Inflammation and Dysfunction of Organs in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with several complications, with inflammation playing a key role in the pathophysiology of the associated-complications. Presently, there is limited information on the relationship between inflammation and organ dysfunction in Nigerians with T2DM. This study was therefore, conducted to determine the plasma levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) and their relationship with biomarkers of hepatic (total protein, alanine transaminase; ALT and aspartate aminotransferase; AST), renal (Cystatin-C, urea, and creatinine) and cardiac (creatine kinase-MB; CK-MB) functions in T2DM patients.

Materials and Methods: Ninety four patients with T2DM and 50 healthy controls were enrolled into this case-control study. Blood samples were analysed for cystatin-C, CK-MB, total protein, IL-10, TNF-α, urea, creatinine, ALT and AST levels using ELISA, immunoturbidimetry, and spectrophotometry, as appropriate.

Results: Diabetes patients exhibited significantly higher plasma levels of IL-10, cystatin-C, CK-MB, ALT, AST, TP and plasma glucose compared with the controls. However, the plasma levels of TNF-α, urea and creatinine were not significantly different between the groups. The plasma level of TNF-α had significant positive correlation with plasma levels of glucose, cystatin-C, CK-MB, ALT and AST. Similarly, the plasma IL-10 level had significant positive correlation with plasma levels of glucose, cystatin-C, CK-MB, ALT and ASTs but had a significant negative correlation with plasma TP level.

Conclusion: Relationship exists between inflammation and dysfunction of organs in T2DM patients. This underscores the role of inflammation in T2DM-associated complications.