Pre-heparin lipoprotein lipase mass as a potential mediator in the association between adiponectin and HDL-cholesterol in type 2 diabetes

AIM: Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a major enzyme in lipid metabolism. Dyslipidemia, characterized by decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), is prevalent in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to determine whether pre-heparin LPL mass mediates the association between adiponectin and HDL-C in individuals with T2DM. METHODS: Pre-heparin LPL mass was measured via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, adiponectin by radioimmunoassay, and HDL-C was determined enzymatically. Participants’ (n = 50) demographics, HbA1c, adiposity, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), serum creatinine, and lipids were measured. Path analysis was utilized to test whether pre-heparin LPL mass is a mediator in the relationship between adiponectin and HDL-C. RESULTS: All four criteria for mediation were satisfied in the path analysis. The indirect effect of adiponectin on HDL-C through pre-heparin LPL mass was significant, p = 0.001, whereas the direct effect of adiponectin on HDL-C was not significant, p = 0.074. These results remained consistent even after adjustments for age, gender, body mass index, HOMA-IR, and serum creatinine in the model. CONCLUSION: The findings in this study suggest that pre-heparin LPL mass may mediate the association between adiponectin and HDL-C in T2DM. This relationship for measures of HDL-C functionality requires future investigation.