Role of oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) and adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1) in type 2 diabetes mellitus with a potential for atherosclerotic complications in patients of Qassim region, KSA

Background: Type-2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM) is powerful and independent risk factors for coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. Accelerated atherosclerosis is the major vascular complication of diabetes, constituting the main cause of morbidity and mortality in this common metabolic disorder. The role of oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in diabetic complications as atherogenesis is unclear and available studies are contradictory. Objectives: The current study was conducted to investigate the pathological role of oxLDL and cell adhesion molecules (VCAM-1 and ICAM-1) and their clinical impact in type 2 DM patients. Patients and Methods: The serum levels of ox-LDL and VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Their levels were correlated to glycemic status and lipid profile in 60 type 2 diabetic patients compared to 25 healthy subjects. Results: The current study revealed a significant higher ox-LDL and VCAM-1 levels in diabetic patients compared to healthy group, with significant higher levels of oxLDL in uncontrolled diabetes compared to controlled diabetes. The elevation of ox-LDL in DM patients (p <0.001) was more profound than LDL elevation (P<0.05). Ox-LDL was correlated positively with glycemic index (HbA1c and FBG), lipid profile (TG, LDL and atherogenic index), blood pressure (systole and diastole) and with VCAM-1. Moreover, VCAM-1 was positively correlated to HbA1c, cholesterol and ICAM-1. Conclusion: The elevated levels of ox-LDL and VCAM-1 in DM versus controls and their positive correlation suggest the potential role of ox-LDL as a possible etiological and prognostic marker for atherosclerosis. Moreover anti- ox-LDL drugs may be tried as new therapeutic agents to minimize atherosclerotic complications of DM © 2012 GESDAV