Apolipoprotein C in type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients with hypertriglyceridaemia.

The composition of apolipoprotein C of the very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) was examined in 23 treated Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients, who had elevated VLDL concentrations. Apolipoprotein C was separated by isoelectric focussing into apolipoprotein C-II which is known as the specific activator of lipoprotein lipase, and three apolipoprotein C-III fragments. A regulatory role has been ascribed to the ratio of apolipoprotein C-II to apolipoprotein C-III in the removal of plasma triglycerides. In our diabetic group, the composition of apolipoprotein C of the VLDL particles was not different from that of a healthy control group. In particular, the above apolipoprotein ratio and the relative amounts of apolipoprotein C-III fragments were normal. Hypertriglyceridaemia in these diabetic subjects does not seem to be related to alterations in the apolipoprotein C composition.