Association of Serum Prolactin With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study From South India

Abstract

Background: The association of serum prolactin (PRL) with diabetes is still uncertain, with a paucity of data in the south Indian population. This study aims to compare the serum PRL levels between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and normoglycaemic volunteers and correlate the serum PRL level with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and the lipid profile in the study population. Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional study among 112 T2DM participants and 112 healthy volunteers in a tertiary care centre in India. All participants were tested for FPG, PPG, HbA1c, fasting serum lipid profile, and serum PRL, which were compared between T2DM patients and healthy volunteers. Results: The serum PRL in T2DM patients was significantly lower compared to healthy volunteers (8.67 ± 4.37 vs. 13.76 ± 6.55 ng/ml, P < 0.001). FPG, PPG, and HbA1c correlated inversely with serum PRL in our study population. On multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age and sex, a higher serum PRL level within the physiological range was protective for T2DM (adjusted odds ratio: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.77-0.90, P < 0.001). Serum PRL levels were inversely correlated with serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides, but not with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Conclusions: A high serum PRL within the physiological range was inversely associated with the prevalence of T2DM in the south Indian population. Serum PRL also correlated inversely with glycaemic and blood lipid parameters. Larger longitudinal studies are required to further validate the association of serum PRL with various components of metabolic syndrome in the south Indian population.

Effect of honey bee venom on the histological changes of testes and hormonal disturbance in diabetic mice

“…BV=Bee venom, SEM=Standard error of the mean FSH, and LH levels and an elevated level of prolactin [40,41]. However, some studies showed a reduced level of testosterone and prolactin [42,43] and an increased level of LH with no change in the FSH level [43]. The latter results are in line with this study's results.…”

The interplay between prolactin and cardiovascular disease

“…In the normoprolactinemic population in general, higher PRL levels within the normal range were associated with improved insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, and lower prevalence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome ( 85 – 88 ). Nevertheless, some studies showed that PRL levels were inversely associated with T2D risk ( 89 , 90 ), particularly in women ( 91 , 92 ), while others show a positive or no association in clinical cohorts including men and women ( 93 , 94 ). A recent meta-analysis ( 95 ) reported that a higher PRL level within the normal range was associated with reduced risk of prevalence but not incidence T2D.…”