Triglycerides, apo C3 and Lp B:C3 and cardiovascular risk in type II diabetes

Abstract

Aims/hypothesis: Cardiovascular complications and particularly coronary heart disease are the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. Some studies have shown that hypertriglyceridaemia in diabetes is an independent cardiovascular risk factor. In the ECTIM study high apolipoprotein C3 and lipoprotein B:C3 concentrations (lipoparticles playing a role in triglyceride metabolism) were associated with myocardial infarction in non-diabetic subjects.

Methods: We studied the relations between macroangiopathy and different cardiovascular risk factors and lipid variables in 188 Type II diabetic subjects.

Results: Multivariate analysis showed that triglycerides, apo C3 and Lp B:C3, sex, duration of diabetes, microalbuminuria and age were independently associated with macroangiopathy. The study group was divided into quartiles according to apo C3 and Lp B:C3 concentrations: the prevalence of macroangiopathy and coronary heart disease were increased in upper quartiles.

Conclusion/interpretation: Triglycerides apo C3 and Lp B:C3 were independent cardiovascular risk markers in our group of Type II diabetic patients.