The lack of association between different LDL‐C levels and oxidized LDL in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND: High concentrations of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) have been a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Also, the role of oxidized LDL (ox‐LDL) in forming atherosclerosis plaque has been proven. However, it has not yet been proven that atherogenic LDL‐C by‐products like ox‐LDL will decrease by keeping the LDL levels at the desired level. This study aimed to examine the relationship between LDL‐C and ox‐LDL in different LDL‐C values in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: In this cross‐sectional study, 347 patients with T2D who received statins were enrolled. LDL‐C values were defined into four groups as LDL‐C < 55 mg/dL, 55 mg/dL ≤ to <70 mg/dL, 70 mg/dL ≤ to <100 mg/dL and LDL‐C ≥ 100 mg/dL. Total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), and ox‐LDL were studied in the four defined groups. RESULTS: Ox‐LDL levels were not different among the four groups (p = 0.30). In addition, LDL‐C and ox‐LDL levels had no significant correlation (r = 0.480, p = 0.376). Additionally, based on this study analysis, ox‐LDL levels were significantly correlated with TG levels (r = 0.119, p < 0.05) and TG/HDL ratio (r = 0.390, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that ox‐LDL levels were not associated with different LDL‐C level categories from <55 mg/dL to >100 mg/dL in patients with T2D. However, the revealed association of ox‐LDL with TG level and TG/HDL ratio may be considered in the clinic.