Abstract
BackgroundThe escalating rate of diabetes’ has prompted researchers around the world to explore for early markers. A deficit of functional β-cell mass plays a central role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. The REG (Regenerating) gene, encoding a 166 amino acid REG protein was discovered in rats and humans which is released in response to β-cells damage and play a role in their regeneration. The objective of this study was to characterize serum levels of REG Iα proteins in type 2 diabetic patients as indicator of β-cell apoptosis as well as regeneration.MethodsUnrelated type 2 diabetic patients (n = 55) of different age groups and disease duration were recruited from the Medical OPD of PNS Shifa Hospital. Age and sex matched non diabetic controls (n = 20) without family history of diabetes were selected from the same setting. Demographical details were recorded on a structured questionnaire. Biochemical parameters like FBG, HbA1c, TC and TG levels were measured. Serum levels of REG Iα protein were determined by ELISA.ResultsLevels of REG Iα protein were found significantly raised in type 2 diabetic patients compared to controls (p < 001). Patients with short duration of the disease had higher levels of REG Iα as compared to patients with longer duration of the disease. Although the patients were on anti hyperglycemic agents, a positive correlation was found between REG Iα serum levels, FBG and HbA1c levels. Patients with higher BMI had higher levels of serum REG Iα levels. Serum TC, TG and Hb levels showed no correlation.ConclusionREG Iα may be used as a marker/predictor of type 2 diabetes especially in the early stages of the disease.
Highlights
The escalating rate of diabetes’ has prompted researchers around the world to explore for early markers
Type 2 diabetes patients were divided into four groups according to the duration of disease
Serum REG Iα levels showed a decline in their levels with increasing age of patient (p = 0.019) (Fig. 2b)
Summary
The escalating rate of diabetes’ has prompted researchers around the world to explore for early markers. A deficit of functional β-cell mass plays a central role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. The REG (Regenerating) gene, encoding a 166 amino acid REG protein was discovered in rats and humans which is released in response to β-cells damage and play a role in their regeneration. Pancreatic islet β-cells produce insulin which regulate body glucose metabolism, but their capacity for regeneration is limited, which plays a major role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune type 1 and insulin resistant type 2 diabetes [1]. Reduction of Reg was linked with the pathogenesis of impaired glucose tolerance of diabetes [14], while treatment with Reg protein improved the islet β-cells ability to secrete insulin in rat models of diabetes, indicating its role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes
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