Plasma Apelin Levels and Thiol/Disulfide Balance in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: The main objective of this research is to investigate the relationship between the plasma apelin concentrations, oxidative stress biomarkers (dynamic thiol/disulfide balance), and albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: The study was carried out with 87 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 24 age- and sex-matched healthy control group. Serum apelin concentrations were studied using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Colorimetric method was used to determine native and total thiol levels. Concentrations of spot urine albumin and creatinine were measured to calculate the albumin creatinine ratio (mg/g).

Results: Serum apelin concentrations were significantly lower in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus compared to the control group (P < .001). Native and total thiol ratios were also significantly lower in diabetic patients compared to healthy patients (P < .001). The calculated disulfide levels of the patients and control groups were similar (P = .182). A negative and significant correlation was detected between serum apelin concentrations, and glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels in diabetic patients (r = −0.272, P = .004, r = −0.280, P = .003, respectively). A negative and significant correlation was also observed between native and total thiol levels and albumin (r = −0.338, P = .001, r = −0.328, P = .001, respectively).

Conclusion: We found significantly lowered serum apelin concentrations and native and total thiol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. An association was also observed between serum apelin concentrations and glycemic control. The role of apelin and thiol/disulfide balance in diabetic kidney disease requires more detailed studies.

Cite this article as: Gezici Güneş Ü, Turgut F, Erdal H, Doğan S. Plasma apelin levels and thiol/disulfide balance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Turk J Nephrol. 2023;32(3):203-208.