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Abstract
Introduction. Insulin metabolism has been previously linked to oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDL), but corroborating intervention studies are lacking. We investigated whether changes in ox-LDL levels are accompanied by changes in insulin sensitivity in a 32-month life-style intervention study.
Materials and methods. A 2-month weight reduction was followed by 6-month diet and exercise counselling and a 2-year follow-up period. Men of 35–50 years of age, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, and waist circumference > 100 cm were recruited via newspapers in the city of Tampere, Finland. Of the 90 men meeting the inclusion criteria, 67 (76%) completed the study. Ox-LDL was estimated as the presence of oxidized lipids in LDL. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), ox-LDL, and ratio of ox-LDL and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (ox-LDL/HDL-c) were used as the main outcome measures.
Results. The detected changes in HOMA-IR were strikingly similar to those in ox-LDL and ox-LDL/HDL-c. Compared to the first HOMA-IR quartile, the fourth quartile had 23%–51% higher concentrations in ox-LDL and ox-LDL/HDL-c at all time points (P < 0.05 for all).
Conclusion. This weight reduction intervention study adds evidence to support the connection between insulin metabolism and oxidized LDL, possibly contributing to the higher incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases among diabetic patients.
Funding: This work was supported by Turku University Foundation, Juho Vainio Foundation, Aarne Koskelo Foundation, Finnish Foundation for Cardiovascular Research and Emil and Bilda Maunula Foundation.
Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.