Paraoxonase and vitamin D status in subjects with elevated LDL

Introduction and Aim: Of the various causes for atherosclerosis vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is well-known. Low levels of vitamin D are linked to alterations in certain markers of cardiovascular disease risk. Paraoxonase (PON-1) protects against CVD by preventing the oxidation of LDL as well as HDL. Reports on the correlation of PON-1 and vitamin-D status are very few. The present study assessed the correlation of PON1 and vitamin-D status in subjects with elevated LDL levels. Materials and Methods: Serum samples of subjects with elevated LDL were assessed for lipid profile, vitamin-D and Paraoxonase. Vitamin D and lipid profile were estimated using COBAS auto-analyzer. Paraoxonase activity was assessed by the spectrophotometric method. 60 subjects with elevated LDL were taken as test and 30 with normal LDL were taken as the control group. Results: Reduction in PON1 activity coupled with low HDL cholesterol and vitamin-D levels was seen in subjects with elevated LDL. Negative correlation of basal PON-1 with LDL was seen in the test group. The control group showed a negative association of Paraoxonase with HDL and a positive association with Vitamin D. Conclusion: Elevated LDL along with vitamin-D deficiency enhances the risk of atherosclerosis. Future interventional studies (dietary supplements and drugs) leading to the enhancement of the PON-1 activity and lower LDL may give more insights on its anti-oxidant role.