Insulin Sensitivity and Lp(a) Concentrations in Normoglycemic Men

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Increased lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] concentrations have been recognized as a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Little data exists on the relationship of Lp(a) concentrations to insulin resistance. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We examined insulin resistance (as determined by the euglycemic clamp) together with indirect calorimetry in relation to Lp(a) concentrations, apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] molecular weight, and apo(a) phe-notype in 87 normoglycemic men. RESULTS Lp(a) concentrations were significantly related to total (r = 0.225) and nonoxidative (r = 0.256) whole-body glucose disposal. These results suggest a positive but weak association between insulin sensitivity (restricted to the nonoxidative whole-body glucose disposal) and Lp(a) concentrations. However, after adjustment for apo(a) molecular weight [which accounts for some of the genetic influences on Lp(a) levels], total and nonoxidative body glucose disposal were not significantly related to Lp(a) concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Normoglycemic insulin-resistant subjects do not have elevated Lp(a) concentrations.