Serum long noncoding RNA human plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) expression levels in Egyptians type 2 diabetic patients and its correlation with severity of diabetic nephropathy

Continuous rise in the global incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been associated with a marked increase in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Despite that, the clinical markers that are currently used for diagnosing diabetic nephropathy (DN) still not reliable. In recent years, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have drawn growing attention, with accumulating evidence linking their dysregulated expression to the onset and progression of DKD. This study aimed to assess serum lncRNA PVT1 expression in Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and evaluate its association with the progression and severity of diabetic kidney disease. A total of 80 adults were enrolled and divided into four groups (20 each): three type 2 diabetes mellitus groups stratified by urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR; normal, moderately increased, and severely increased) and one healthy control group. Diabetic patients were further classified by fundus examination into those with and without retinopathy. All participants underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation, and serum lncRNA PVT1 expression was quantified using real-time PCR. Serum lncRNA PVT1 expression was markedly elevated in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to healthy controls, with significantly higher levels observed in G3 relative to G1. A significant positive correlation was found between PVT1 expression and UACR, serum creatinine, age, BMI, fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial glucose, and HbA1c. Conversely, PVT1 demonstrated a significant negative correlation with eGFR, ALT, and platelet count. Notably, PVT1 emerged as the sole independent predictor of proteinuria among diabetic patients. lncRNA PVT1 is significantly overexpressed in T2DM patients and correlates with glycemic status and renal dysfunction. It serves as a potential reliable biomarker for DKD severity and progression and represents a potential therapeutic target. Not applicable.