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Horm Metab Res 1992; 24(4): 172-175
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1003287
Clinical

© Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart · New York

Plasma Non-Cholesterol Sterols in Patients with Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

W. H. Sutherland, R. S. Scott, C. J. Lintott, M. C. Robertson, S. A. Stapely, C. Cox
  • Department of Medicine, University of Otago Medical School, Dunedin
  • Lipid and Diabetes Research Group, The Princess Margaret Hospital, Christchurch, Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Further Information

Publication History

1990

1991

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

Plasma plant sterol concentrations (an index of cholesterol absorption efficiency) and plasma lathosterol concentration (an index of cholesterol synthesis rate) were measured in 52 patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and 36 non-diabetic controls. Plasma plant sterol concentrations were significantly (P < 0.01) lower in diabetic patients (campesterol: men -36 %, women -48 %; betasitosterol: men -35 %, women -42 %). Fasting serum insulin levels were inversely correlated with plasma plant sterol concentrations in diabetic patients (campesterol: r = -0.347, P = 0.012; betasitosterol: r = -0.345, P = 0.012) and in non-diabetic men (campesterol: r = -0.578, P = 0.039; betasitosterol: r = - 0.702, P = 0.008). Serum insulin levels were also correlated significantly with plasma lathosterol concentration in diabetic patients (r = 0.295, P = 0.034). The results of this study suggest that absorption of plant sterols and possibly cholesterol from the diet may be reduced in hyperinsulinemic diabetics.

Key words

Plant Sterols - Lathosterol - Insulin - Diabetes