Circulating Lipocalin-2 Levels Are Associated With Soluble Lectin-Like Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-1 Levels In Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus is associated with atherosclerotic and cardiovascular diseases. Our aim was to investigate the levels of lipocalin-2 (LCN-2) and soluble Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1(sLOX-1) levels in both diabetics and prediabetic with comparison to non-diabetic subjects. We also examined the association of LCN-2 with sLOX-1 and albuminuria Methods: One hundred forty-two subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 32 prediabetic subjects, 58 non-diabetic controls were consecutively enrolled in this study. LCN-2 and sLOX-1 levels were measured with ELISA assays. Results: LCN-2 levels didn't show significant difference between diabetics, prediabetic and control groups (p = 0.864). sLOX-1 levels were significantly lower in diabetic group (2.53 ng/mL, median) compared with prediabetic (2.84 ng/mL, median; p = 0.041) and control groups (3.00 ng/mL, median; p = 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that urinary albumin excretion and sLOX-1 were independently associated with LCN-2. When logistic regression analysis was performed LCN-2 was independent factor determining albuminuria (p = 0.021; OR, 1.001; (1.000-1.001) 95% CI). Conclusion: Our study provides the first clinical evidence demonstrating serum LCN-2 concentrations are independently associated with sLOX-1 levels which were found to be lower in type 2 diabetics unexpectedly. LCN-2 was also associated with albuminuria.