Thus far there are no statistically significant differences between various apolipoprotein E genotypes in the cluster of seven responsiveness to a flaxseed oil supplement in persons with type 2 diabetes

Objective. The objective of the present study was to determine if there would be statistically significant differences among apolipoprotein E genotypes in the responsiveness of members of a cluster of seven measures in persons with type 2 diabetes consuming a flaxseed oil supplement (FOS). The cluster of seven are: abdominal obesity, hypertension, platelet hyperaggregability, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia (decreased serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) and increased serum levels of triglycerides), increased serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation (LDL conjugated dienes) and increased inflammation. All cluster members exacerbate type 2 diabetes.

Methods. Thirty-two patients with well-controlled type 2 diabetes participated in this double-blind, placebo (safflower oil supplementation (SOS))-controlled study consisting of three visits. Apolipoprotein E genotyping was done at visit one. The cluster of seven was assessed at each visit.

Results. Only platelet aggregability decreased as the result of the FOS relative to placebo while it appeared that there might be some potential for FOS to decrease LDL conjugated dienes. No apolipoprotein E genotype affected any of the cluster of seven responsiveness.

Conclusions. Identified apolipoprotein E genotypes played no role in the responsiveness of any member of the cluster of seven to FOS in this study.