Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) genotype and activity and in vivo oxidized plasma low-density lipoprotein in Type II diabetes

The HDL (high-density lipoprotein)-associated enzyme PON (paraoxonase)-1 protects LDL (low-density lipoprotein) from oxidative modification in vitro, although it is unknown if this anti-atherogenic action occurs in vivo. In a cross-sectional study of 58 Type II diabetic subjects and 50 controls, we examined the fasting plasma LDL basal conjugated diene concentration [a direct measurement of circulating oxLDL (oxidatively modified LDL)], lipoprotein particle size by NMR spectroscopy, PON-1 polymorphisms (coding region polymorphisms Q192R and L55M, and gene promoter polymorphisms −108C/T and −162G/A), PON activity (with paraoxon or phenyl acetate as the substrates) and dietary antioxidant intake. Plasma oxLDL concentrations were higher in Type II diabetic patients (males, P=0.048; females, P=0.009) and unrelated to NMR lipoprotein size, PON-1 polymorphisms or PON activity (with paraoxon as the substrate) in any group. In men with Type II diabetes, however, there was a direct relationship between oxLDL concentrations and PON activity (with phenyl acetate as the substrate; r=0.611, P=0.0001) and an atherogenic NMR lipid profile in those who were PON-1 55LL homozygotes. Circulating oxLDL concentrations in vivo were unrelated to PON-1 genotypes or activity, except in male Type II diabetics where there was a direct association between PON activity (with phenyl acetate as the substrate) and oxLDL levels. These in vivo data contrast with in vitro data, and may be due to confounding by dietary fat intake. Male Type II diabetic subjects with PON-1 55LL homozygosity have an atherogenic NMR lipid profile independent of LDL oxidation. These data do not support an in vivo action of PON on LDL oxidation.