Association between Plasma Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein activity and Lipid profiles in Metabolic Syndrome in an Iranian Population

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a predisposing factor for atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) has a major role in the lipoproteins metabolism and subsequently lipid profile. This study was aimed to investigate possible relationship between plasma CETP activity and lipid profile in metabolic syndrome in a population from Iran. In this case-control study a total of 400 participants , 200 healthy individuals and 200 patients with metabolic syndrome were selected from residents of Hamadan city in western regions of Iran . A national Cholesterol Education Program guideline was used to diagnosis of MS. Blood sugar, lipid profile, and BMI were determined in all studied subjects. A fluorometric assay was used to measure the plasma CETP activity. Significant differences in lipid profile and waist circumference were observed between two studied groups (p=0.001). CETP activity was significantly higher (p<0.001) in patients compared to normolipidaemic group. Correlation analysis showed an association between CETP activity and total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL-C. Our results suggest that individual with MS has increased CETP activity. Augmented CETP activity and its association with reduction in HDL-C and increase in LDL-C indicate the important role of CETP in alteration of lipid profile and probably pathogenesis of MS.