Higher visceral adipose tissue associated with higher VLDL and LDL particle number, larger VLDL particles and smaller LDL and HDL particles in type 2 diabetes

The study was aimed to investigate the role of visceral and subcutaneous fat depots, independent of BMI, on the dyslipidaemia associated with type 2 diabetes. A total of 382 subjects with type 2 diabetes underwent abdominal computed tomography in order to evaluate subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissue distribution. Fasting blood was obtained for lipoprotein particle number and size using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that VAT was positively related to VLDL particle number, LDL particle number, VLDL size and negatively related to LDL size and HDL size. These relationships remained robust even after adding BMI and SAT to the model. After adding HOMA-IR, VAT remained positively related to VLDL particle number and size and negatively related to LDL and HDL particle size. Neither BMI nor SAT were independently related to lipoprotein parameters. The deleterious effects of VAT on lipoprotein parameters were not completely reversed by statin therapy. In conclusion, among patients presenting with type 2 diabetes, higher VAT was associated with higher VLDL and LDL particle number, larger VLDL particles and smaller LDL and HDL particles, i.e. an atherogenic dyslipidaemia profile, independently of BMI. Adjusting for insulin resistance cancelled the association with LDL particle number.

Abstract

Keywords:
Atherogenic dyslipidaemia – BMI – Dyslipidaemia – HDL – HOMA – LDL – LDL particle – LDL particle size – Subcutaneous adipose tissue – Type 2 diabetes – Visceral adipose tissue – VLDL – Waist circumference