Editorial
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World J Exp Med. Feb 20, 2014; 4(1): 1-6
Published online Feb 20, 2014. doi: 10.5493/wjem.v4.i1.1
High density lipoproteins and type 2 diabetes: Emerging concepts in their relationship
Michael S Kostapanos, Moses S Elisaf
Michael S Kostapanos, Moses S Elisaf, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
Author contributions: Kostapanos MS prepared and wrote the editorial; Elisaf MS did the final editing of the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Moses S Elisaf, MD, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, POB 1186, 45110 Ioannina, Greece. egepi@cc.uoi.gr
Telephone: +30-26510-07509 Fax: +30-26510-07016
Received: October 30, 2013
Revised: November 11, 2013
Accepted: November 15, 2013
Published online: February 20, 2014
Abstract

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) frequently exhibit macrovascular complications of atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease. High density lipoproteins (HDL) are protective against atherosclerosis. Low levels of HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) independently contribute to CV risk. Patients with T2DM not only exhibit low HDL-C, but also dysfunctional HDL. Furthermore, low concentration of HDL may increase the risk for the development of T2DM through a decreased β cell survival and secretory function. In this paper, we discuss emerging concepts in the relationship of T2DM with HDL.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, High density lipoproteins, Insulin secretion, β cells, Paraoxonase-1

Core tip: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) not only exhibit low high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, but also dysfunctional HDL. Furthermore, low concentration of HDL may increase the risk for the development of T2DM through a decreased β cell survival and secretory function. In this paper, we discuss emerging concepts in the relationship of T2DM with HDL.