Increased large VLDL particles confer elevated cholesteryl ester transfer in diabetes

Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer (CET), reflecting transfer of cholesteryl esters from high density lipoproteins (HDL) towards apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins, may promote atherosclerosis development, and is elevated in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We determined the extent to which the relationship of plasma CET with very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) subfractions is modified in T2DM. Plasma CET, cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) mass, as well as VLDL and LDL subfractions (nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) were determined in 62 T2DM patients and 53 non-diabetic subjects. Plasma CET and CETP mass were increased in T2DM, coinciding higher triglycerides and large VLDL particles (all P 0.15). Abnormalities in the concentration and composition of large VLDL particles are likely to contribute to elevated plasma CET in T2DM. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved