LDL-C/HDL-C ratio associated with carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaques in male but not female patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND

We investigated the associations between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to high-density cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (LDL-C/HDL-C) with structural and functional early atherosclerosis vascular changes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 814 patients with T2DM. Structural atherosclerotic parameters included carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid plaque, the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) was considered as the functional parameter. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression models were preformed to identify the associations between LDL-C/HDL-C with atherosclerotic parameters.

RESULTS

Increased LDL-C/HDL-C corresponded with the increase levels in CIMT and percentage of carotid plaque. LDL-C/HDL-C was found to be positively associated with CIMT both in female and male patients in unadjusted model. This association persisted in male patients but not in female patients after adjusted for other related factors. No association was found between LDL-C/HDL-C with CAVI both in female and male patients. LDL-C/HDL-C was positively associated with the presence of carotid plaque in male patients. However, this association was not found in female patients.

CONCLUSION

LDL-C/HDL-C was positively associated with CIMT and presence of carotid plaque though not with CAVI in male T2DM patients. However, these associations were not observed in female patients.