Effect of fixed-dose combination of insulin degludec and liraglutide on apoB-containing lipoprotein subclasses and HDL lipidome in type 2 diabetes

Administration of insulin degludec and liraglutide (IDegLira) correlates to fasting lipid profile changes of diabetic patients, while data concerning apoB-containing lipoprotein subclasses and HDL lipidome are scarce. We evaluated its effect on fasting lipid parameters, apolipoproteins, apoB-containing lipoprotein subclasses and HDL lipidome in patients with type 2 diabetes. Sixty three patients with HbA1c > 7 % on oral glucose-lowering drugs received either IDegLira or insulin degludec for 3 months. Lipoprotein subfraction profile was determined through Lipoprint method, whereas HDL lipid composition via 1H NMR. Compared to insulin degludec, IDegLira administration resulted in significantly greater reduction of total and LDL-cholesterol. On the other hand, the effect of the two drugs on apolipoprotein-B-containing lipoprotein subfractions concentration was minimal and did not differ between the 2 interventions. IDegLira, but not insulin degludec, induced an atheroprotective shift in HDL's fatty acid composition and particle core depletion in triglycerides. IDegLira administration is accompanied by total and LDL-cholesterol reduction, while sdLDL concentration only reduced in patients experiencing triglyceride reduction. IDegLira induced compositional changes of HDL particles. These changes may contribute to the cardioprotective properties of liraglutide.