Serum ceramide and meteorin-like protein as potential biomarkers of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Serum ceramide and meteorin-like protein as potential biomarkers of type 2 diabetes mellitusT ype 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic, multisystem disorder and a major global public health issue that steadily declines the quality of life.In the twenty-first century, T2D has become one of the most significant epidemics due to its continually rising incidence.T2D patients often remain untreated for years because of the lack of early severe symptoms and the gradual progression of the disease, which lacks typical hyperglycemia manifestations, such as weight loss and dehydration [1].Hypertension and dyslipidemia are some of the most common cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors [2].An important area in clinical and public health research is understanding the correlation between various phases of glucose intolerance and serum lipid patterns, which has the potential to inform future prevention strategies for diabetes mellitus (DM) and related outcomes. Objectives:The recent research aims to detect ceramide and meteorin-like proteins as potential markers for identifying type 2 diabetes and monitoring its progression.Methods: A cross-sectional study included three groups: type 2 diabetes without hypertension, type 2 diabetes with hypertension, and healthy control groups.Serum ceramide, meteorin-like protein, insulin, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, and hemoglobin A1c levels were measured.Results: Higher concentrations of ceramide, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance were observed in both type 2 diabetes groups compared to the healthy control group.In the type 2 diabetes group with hypertension, total cholesterol was elevated compared to the other study groups; however, the concentration of low/very-low-density lipoprotein was statistically higher than in the healthy control group.Serum meteorin-like protein was statistically lower in the type 2 diabetes group with hypertension than in the other study groups and positively correlated with fasting blood glucose in type 2 diabetes with hypertension.The ceramide level showed a significant positive correlation with meteorin-like protein across all study groups and with systolic blood pressure in the type 2 diabetes group with hypertension.In type 2 diabetes without hypertension, ceramide negatively correlated with the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and fasting blood glucose.Conclusion: Elevated ceramide levels could accelerate type 2 diabetes progression.Meteorin-like protein levels were lower in type 2 diabetes with hypertension and higher in type 2 diabetes without hypertension.It positively correlated with fasting blood glucose in type 2 diabetes with hypertension, suggesting that meteorin-like protein may play a potential role in glycemic and blood pressure control.