Increased VLDL-TG Fatty Acid Storage in Skeletal Muscle in Men With Type 2 Diabetes

Context: Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity is considered the rate-limiting step of very-low-densitylipoprotein triglycerides (VLDL-TG) tissue storage, and has been suggested to relate to the development of obesity as well as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the relationship between the quantitative storage of VLDL-TG fatty acids and LPL activity and other storage factors in muscle and adipose tissue. In addition, we examine whether such relations were influenced by type 2 diabetes. Design: We recruited 23 men ( 12 with type 2 diabetes, 11 nondiabetic) matched for age and body mass index. Postabsorptive VLDL-TG muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue ( abdominal and leg) quantitative storage was measured using tissue biopsies in combination with a primed-constant infusion of ex vivo triolein labeled [1-C-14]VLDL-TG and a bolus infusion of ex vivo triolein labeled [ 9,10-H-3]VLDL-TG. Biopsies were analyzed for LPL activity and cellular storage factors. Results: VLDL-TG storage rate was significantly greater in men with type 2 diabetes compared with nondiabetic men in muscle tissue (P = 0.02). We found no significant relationship between VLDL-TG storage rate and LPL activity or other storage factors in muscle or adipose tissue. However, LPL activity correlated with fractional VLDL-TG storage in abdominal fat (P = 0.04). Conclusions: Men with type 2 diabetes have increased VLDL-TG storage in muscle tissue, potentially contributing to increased intramyocellular triglyceride and ectopic lipid deposition. Neithermuscle nor adipose tissue storage rates were related to LPL activity. This argues against LPL as a rate-limiting step in the postabsorptive quantitative storage of VLDL-TG.