.01) with no significant changes in the HDL2-C subfraction (0.33 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.42 /- 0.05). These changes were paralleled by an 85% increase in hepatic lipas e (HL) activity, from 25.7 +/- 5.1 to 47.4 +/- 4.9 mu mol mL(-1) h(-1) (P < 0.001) and a 45% increase in lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity, from 16.8 +/- 3.0-24.3 +/- 2.7 mu mol mL(-1) h(-1) (P = 0.01). Lecithin-cholesterol a cyl-transferase (LCAT) activity increased by 32%, from 156 +/- 26 to 206 +/ - 32 nmol mL(-1) h(-1) (P < 0.001). In the control group there were no sign ificant changes in any of the variables assessed. Conclusions Regular moderate physical activity in patients with type 2 diab etes led to an overall increase in HL, LPL, and LCAT. HL showed a more pron ounced increase than LPL and LCAT. The changes in lipolytic and transferase enzyme pattern resulted in a significant increase of plasma HDL-C, mainly of the HDL3-C subfraction.