Evaluation of Neopterin as a Neuroinflammatory Marker for Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Background: Elevation of the marker neopterin is associated with the progression and consequences of diabetes. Although the clinical relationship between the high levels and peripheral neuropathies other than diabetic peripheral neuropathy is unknown, it has been linked to them. Objective: To evaluate the difference in serum neopterin levels between diabetic individuals who have peripheral neuropathy and those who do not. Methods: This seven-month cross-sectional study at the Diabetic Center began in December 2022 and included 126 patients with the second type of diabetes mellitus. Following verbal consent, the included patients were subjected to neurological and physical evaluations. Along with the blood pressure, the weight and height were noted. Glucose, TG, CH, HDL-c, fasting insulin, and neopterin were all analyzed using serum. Formulas were used to compute BMI, LDL-c, and VLDC. Results: When diabetic individuals with peripheral neuropathy were compared to those without, the serum levels of neopterin in the former group revealed a marginally higher level than in the latter, but this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Neopterin levels were not altered in diabetic individuals with peripheral neuropathy, indicating that it is not a reliable indicator of the condition.