Altered cholesteryl ester transfer protein and lipoprotein associated phospholipase activities in children and adolescents with insulin resistance

Abstract

Triglyceride (TG)/high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio has been proposed as an accessible marker of insulin resistance, which is known to cause alterations in lipoproteinmetabolism. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is a plasma enzyme responsible for the exchange of cholesteryl esters and TG between apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins and HDL particles. Increases in CETP activity are known to lead to alterations in HDL atheroprotective properties. Lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an enzyme mainly associated to low density lipoproteins (LDL). This enzyme is capable of hydrolyzing oxidized phospholipids liberating proinflammatory lysophopsholipids and oxidized fatty acids to the subendothelial space. No prior studies have explored the association of TG/HDL-C ratio with CETP and Lp-PLA2 activities in children and adolescents.