Circadian Rhythm of Subspecies of Low-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol and High-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol in Healthy Subjects and Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Aims: We established automated assay kits for quantifying small dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL)-cholesterol (C), LDL-triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)3-C, and apolipoprotein (apo)E-rich HDL-C, and these have been recognized as sensitive biomarkers for predicting coronary artery disease. We investigated the circadian rhythms of these novel lipids to determine if fasting is required to determine basal levels. Methods: Forty-eight inpatients with type 2 diabetes and 19 healthy volunteers were studied. Blood samples were collected at seven time points, which were obtained after an overnight fast, before and 2 h after each meal, and before the next breakfast. sdLDL-C, LDL-TG, remnant-like particle (RLP)-C, TG-rich lipoprotein (TRL-C), HDL3-C, and apoE-rich HDL-C were measured by the homogeneous methods. NonHDL-C, large buoyant (lb)LDL-C and HDL2-C were calculated by subtracting sdLDL-C from LDL-C or HDL3-C from HDL-C, respectively. Results: Serum TG levels were significantly increased after meals in both healthy participants and patients with diabetes. RLP-C and TRL-C were also increased postprandially. LDL-TG, LDL-C, nonHDL-C, HDL2,3-C, and apoE-rich HDL-C did not exhibit significant fluctuation during the day in healthy participants and patients with diabetes. sdLDL-C was slightly increased postprandially in subjects with diabetes (1–2 mg/dl, 3%–9%), though its increase was not significant compared to the baseline (fasting) level. Significant postprandial reduction was observed with LDL-C and lbLDL-C. There was no influence of statin therapy or oral anti-diabetes drugs on the circadian rhythm of LDL-C subspecies. Conclusions: Subtle postprandial increase in sdLDL-C is considered a negligible level in general clinical practice. Fasting is not mandatory to measure basal concentrations of LDL and HDL subspecies.