Abstract
Background and objectiveLipocalin-2 (LCN-2) is an adipokine that plays a protective role in various inflammatory disorders and regulates innate immune response to acute and chronic infections. However, scant information is available regarding the relationship between serum LCN-2 levels and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) occurring concurrently with chronic hepatic infections. The present study sought to investigate the association of LCN-2 with T2DM patients with hepatic infections.MethodsThe association of LCN-2 with T2DM, hepatic steatosis, and inflammation was tested in 37 non-T2DM noninfectious individuals (group A, control group) and 55 age-matched patients with T2DM and chronic infection (group B). Anthropometric data were measured and the body-fat percentage was calculated using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Hemoglobin (Hb), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), liver function enzymes (LFEs), lipid profile, and total leukocyte count (TLC) were measured. Serum LCN-2 levels were measured using a commercially available sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.ResultsLevels of LCN-2 were significantly elevated in group B (1896.90 ± 73.13 ng/ml) versus control group A (263.58 ± 15.66 ng/mL; p<0.001). LCN-2 correlated moderately with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (r=0.369), alkaline phosphatase ALP (r=0.419), and HbA1c (r=0.341) (p<0.01). All correlations were lost when adjusted for the presence of hepatitis, indicating that liver infection exacerbates insulin resistance.ConclusionBased on our findings, circulating LCN-2 is elevated in T2DM subjects with hepatitis B co-infection and may contribute towards deranged inflammatory response.
Highlights
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of disorders that encompasses hypertension, cellular resistance to insulin, central obesity, dyslipidemia, and pro-thrombotic inflammatory states [1]
All correlations were lost when adjusted for the presence of hepatitis, indicating that liver infection exacerbates insulin resistance
There are several definitions for MetS, those enumerated by the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Cholesterol Education Program’s Third Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP III), and the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) are the most widely used and accepted ones [1,2]
Summary
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of disorders that encompasses hypertension, cellular resistance to insulin, central obesity, dyslipidemia, and pro-thrombotic inflammatory states [1]. These disorders are all usually interconnected, and they increase the risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The prevalence of MetS varies from as low as 84% based on geographical location, with approximately 25% of the world’s population estimated to be affected by the condition [3]. The present study sought to investigate the association of LCN-2 with T2DM patients with hepatic infections
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