[Serum apoproteins and lipoproteins in diabetic children]

Serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoproteins (VLDL, LDL, HDL) and apoproteins (apo-AI, apo-AII, apo-B) were measured in 112 children (70 boys, 42 girls) aged 6 to 13 with type I diabetes mellitus and healthy controls. Poorly controllable diabetes was associated with elevated concentrations of total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins C and lowered levels of high-density lipoproteins C, apo AI and apo-AII, while differences in triglyceride, very low density lipoproteins, and apo-B were insignificant. Children with a good metabolic control (HbA1 8.8 +/- 1.2%) had a much more favorable lipid profile. The differences may be explained by lipid-reducing effects of diets and insulin therapy. Deficiency of HDL-C, apo-AI and apo-AII in type I diabetes in children indicates the importance of HDL subclasses and of lipolytic enzymes evaluation for an early detection of atherosclerosis risk.