Introduction: Lipoprotein (a) is a particle rich in cholesterol in human plasma and it is known as an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. In addition to genetic background, other factors such as diabetes affect the plasma concentration of this lipoprotein as a risk factor. The aim of this study was evaluation and comparison of plasma concentration of Lp(a) in type II diabetics and non diabetic individuals. Material and Methods: The study population included 180 diabetic patients who had referred to the Diabetic Research center of Yazd and 180 non diabetic individuals who were matched according to age and sex with the patient group. Blood samples were collected from the study groups in fasting condition. Glycated hemoglobin, glucose, lipids and lipoproteins were measured by routine laboratory methods and Lp(a) assay was carried out by electro immunodiffusion. Results were analyzed with the use of SPSS program. Statistical tests included variance analysis, t-test for comparing lipids and lipoproteins, U-test for comparing Lp(a) in the two groups and Pearson Correlation for determining of the variables with Lp(a). Results: Mean plasma concentratin of Lp(a) in diabetic patients (Mean + SD 41.98+ 34.63 mg/dl) was significantly higher than that of the control group (26.6 + 20.2 mg/dl) (P<0.001). Mean concentration of cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL cholesterol in the patient group was higher but mean HDL cholesterol in control group was higher than patient group. However, no significant correlation was found between Lp(a) and other variables in the patient and control groups. Conclusion: Plasma concentration of Lp(a) in Diabetes Mellitus is increased independently. In diabetic patients, the risk of coronary artery disease may increase with increase in Lp(a).

Keywords: Lipoprotein (a), Risk factor, Diabetes

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