Oxidative modification of low density lipoproteins ( LDL ) is an important factor in the development of macrovascular atherosclerotic complications in patiens with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recently autoantibodies against oxidized LDL ( anti-oxLDL ) have been suggested as a potential marker of LDL oxidation in vivo. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence and levels of anti-oxLDL in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to healthy persons. We determined the serum concentrations of anti-oxLDL in 20 type 2 diabetic patiens with different degree and type of atherosclerotic vascular damage. Two healthy population groups: 20 young blood donors and 20 age and gender matched persons were used as controls. Anti-oxLDL positivity rates were distinctively higher in both control groups. Concentrřations of anti-oxLDL were significantly lower in diabetic patients compared to both control groups. The incidence rates and levels of anti-oxLDL in both control groups were similar. Anti-oxLDL levels in the diabetes group did not correlate with the degree of macrovascular damage, serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. We did not find any significant relationship between anti-oxLDL and other oxidative stress factors (superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, C and E vitamins ). We suppose that anti-oxLDL may have an antiatherogenic protective role in healthy people but are not applicable to be an in vivo marker of LDL oxidation and macrovascular atherosclerotic vascular damage.

        Key words: antibodies against oxidized low density lipoproteins – anti-oxLDL – atherosclerosis – diabetes mellitus.