Gene expression profile of IL-18 and renalase in patients with recent-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus and their influence on Cardiorenal Syndrome

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with increased cardiovascular and renal risk, highlighting the need for early biomarkers such as IL-18 and renalase. METHOD: Cross-sectional study including 63 individuals (26 T2DM and 37 controls). Clinical, glycemic, lipid and inflammatory parameters were assessed, as well as IL-18 and renalase gene expression by RT-qPCR. Statistical analyses included comparative tests, Spearman correlation and multiple regression. RESULTS: The T2DM group showed higher age (p=0.012), as well as increased glucose and HbA1c levels (p<0.001). Triglycerides were higher (p=0.003) and HDL was lower (p=0.018), with no difference in LDL. Microalbuminuria was increased in T2DM (p=0.041), with no change in creatinine. Renalase expression was higher in T2DM (p=0.0406), while IL-18 showed no difference (p=0.1833). Positive correlations were found between HbA1c and triglycerides (ρ=0.38; p=0.006), glucose and renalase (ρ=0.29; p=0.031), and HbA1c and renalase (ρ=0.41; p=0.004). In multiple regression, age was an independent predictor of HbA1c (p=0.004), and renalase remained associated with T2DM. DISCUSSION: These findings indicate that T2DM is associated with metabolic alterations and increased renalase expression, related to glycemic control, suggesting its potential as an early cardiometabolic biomarker, while IL-18 was not significantly associated.