Diabetes induces gender gap on LCAT levels and activity

AimHigh density lipoprotein (HDL) decreases in diabetic women more rapidly than what is observed in diabetic men. Here we aimed to study serum LCAT levels and LCAT activity in men and women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) as well as healthy controls.Main methodsWe measured serum LCAT activity and levels in 40 patients with T2DM plus 40 age–sex and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. The correlation between LCAT levels and activity was measured in the studied groups, stratified according to gender.Key findingsPatients had a lower LCAT activity, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and a higher LCAT levels than controls. The lower LCAT activity in patients with T2DM was significant after multiple adjustments for age, LCAT levels and BMI, using general linear model (67.9 ± 1.8 vs. 86.5 ± 1.8; P < 0.001). Women with T2DM had a lower LCAT activity and a higher LCAT and HDL levels compared to men. The lower LCAT activity in women remained significant after multiple adjustments for age, BMI and LCAT levels; (61.9 ± 3.1 vs. 74.17 ± 3.61; P < 0.05). Statin treatment did not have any significant value on the results. HDL was not correlated with LCAT levels or activity in any of the studied populations.SignificanceWe showed that while LCAT activity is decreased in patients with T2DM, LCAT levels is increased. Patients with T2DM exhibit opposing effects on LCAT activity and LCAT production which is more severe in women. Future prospective studies may elucidate the underlying pathways for these observations.