Relationship between plasma levels of soluble CD40L and insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion status in non-diabetic dyslipidemic patients

Abstract Objective We have measured circulating plasma sCD40L as well as the platelet-surface of CD40L and its receptor in a sample of non-diabetic dyslipidemic patients and then evaluated its relationship with the insulin resistance (IR) and insulin secretion (IS) status. Design and methods Anthropometric measurements, fasting glucose, insulin, lipids, and IR and IS [estimated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)] were assessed in 86 dyslipidemic subjects. Circulating sCD40L were determined by ELISA. By flow cytometry, CD40L, CD40 and P-selectin were evaluated in the platelet-surface. Results Non-diabetic dyslipidemic IR patients (HOMA-IR ≥ 3.8) showed higher plasma sCD40L concentrations and a more unfavorable cardiovascular risk profile (higher BMI, waist, fasting insulin and mean triglyceride levels) than dyslipidemic patients with low IS (HOMA β-cell  Conclusions IR dyslipidemic patients show increased plasma sCD40L and decreased platelet-membrane CD40L expression compared to dyslipidemic patients with low IS.