LDL pattern and correlation between LDL size and HDL-C, Triglyceride in type II diabetic patients compared with normal individuals

Introduction: Low density lipoprotein particles are non homogenous in terms of their density and composition. Type B pattern is characterized by predominance of small dense LDL particles. Investigations indicate that small dense LDL is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). This study is designed to recognize additional effective parameter which could perhaps contribute to increased risk of CAD in diabetics. LDL size was determined in these patients. Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression were used and p<0.05 was considered as significant. Methods: In this analytic study, LDL particle diameters were determined by non denaturing gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in 81 patients with type II diabetes mellitus and 81 healthy control subjects age 50 to 70 years. BMI was calculated in all participants. Triglyceride (TG) and HDL-C concentrations were measured enzymatically by analytical kits. In the study correlation between LDL size and parameters such as BMI, age, sex, triglyceride, HDL-C and diabetic status was also investigated. Results: Based on results obtained, 59% of diabetic patients and 27% of controls showed LDL pattern B. LDL size was significantly lower in diabetics than controls (25.1±l.5 nm vs. 25.8±2.1 nm, p<0.05). Diabetics show significantly higher TG (187.8±90.8 mg/dl vs. 145.6±69.7 mg/dl, p<0.01) and lower HDL-C (47.5±12.9 mg/dl vs. 57.1±14.3 mg/dl, p<0.05). Based on the results, obtained LDL size shows significant inverse correlation with TG and diabetic status and direct correlation with HDL-C concentration. Conclusion: Diabetics showed 2-fold increase in frequency of LDL pattern B which may explain increased risk of CAD in these patients