Abstract
ObjectiveTo test the usefulness of serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) and soluble scavenger receptor CD163 (sCD163) as markers of subtle inflammation in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) without clinical cardiovascular (CV) disease and to evaluate their relationship with arterial stiffness (AS).MethodsSixty-eight patients with T1DM and 68 age and sex-matched, healthy subjects were evaluated. Anthropometrical variables and CV risk factors were recorded. Serum concentrations of sTWEAK and sCD163 were measured. AS was assessed by aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV). All statistical analyses were stratified by gender.ResultsT1DM patients showed lower serum concentrations of sTWEAK (Men: 1636.5 (1146.3–3754.8) pg/mL vs. 765.9 (650.4–1097.1) pg/mL; p<0.001. Women: 1401.0 (788.0–2422.2) pg/mL vs. 830.1 (562.6–1175.9) pg/mL; p = 0.011) compared with their respective controls. Additionally, T1DM men had higher serum concentrations of sCD163 (285.0 (247.7–357.1) ng/mL vs. 224.8 (193.3–296.5) ng/mL; p = 0.012) compared with their respective controls. sTWEAK correlated negatively with aPWV in men (r = −0.443; p<0.001). However, this association disappeared after adjusting for potential confounders. In men, the best multiple linear regression model showed that the independent predictors of sTWEAK were T1DM and WHR (R2 = 0.640; p<0.001). In women, T1DM and SBP were the independent predictors for sTWEAK (R2 = 0.231; p = 0.001).ConclusionsTWEAK is decreased in T1DM patients compared with age and sex-matched healthy subjects after adjusting for classic CV risk factors, although sTWEAK levels may be partially influenced by some of them. Additionally, T1DM men have higher serum concentrations of sCD163. These results point out an association between the inflammatory system and CV risk in T1DM.
Highlights
Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the major cause of mortality in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) [1]
Sixty-eight patients with T1DM (34 men and 34 women) aged 18–65 years, and 68 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were included in our study
T1DM men had higher serum concentrations of scavenger receptor CD163 (sCD163) compared with their respective controls
Summary
Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the major cause of mortality in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) [1]. As much as 10% of premature coronary artery disease morbidity and mortality in the general population is due to T1DM, but conventional CV risk factors (CVRF) account for no more than 25% of the excess CV disease risk [2]. T1DM subjects, a score of TNF-a, IL-6 and CRP has been associated with CV disease [4], focusing attention on chronic inflammation mediated by cytokines in T1DM CV disease. TWEAK plasma levels are diminished in patients with carotid atherosclerosis [6], coronary and peripheral artery disease [7,8] or in atherosclerotic associated diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2DM) or end-stage renal disease [9]. The mechanisms leading to lower TWEAK plasma levels in subjects with atherosclerosis remain poorly understood
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
