Estimation of small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension

Abstract

Many studies have indicated that increasing of small dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL) consequences of lipoprotein metabolism morbidity which corresponding to higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. Various methods for sdLDL particle determination have been developed; such as density gradient ultracentrifugation, gradient gel electrophoresis, nuclear magnetic resonance, etc. These methods are complicated, quite expensive which are not suitable for routine laboratory. Another simple novel homogenous enzymatic method for sdLDL-cholesterol (sdLDL-C) determination has been developed but is still expensive for routine application. Therefore, a formula for sdLDL-C estimation using classic lipid profile has been proposed. This study aimed to estimate sdLDL-C levels in 3 groups of subjects; healthy, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension (n = 270, 90 for each group) using this formula. We found that estimated sdLDL-C values of type 2 diabetes and hypertension were statistical significantly higher than healthy subject (P < 0.0001). Means and standard deviations (95%CI) were 20.2 ± 5.8 (19.0-21.4), 34.7 ± 16.4 (31.3-38.2), and 35.8 ± 11.8 (33.4-38.3) mg/dL for healthy, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension subjects, respectively. Estimation of sdLDL-C levels may be used as a covariate with routine lipid parameters in assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes and hypertension patients. However, there should be further studies in larger populations.