Gene expression profile of IL-18 and renalase in patients with recent-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus and their influence on Cardiorenal Syndrome

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with increased cardiovascular and renal risk, highlighting the need for early biomarkers such as IL-18 and renalase.

Method

Cross-sectional study including 63 individuals (26 T2DM and 37 controls). Clinical, glycemic, lipid and inflammatory parameters were assessed, as well as IL-18 and renalase gene expression by RT-qPCR. Statistical analyses included comparative tests, Spearman correlation and multiple regression.

Results

The T2DM group showed higher age (p=0.012), as well as increased glucose and HbA1c levels (p<0.001). Triglycerides were higher (p=0.003) and HDL was lower (p=0.018), with no difference in LDL. Microalbuminuria was increased in T2DM (p=0.041), with no change in creatinine. Renalase expression was higher in T2DM (p=0.0406), while IL-18 showed no difference (p=0.1833). Positive correlations were found between HbA1c and triglycerides (ρ=0.38; p=0.006), glucose and renalase (ρ=0.29; p=0.031), and HbA1c and renalase (ρ=0.41; p=0.004). In multiple regression, age was an independent predictor of HbA1c (p=0.004), and renalase remained associated with T2DM.

Discussion

These findings indicate that T2DM is associated with metabolic alterations and increased renalase expression, related to glycemic control, suggesting its potential as an early cardiometabolic biomarker, while IL-18 was not significantly associated.