NAMPT, IL-6, and vaspin gene expressions and serum protein levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus and related complication

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is the most common type of diabetes and occurs due to insufficient insulin secretion or inability to use existing insulin and the effects of environmental factors. Although there are many studies on the pathophysiology of T2DM, the mechanisms playing a role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction have not been fully elucidated. Some adipokines secreted from adipose tissue, which are the primary regulators of insulin resistance, affect immune and inflammatory functions. Altered adipokine profiles have been observed in obesity and T2DM, leading to severe metabolic risks and changes in insulin sensitivity. This study used quantitative PCR and ELISA in individuals without diabetes (control group) and with T2DM (macrovascular and microvascular complications and without complications) for at least ten years. mRNA expression and protein levels of NAMPT, IL-6, and Vaspin genes were determined. mRNA expression levels of NAMPT, IL-6, and Vaspin were found to be significantly lower in individuals with diabetes for all groups tested. For serum protein levels, NAMPT level was lower in the patient groups than in the control group. On the other hand, Vaspin and IL-6 levels were higher in the groups with micro- and macro-vascular complications compared to the control. Furthermore, the same protein level for Vaspin and IL-6 was observed between the complication group and control, indicating the importance of post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation in adipokine function. The correlations between gene expressions, clinical parameters, and protein levels are crucial to understanding the implications of the findings.