Oxidized low-density lipoprotein and intimal medial thickness in subjects with glucose intolerance - The Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study-25

The aim of the present study was to assess the association of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OX-LDL) with carotid intimal medial thickness (IMT) in different grades of glucose intolerance in Asian Indians. Three groups were recruited from the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study.. a population-based study: group 1, normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (n = 175); group 2, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (n = 175); and group 3, type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 175). Oxidized LDL (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and carotid IMT (high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography) were assessed. Subjects with diabetes had higher IMT values (0.85 +/- 0.30 mm) compared with those who have IGT (0.79 +/- 0.16 mm, P < .05) and NGT (0.71 +/- 0.12 mm, P < .001). Subjects with diabetes (40.1 +/- 13.1 U/L) and IGT (34.3 +/- 12.8 U/L) had significantly higher mean OX-LDL values compared with the NGT group (26.2 +/- 16.6 U/L, P < .001). Oxidized LDL showed a correlation with IMT (total population: r = 0.294, P < .001; subjects with NGT: r = 0.444, P < .001; and subjects with IGT: r = 0.481 P < .001). In multiple linear regression analysis, OX-LDL showed a strong association with IMT (beta = .005, P < .001), even after adjusting for age, sex (P = .003, P < .001), and glucose intolerance (P = .002, P < .001). In conclusion, OX-LDL levels increase with increasing glucose intolerance. Oxidized LDL is associated with carotid IMT and this is independent of age, sex, and glucose intolerance status. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.