Evaluation of platelet indices and pro-inflammatory cytokines in type 2 diabetic patients with retinopathy

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to investigate whether platelet parameters and pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with platelet activation could be surrogate markers of the diabetic retinopathy stages in type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: This prospective case-control study included 108 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and 48 healthy controls. After fundoscopic examination, patients were divided into three groups: no retinopathy, nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, or proliferative retinopathy. Platelet selectin, interleukin-1alpha, and interleukin-6 values were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance formula was used to assess insulin resistance in patients. RESULTS: Mean platelet volume was lower and interleukin-1alpha was higher in the patients compared to the healthy controls (p=0.046 and p<0.001, respectively). In addition, a positive correlation between the platelet distribution width and HbA1C levels was observed in the patients (r=0.334, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In the studies evaluating the utility of platelet indices and the associated cytokines in diabetic retinopathy, there is a need for the standardization of the measurements. All medications that can affect platelet activation should be taken into consideration.

Comment on “Evaluation of platelet indices and pro-inflammatory cytokines in type 2 diabetic patients with retinopathy”

“…First, as described in Table 1 of Kucuk's study 1 , it is evident that the type 2 diabetic patients’ ages were markedly higher in comparison to the healthy controls (54.18±9.61 versus 50.04±8.93, p=0.012). This discrepancy hints at a significant age distinction between the two groups.…”

“…We read with great interest the recent study by Kucuk et al 1 , which investigated the relationship between platelet indices, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the presence of retinopathy in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This research offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between diabetes, retinopathy, and inflammatory markers.…”

Frontiers in Understanding the Pathological Mechanism of Diabetic Retinopathy

“…Platelet deposition in the vasculature of people with DR is secondary to endothelial cell death caused by leukocytes, subsequently affecting the BRB. Thus, platelet activation and its activated cytokines may be potential biomarkers of DR [21].…”