Comparison between Serum Beta -Trace Protein and Soluble α-Klotho as Early Predictors of Diabetic Nephropathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a systemic disease with serious micro- and macro-vascular complications. Beta-trace protein (BTP), a novel low-molecular weight glycoprotein and α-Klotho (α-KL) that are promising biomarkers of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Further, the upregulation of α-KL (internal or external) seems to protect the kidneys from renal insults. The aim of this study was to compare between serum BTP and soluble α- KL as early predictors and prognostic biomarkers of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type-2 diabetes. 
 Patients and methods: This was a prospective study, which was carried out at the department of internal medicine, DFM, Al-Azhar University between January 2020 to January 2022. It included 60 patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus, who were divided into three equal groups, and a comparison group (control group) of 20 apparently healthy individuals.
 Results: There was highly statistically significant difference between the four groups regarding Albumin/creatinine ratio (p<0.05), BTP (p<0.001) and soluble α-klotho (p<0.001). Soluble α klotho was negatively correlated with BTP, both of these markers was significantly correlated with Albumin/creatinine ratio.
 Conclusion: Both BTP and soluble α-klotho can be used as early predictors and biomarkers for diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus.