Neuropathy-specific alterations in a Mexican population of diabetic patients

Abstract

Background: Neuropathy is one of the major complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our first aim was to determine the clinical characteristics of a population of diabetic patients with different types of neuropathy. Our next goal was to characterize the cytokine profile (IL-6 and IL-10), nerve growth factor (NGF) and circulating celladhesion molecules in these patients. Finally, we aimed to compare the renal function among the groups of neuropathic patients. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we included 217 diabetic patients classified in three groups: sensory polyneuropathy with hypoesthesia (DS h P) or hyperesthesia (DS H P), and motor neuropathy (DMN). Two control groups were included: one of 26 diabetic non-neuropathic patients (DNN), and the other of 375 non-diabetic (ND) healthy subjects. The participants were attending to the Mexican Institute of Social Security. Results: The circulating levels of NGF were significantly lower in diabetic patients, compared to healthy subjects. The range of IL-6 and IL-10 levels in neuropathic patients was higher than the control groups; however, several samples yielded null measurements. Neuropathic patients also showed increased circulating levels of the adhesion molecules ICAM, VCAM, and E-Selectin, compared to the ND group. Moreover, neuropathic patients showed reduced glomerular filtration rates compared to healthy subjects (82-103 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 , data as range from 25th-75th percentiles), especially in the group with DMN (45-76 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 ).

The association of cell adhesion molecules and selectins (VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, L-selectin, and P-selectin) with microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes: A follow-up study

“…Moreover, a significant increase in the levels of cell adhesion molecules and selectins were found in patients who developed diabetic neuropathy. Studies observed higher level of cell adhesion molecules in patients with diabetic neuropathy than without this complication (8,33).…”