Endocrine Abstracts

Objective: Osteopontin (OPN) is a proinflamatory cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. Adiponectin (ADP), an adipocyte-derived vasoactive and insulin-sensitizing peptide, exerts anti-inflamatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects on endotheliocytes. We aimed at determining in type 2 diabetes patients the relationship between serum OPN, serum ADP and either lower-limb atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and/or mediacalcinosis (MC).

Research design and methods: Serum OPN and ADP were determined in 60 adult patients with type 2 diabetes using an ELISA method. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1: PAD(−)/MC(−) (n=19); group 2: PAD(+)/MC(−) (n=18); and group 3: PAD(+/−)/MC(+) (n=23).

Results: Serum OPN and ADP were significantly increased in group 3 (patients with mediocalcinosis) versus group 2 (atherosclerosis) or group 1 (without macrovascular disease) (Table).

There were no significant correlations between osteopontin and HBA1c nor HOMA insulin sensitivity of B-cell function. Significant correlations were found between serum OPN and homocysteine (P=0.04), serum adiponectin (P=0.03) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (Cockcroft-Gault’s formula; P=0.03).

Conclusion: Among type 2 diabetic patients, the circulating levels of both osteopontin and adiponectin were significantly increased in patients with lower-limb mediacalcinosis compared to those free of both peripheral arterial disease and mediacalcinosis or presenting only with lower-limb atherosclerosis.