Correlation Between Small Dense Low-Density Lipoprotein and Tissue Perfusion in Diabetic Foot.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Diabetology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Small dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL) is a known predictor of atherosclerotic vascular diseases and diabetes severity.
• Tissue perfusion is vital for managing diabetic foot conditions, yet its relationship with sdLDL remains unexplored.
• Diabetic complications like neuropathy can disrupt the correlation between vascular status and tissue perfusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between small dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL) levels and tissue perfusion in diabetic feet.
• To determine if sdLDL can serve as a marker for tissue perfusion in the context of diabetic foot complications.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 50 diabetic patients.
• Tissue perfusion assessed using transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO₂).
• sdLDL levels analyzed by particle size, percentage, and subfraction score; correlations with TcPO₂ calculated.

Main Results:

• No significant correlation between TcPO₂ and sdLDL metrics in the overall cohort (n=50).
• In patients with TcPO₂ ≥ 40 mmHg (n=29), significant positive correlation found between LDL particle size and TcPO₂.
• Significant negative correlations observed between sdLDL percentage, LDL subfraction score, and TcPO₂ in the TcPO₂ ≥ 40 mmHg subgroup.

Conclusions:

• A significant correlation exists between sdLDL levels and tissue perfusion in diabetic feet when TcPO₂ is ≥ 40 mmHg.
• No significant correlation was found in diabetic feet with TcPO₂ < 40 mmHg.
• sdLDL may be a relevant marker for tissue perfusion in specific diabetic foot conditions with adequate oxygenation.