Background and objective: The effects of rosiglitazone on the lipid profile are controversial, with related increases in the concentration of total and LDL cholesterol. Our objective is to evaluate the evolution of the concentration and size of LDL particles in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus taking rosiglitazone.
Patients and methods: We studied 30 patients under treatment with oral antidiabetics to whom rosiglitazone was added to their initial therapy. The following tests were determined before and after 6 months of treatment: glucose, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, C reactive protein, lipoprotein (a) and glycosylated haemoglobin. The average diameter of the particles LDL was also estimated, as well as the probability of cardiovascular events up to ten years, according to the Framingham and SCORE model.
Results: Statistically significant reductions of glucose, HbA(1C) and CRP levels, and an increase of total cholesterol, cholesterol LDL and triglycerides concentrations were observed, with statistical significance for total cholesterol. A significant increase in the estimation of cardiovascular risk up to ten years was found. No modifications either in the concentrations of HDL-c and Lp (a) or in the average size of LDL particles were detected.
Conclusions: After treatment with rosiglitazone, there is an increase of total cholesterol concentrations without variation in the mean size of LDL particles. Nevertheless, the reduction of CRP, and thus of inflammation is clear, with prevention of the progression of atherosclerosis.