ROLE OF LIPOPROTEIN-ASSOCIATED PHOSPHOLIPASE A2 (LP-PLA2) IN THE PREDICTION AND ASSESSMENT OF THE SEVERITY OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

Background: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LpPLA2) is a specific biomarker associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) development. This study aims to determine the relationship between Lp-PLA2 activity and the risk of development and severity of CAD in patients with type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: The cross-sectional study included 148 patients with T2DM, divided into two groups: patients with T2DM without confirmed CAD (n=56) and patients with T2DM and confirmed CAD (n=92), further divided into three subgroups based on the stage of CAD, and a control group of healthy individuals (n=44). Venous blood samples were collected from all participants to measure glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, C-reactive protein, urea, and creatinine levels using standard photometric methods. LpPLA2 activity was measured using a chemiluminescent immunoassay method.Results: Patients with T2DM and confirmed CAD had significantly higher Lp-PLA2 levels than those without confirmed CAD and healthy individuals. A significant difference in LpPLA2 levels was found between the group without CAD, the patients with CAD divided into subgroups according to disease stage, and the healthy control group. A positive correlation was observed between Lp-PLA2 and BMI, glycated haemoglobin, total cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol. The optimal cutoff value for Lp-PLA2<250 ng/mL yielded a diagnostic sensitivity of 95.65% and specificity of 88.64% for patients with T2DM and diagnosed CAD. Conclusions: Lp-PLA2 can be used as a predictor for developing and assessing the severity of CAD in patients with T2DM.