Advanced lipoprotein profile in individuals with normal and impaired glucose metabolism

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: Several types of lipoproteins beyond low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are causally related to cardiovascular disease. We aimed to analyze an advanced lipoprotein profile in individuals with normal and impaired glucose metabolism from different cohorts of a Mediterranean region.

Methods: Cross-sectional study in 929 participants (463 normoglycemia, 250 prediabetes, and 216 type 2 diabetes mellitus) with normal renal function, free from cardiovascular disease, and without lipid-lowering treatment. Conventional and advanced (nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR] spectroscopy) lipoprotein profiles were analyzed.

Results: Compared with men, normoglycemic women showed lower serum triglyceride and LDL cholesterol concentrations, lower total LDL particles (P) as well as their subclasses and their cholesterol and triglyceride content, higher high-density lipoproteins (HDL)-P and all HDL-related variables (P≤ .05 for all comparisons). Compared with normoglycemic participants, diabetic participants showed higher large and small very LDL-P concentrations (P <.05) and lower total HDL-P and medium HDL-P concentrations (P <.05). Waist circumference and Fatty Liver Index were positively associated with a proatherogenic profile.

Conclusions: Women had a better advanced lipoprotein profile than did men. Adiposity indexes related to insulin-resistance were positively associated with a proatherogenic lipid profile. NMR revealed altered lipoprotein particles other than LDL in participants with diabetes, frequently associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Our findings support the usefulness of extended lipoprotein analysis by NMR spectroscopy to uncover new therapeutic targets to prevent cardiovascular events in at-risk participants.

Keywords: Diabetes tipo 2; Insulin-resistance; Lipoproteins; Lipoproteínas; Mediterranean; Mediterráneo; Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; Prediabetes; Resistencia insulínica; Resonancia magnética espectroscópica; Type 2 diabetes.