Antibodies AgainstLow Density Oxidized Lipoproteins in Type 2 Diabetics

Overview

Oxidative modification of low density lipoproteins ( LDL ) is an important factor in the developmentof macrovascular atherosclerotic complications in patiens with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recentlyautoantibodies against oxidized LDL ( anti-oxLDL ) have been suggested as a potential marker ofLDL oxidation in vivo.The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence and levels of anti-oxLDL in patients withtype 2 diabetes compared to healthy persons.We determined the serum concentrations of anti-oxLDL in 20 type 2 diabetic patiens with differentdegree and type of atherosclerotic vascular damage. Two healthy population groups: 20 young blooddonors and 20 age and gender matched persons were used as controls. Anti-oxLDL positivity rateswere distinctively higher in both control groups. Concentrřations of anti-oxLDL were significantlylower in diabetic patients compared to both control groups. The incidence rates and levels ofanti-oxLDL in both control groups were similar. Anti-oxLDL levels in the diabetes group did notcorrelate with the degree of macrovascular damage, serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol andtriglyceride concentrations. We did not find any significant relationship between anti-oxLDL andother oxidative stress factors (superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, C and E vitamins ). Wesuppose that anti-oxLDL may have an antiatherogenic protective role in healthy people but are notapplicable to be an in vivo marker of LDL oxidation and macrovascular atherosclerotic vasculardamage.

Key words:
antibodies against oxidized low density lipoproteins – anti-oxLDL – atherosclerosis –diabetes mellitus.