Conclusions
Higher NT-apoAI/apoAI ratio is significantly associated with DM in this relatively large German cohort with CAD and may contribute to associated complications by reducing cholesterol efflux capacity.
Methods
We measured plasma NT-apoAI and apoAI levels in 777 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) by ELISA. Further, we measured plasma cholesterol efflux potential in subjects with similar apoAI but different NT-apoAI levels.
Results
We found that median NT-apoAI/apoAI ratio was significantly higher in diabetes mellitus (DM) (n = 327) versus non-diabetic patients (n = 450). Further analysis indicated that DM, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and C-reactive protein levels were independent predictors of higher NT-apoAI/apoAI ratio. There was negative correlation between NT-apoAI/apoAI and use of anti-platelet and lipid lowering drugs. The cholesterol efflux capacity of plasma from 67 individuals with differing NT-apoAI but similar apoAI levels from macrophages in vitro was negatively correlated with NT-apoAI/apoAI ratio. Conclusions: Higher NT-apoAI/apoAI ratio is significantly associated with DM in this relatively large German cohort with CAD and may contribute to associated complications by reducing cholesterol efflux capacity.