Neuroprotective and Neurodegenerative Markers in the Early Detection of Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a common and severe diabetes complication, is often misdiagnosed and poorly managed. To diagnose neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes, this study examined likely biochemical markers. Meanwhile, fibroblast growth factor (FGF1) and heat shock protein (HSP27) indicated that a nerve was safe. In contrast, semaphorin3A (Sema) and nerve filament light chain (NFL) indicated damage to a nerve. Objectives: This study investigated aims to find potential biomarkers for predicting and diagnosing diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPNP). Methods: A case-control study comprised 45 DPNP patients diagnosed with nerve conduction studies (NCS) diagnoses, 48 diabetic without neuropathy (DWNP) patients, and 45 healthy controls. The participants' ages ranged from 35 to 60. Serum FGF, HSP27, Sema3A, and NFL concentrations were measured using sandwich and competitive ELISA techniques. Results: DPNP group show elevation in HSP27 and Sema3 levels compared to those with DWNP group (p = 0.016, p = 0.027 respectively. The ROC curve (Receiver Operating Characteristic) showed the area under the curve (AUC) values between DPNP and DWNP groups, which was 0.469 for FGF1, 0.746 For HSP27, 0.783 for Sema, and 0.625 for NFL. besides that, the results indicate there is association between FGF1, Sem3A and neuropathy (β = -.010, p < 0.001, for FGF), (β = 3.007, p = < 0.001) for Sema3A, and a significant elevation was found in age and duration of injury with disease (β = .129, p < 0.001, for age, (β = .589, p < 0.001,) for duration. Conclusion: The results suggest that HSP27 and Sema3A can be used as biomarkers for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes. A notable correlation is observed between age, duration, and disease progression.