Serum bilirubin levels are negatively associated with atherogenic lipids in Saudi subjects with type 2 diabetes: A pilot study

Background: Recent research has demonstrated the possible relevance of bilirubin in metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Lipid abnormalities are a major problem that is related with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetics. This study examined the relationship between serum bilirubin and direct bilirubin concentrations and atherogenic lipids in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Methods: This cross-sectional included 67 patients with type 2 diabetes and 39 matched healthy control. The lipid profile, including total cholesterol, HDL-C, and TG levels, fasting blood glucose, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, ALT, AST, and ALP were measured using a dimension EXL clinical chemistry analyzer (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics). Cholesterol in VLDL, LDL, and sdLDL were calculated from standard lipid assay results by the equations of Sampson et al. Results: Serum bilirubin was lower in non T2DM subjects nearly significant (p=0.0.51) whereas direct bilirubin concentrations were lower in T2DM (p=0.008). ALT, AST, and ALP levels were higher in T2DM groups. The mean values of LDL-C, sdLDL-C, non HDL-C and VLDL-C were significantly increased in T2DM group and lower HDL-C. An inverse relationship could be observed with increase in serum total bilirubin and serum levels of LDL-C (r2=0.139, p<0.005), sdLDL-C (r2=0.137, p<0.005), VLDL-C (r2=0.074, p<0.044), and non HDL-C (r2=0.166, p<0.002) in T2DM group. The same inverse relationship was observed with serum direct bilirubin and serum levels of LDL-C (r2=0.133, p<0.006), sdLDL-C (r2=0.172, p<0.001), VLDL-C (r2=0.118, p<0.01), and non HDL-C (r2=0.182, p<0.001) in T2DM group. Conclusions: A significant negative association was found between serum bilirubin levels and direct serum bilirubin with atherogenic lipids, suggesting that serum bilirubin may protect T2DM patients from development of cardiovascular disease. These findings indicate the need for additional research in a large cohort.

Automated summary

This study found a negative association between serum bilirubin levels and atherogenic lipids in patients with type 2 diabetes, suggesting that serum bilirubin may protect against cardiovascular disease development. Further research in a larger cohort is needed to confirm these findings.