Proteomics of high-density lipoprotein subfractions and subclinical atherosclerosis in type 1 diabetes mellitus: a case–control study

BACKGROUND: Subclinical atherosclerosis is frequently observed in type 1 diabetes (T1D) although the mechanisms and markers involved in the evolution to established cardiovascular disease are not well known. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol in T1D is normal or even high, and changes in its functionality and proteomics are considered. Our aim was to evaluate the proteomics of HDL subfractions in T1D and control subjects and its association with clinical variables, subclinical atherosclerosis markers and HDL functionality. METHODS: A total of 50 individuals with T1D and 30 matched controls were included. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN), and ten-year cardiovascular risk (ASCVDR) were determined. Proteomics (parallel reaction monitoring) was determined in isolated HDL(2) and HDL(3) that were also utilized to measure cholesterol efflux from macrophages. RESULTS: Among 45 quantified proteins, 13 in HDL(2) and 33 in HDL(3) were differentially expressed in T1D and control subjects. Six proteins related to lipid metabolism, one to inflammatory acute phase, one to complement system and one to antioxidant response were more abundant in HDL(2), while 14 lipid metabolism, three acute-phase, three antioxidants and one transport in HDL(3) of T1D subjects. Three proteins (lipid metabolism, transport, and unknown function) were more abundant in HDL(2); and ten (lipid metabolism, transport, protease inhibition), more abundant in HDL(3) of controls. Individuals with T1D had higher PWV and ten-year ASCVDR, and lower FMD, Cholesterol efflux from macrophages was similar between T1D and controls. Proteins in HDL(2) and HDL(3), especially related to lipid metabolism, correlated with PWV, CAN, cholesterol efflux, HDLc, hypertension, glycemic control, ten-year ASCVDR, and statins use. CONCLUSION: HDL proteomics can be predictive of subclinical atherosclerosis in type 1 diabetes. Proteins that are not involved in reverse cholesterol transport may be associated with the protective role of HDL. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13098-023-01007-y.