Soluble plasma proteins ST2 and CD163 as early biomarkers of nephropathy in Swedish patients with diabetes, 15-34 years of age: a prospective cohort study

Nanopore-based full-length transcriptome sequencing for understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of rapid and slow progression of diabetes nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) has been a major factor in the outbreak of end-stage renal disease for decades. As the underlying mechanisms of DN development remains unclear, there is no ideal methods for the diagnosis and therapy.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to explore the key genes and pathways that affect the rate progression of DN.

METHODS

Nanopore-based full-length transcriptome sequencing was performed with serum samples from DN patients with slow progression (DNSP, n = 5) and rapid progression (DNRP, n = 6).

RESULTS

Here, transcriptome proclaimed 22,682 novel transcripts and obtained 45,808 simple sequence repeats, 1,815 transcription factors, 5,993 complete open reading frames, and 1,050 novel lncRNA from the novel transcripts. Moreover, a total of 341 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) and 456 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the DNSP and DNRP groups were identified. Functional analyses showed that DETs mainly involved in ferroptosis-related pathways such as oxidative phosphorylation, iron ion binding, and mitophagy. Moreover, Functional analyses revealed that DEGs mainly involved in oxidative phosphorylation, lipid metabolism, ferroptosis, autophagy/mitophagy, apoptosis/necroptosis pathway.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, our study provided a full-length transcriptome data source for the future DN research, and facilitate a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the differences in fast and slow progression of DN.

Cluster of differentiation molecules in the metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a significant public health concern due to its association with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other serious health conditions. Despite extensive research, the underlying molecular mechanisms contributing to MetS pathogenesis remain elusive. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms linking MetS and cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, which play critical roles in immune regulation and cellular signaling. Through an extensive literature review with a systematic approach, we examine the involvement of various CD markers in MetS development and progression, including their roles in adipose tissue inflammation, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Additionally, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting CD markers for the management of MetS. By synthesizing current evidence, this review contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between immune dysregulation and metabolic dysfunction in MetS, paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic interventions.

CD163 as a Potential Biomarker-associated Immune Inflammation in Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Bioinformatics Analysis

BACKGROUND

Several studies have identified CD163 as a potential mediator of diabetes mellitus through an immune-inflammation. Further study is necessary to identify its specific mechanism.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aimed to investigate CD163 as a potential biomarker associated with immune inflammation in diabetes mellitus through a systematic review and bioinformatics analysis.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Embase databases with a time limit of September 2, 2022. Furthermore, we conducted a systematic search and review based on PRISMA guidelines. Additionally, diabetic gene expression microarray datasets GSE29221, GSE30528, GSE30529, and GSE20966 were downloaded from the GEO database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo) for bioinformatics analysis. The PROSPERO number for this study is CRD420222347160.

RESULTS

Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven articles included 1607 patients, comprising 912 diabetic patients and 695 non-diabetic patients. This systematic review found significantly higher levels of CD163 in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic patients. People with diabetes had higher levels of CRP expression compared to the control group. Similarly, two of the three papers that used TNF- α as an outcome indicator showed higher expression levels in diabetic patients. Furthermore, IL-6 expression levels were higher in diabetic patients than in the control group. A total of 62 samples were analyzed by bioinformatics (33 case controls and 29 experimental groups), and 85 differential genes were identified containing CD163. According to the immune cell correlation analysis, CD163 was associated with macrophage M2, γδ T lymphocytes, macrophage M1, and other immune cells. Furthermore, to evaluate the diagnostic performance of CD163, we validated it using the GSE20966 dataset. In the validation set, CD163 showed high diagnostic accuracy.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests CD163 participates in the inflammatory immune response associated with diabetes mellitus and its complications by involving several immune cells. Furthermore, the results suggest CD163 may be a potential biomarker reflecting immune inflammation in diabetic mellitus.

Circulating soluble CD163 as a potential biomarker of diabetes complications

AIMS

To investigate whether soluble CD163 (sCD163) is altered in those with diabetes and various subtypes of complications and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and whether it can assess disease complications and severity in people with diabetes.

METHODS

Adults with diabetes (n = 101) were recruited and assessed for the presence of any complications (D^+Comps). Liver steatosis presence was determined by ultrasound and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography. Liver pathology other than non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was excluded. Plasma sCD163 was measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

sCD163 was higher in D^+Comps (n = 59) compared to D^-comps (n = 42) in those with microvascular complications (n = 56; 1.3-fold), including a 1.4-fold increase in chronic kidney disease (CKD) (n = 42). sCD163 correlated positively with HbA_1c and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio and negatively with HDL-c in D^+Comps. sCD163 was increased 1.7-fold in those with advanced NASH fibrosis (LSM ≥ 10.3 kPa, n = 19) compared to those without (LSM < 10.3 kPa, n = 80). The AUC-ROC-curve was 0.64 for sCD163 to detect CKD and 0.74 to detect advanced NASH fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the elevated circulating sCD163 occurred in people with diabetes who had microvascular complications or advanced NASH fibrosis, suggesting sCD163 may have clinical utility as a biomarker in certain diabetes complications and disease severity in NAFLD.

Soluble ST2 as a New Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Marker in Metabolic Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a complex and prevalent disorder. Oxidative stress and inflammation might contribute to the progression of MS. Soluble ST2 (sST2) is an attractive and druggable molecule that sits at the interface between inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis. This study aims to analyze the relationship among sST2, oxidative stress, inflammation and echocardiographic parameters in MS patients.

METHODS

Fifty-eight patients with MS were recruited and underwent physical, laboratory and transthoracic echocardiography examinations. Commercial ELISA and appropriate colorimetric assays were used to quantify serum levels of oxidative stress and inflammation markers and sST2.

RESULTS

Circulating sST2 was increased in MS patients and was significantly correlated with the oxidative stress markers nitrotyrosine and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine as well as with peroxide levels. The inflammatory parameters interleukin-6, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and myeloperoxidase were positively correlated with sST2. Noteworthy, sST2 was positively correlated with left ventricular mass, filling pressures and pulmonary arterial pressures.

CONCLUSION

Circulating levels of sST2 are associated with oxidative stress and inflammation burden and may underlie the pathological remodeling and dysfunction of the heart in MS patients. Our results suggest that sST2 elevation precedes diastolic dysfunction, emerging as an attractive biotarget in MS.

Relationship between soluble protein ST2 (sST2) levels and microvascular complications in a cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes

AIM

To determine the association and the prognostic value of soluble ST2 (sST2) levels in the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic macular oedema (DMO) or diabetic nephropathy (DN), in a cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

A total of 269 individuals with T1D (154 males and 115 females) were recruited. The overall mean age was 43.2±14.9 years, and the diabetes duration was 17.1±12.1 years. Levels of sST2 in serum were evaluated, and the presence as well as the degree of DR, DMO and DN was recorded. Additionally, other clinical and analytical parameters including demographic variables were recovered from patients' electronic health record. Ten years later, the presence and stage of DR, DMO and DN were again recorded under the same criteria. The association between previously mentioned parameters with DR and DN was analysed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The variables in the final multivariate models were adjusted from complete models via backward elimination and maintained only when significant.

RESULTS

An increase of 10ng/ml in the levels of sST2 was associated with a 1.50 (1.02-2.19) and 1.48 (1.05-2.08) prevalence odds ratio (OR) in DMO and DR, respectively. There was no association between sST2 levels and DN. Meanwhile, sST2 levels did not display a prognostic effect in any of the microangiopathic diabetic complications studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Levels of sST2 are associated with the presence of DR and DMO, they do not seem to be predictive for the development or deterioration of DR, DMO or DN.

Alterations of CD163 expression in the complications of diabetes: A systematic review

AIMS

Diabetes mellitus is a state of chronic low-grade inflammation. Scavenger receptor CD163, expressed on monocyte/macrophage cells with anti-inflammatory functions, has been observed in diabetes complications. This review aimed to systematically survey human studies published until 31st January 2022 for CD163 expression, in particular diabetes complications and additionally to investigate whether CD163 may be implicated as a biomarker of, and mediator in, the progression of diabetes complications.

METHODS

A systematic literature search undertaken in Scopus, Embase and Medline established 79 papers of relevance. Data extraction and assessment followed the PRISMA workflow.

RESULTS

Based on specific criteria, 11 studies totalling 821 participants were included in this review. CD163 was quantified in various forms including soluble, cell surface, and mRNA measures. This review found that soluble CD163 was upregulated in diabetes complications in various local body fluids and systemically in plasma or serum and therefore implicated in the progression of those complications. CD163+ cells and mRNA were variably expressed across diabetes complications.

CONCLUSIONS

CD163 was altered in series of diabetes complications and the circulating sCD163 has potential utility as an inflammation biomarker. The variable expression of CD163 on cell surfaces and its mRNA across different diabetes complications warrants further systematic investigation.

Relationship between soluble protein ST2 (sST2) levels and microvascular complications in a cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes

AIM

To determine the association and the prognostic value of soluble ST2 (sST2) levels in the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic macular oedema (DMO) or diabetic nephropathy (DN), in a cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

A total of 269 individuals with T1D (154 males and 115 females) were recruited. The overall mean age was 43.2±14.9 years, and the diabetes duration was 17.1±12.1 years. Levels of sST2 in serum were evaluated, and the presence as well as the degree of DR, DMO and DN was recorded. Additionally, other clinical and analytical parameters including demographic variables were recovered from patients' electronic health record. Ten years later, the presence and stage of DR, DMO and DN were again recorded under the same criteria. The association between previously mentioned parameters with DR and DN was analysed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The variables in the final multivariate models were adjusted from complete models via backward elimination and maintained only when significant.

RESULTS

An increase of 10ng/ml in the levels of sST2 was associated with a 1.50 (1.02-2.19) and 1.48 (1.05-2.08) prevalence odds ratio (OR) in DMO and DR, respectively. There was no association between sST2 levels and DN. Meanwhile, sST2 levels did not display a prognostic effect in any of the microangiopathic diabetic complications studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Levels of sST2 are associated with the presence of DR and DMO, they do not seem to be predictive for the development or deterioration of DR, DMO or DN.

Role of Macrophages and Related Cytokines in Kidney Disease

Inflammation is a key characteristic of kidney disease, but this immune response is two-faced. In the acute phase of kidney injury, there is an activation of the immune cells to fight against the insult, contributing to kidney repair and regeneration. However, in chronic kidney diseases (CKD), immune cells that infiltrate the kidney play a deleterious role, actively participating in disease progression, and contributing to nephron loss and fibrosis. Importantly, CKD is a chronic inflammatory disease. In early CKD stages, patients present sub-clinical inflammation, activation of immune circulating cells and therefore, anti-inflammatory strategies have been proposed as a common therapeutic target for renal diseases. Recent studies have highlighted the plasticity of immune cells and the complexity of their functions. Among immune cells, monocytes/macrophages play an important role in all steps of kidney injury. However, the phenotype characterization between human and mice immune cells showed different markers; therefore the extrapolation of experimental studies in mice could not reflect human renal diseases. Here we will review the current information about the characteristics of different macrophage phenotypes, mainly focused on macrophage-related cytokines, with special attention to the chemokine CCL18, and its murine functional homolog CCL8, and the macrophage marker CD163, and their role in kidney pathology.

The pro-inflammatory marker soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (ST2) is reduced especially in diabetic morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

High soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (sST2) is a marker of poor prognosis in chronic inflammatory conditions. ST2 and its ligand interleukin (IL)-33 are elevated in adipose tissue of obese individuals. We aimed to evaluate circulating sST2 and IL-33 as possible markers of metabolic benefit in morbidly overweight patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) bariatric surgery.

METHODS

sST2, IL-33, high sensitive IL-6, high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), leptin, cholesterol metabolism and liver parameters were measured in 80 morbidly obese individuals before and 1 year after bariatric surgery.

RESULTS

sST2 was higher (P = 0.03) in diabetics as compared to individuals without diabetes. Baseline sST2 was also higher in males than in females (P= 0.0002). One year after bariatric surgery, sST2 levels were decreased (median 120, IQR 59-176 pg/mL) as compared to sST2 before surgery (median 141, IQR 111-181, P = 0.0024), and the diabetic group showed most pronounced reduction in sST2 (P = 0.0016). An association was found between sST2 and liver function parameters before and after bariatric surgery, and between baseline sST2 and total cholesterol, triglyceride, total low density lipoprotein (LDL), small dense LDL, Apolipoprotein B as well as with small dense high density lipoproteins (HDL). In the subgroup of diabetic patients positive correlation between IL-33 and sST2 (r = 0.44, P = 0.05) was noticed.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating sST2 is associated with markers of liver functions and lipid metabolism in severely obese patients and a reduction of sST2 was shown after successful bariatric surgery, most prominently in diabetic patients.

Soluble ST2 is associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case-control study

Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) is a free form of membrane-bound ST2, which is a member of the interleukin-1 receptor family. Previous research has shown that sST2 is associated with diabetes, but cardiovascular risk factors have not been established.To analyze the relationship between sST2 and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).After screening, a total of 118 subjects with T2DM were divided into 2 groups according to the measurement of CIMT (normal CIMT (NCIMT), n = 58; abnormal CIMT (ACIMT), n = 60), and 60 healthy subjects (normal control (NC), n = 60) were recruited in this study. CIMT was measured by a color Doppler ultrasound, and sST2 and other metabolic parameters were measured as well.The median concentration of sST2 was elevated in the ACIMT group (31.30 ng/ml) compared with the NCIMT group (28.29 ng/ml, P < .01) and the NC group (20.15 ng/ml, P < .01). After adjustment for age and sex, log sST2 was strongly associated with smoking history (β = 0.197, 95% CI, 0.084-0.311, P < .01), FPG level (β = 0.302, 95% CI, 0.162-0.442, P < .01) and HbA1c level (β = 0.296, 95% CI, 0.165-0.426, P < .01) and negatively correlated with HDL level (β = -0.153, 95% CI, -0.259 to -0.046, P < .01). Furthermore, sST2 level was a risk factor for increased CIMT in patients with T2DM.Increased sST2 level not only was associated with indicators of glucose and lipid metabolism but also was a risk factor for increased CIMT in patients with T2DM. Thus, sST2 may be a potential novel marker to assess the progression of diabetic macrovascular complications.

Identification of key biomarkers in diabetic nephropathy via bioinformatic analysis

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of end-stage renal disease. Although intense efforts have been made to elucidate the pathogenesis, the molecular mechanisms of DN remain to be clarified. To identify the candidate genes in the progression of DN, microarray datasets GSE30122, GSE30528, and GSE47183 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and function enrichment analyses were performed. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed and the module analysis was performed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes and Cytoscape. A total of 61 DEGs were identified. The enriched functions and pathways of the DEGs included glomerulus development, extracellular exosome, collagen binding, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Fifteen hub genes were identified and biological process analysis revealed that these genes were mainly enriched in acute inflammatory response, inflammatory response, and blood vessel development. Correlation analysis between unexplored hub genes and clinical features of DN suggested that COL6A3, MS4A6A,PLCE1, TNNC1, TNNI1, TNN2, and VSIG4 may involve in the progression of DN. In conclusion, DEGs and hub genes identified in this study may deepen our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of DN, and provide candidate targets for diagnosis and treatment of DN.

Prognostication of clinical outcomes in diabetes mellitus: Emerging role of cardiac biomarkers

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains substantial health problem and one of the most prevalent metabolic diseases worldwide. The impact of T2DM on CV mortality and morbidity is embedded through a nature evolution of the disease and is modulated by numerous risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia. There is large body of evidence regarding use of the cardiac biomarkers to risk stratification at higher CV risk individuals who belongs to general population and cohort with established CV disease. Although T2DM patients have higher incidence of cardiac and vascular complications than the general population, whether cardiac biomarkers would be effective to risk stratification of the T2DM is not fully understood. The aim of the review is to summarize our knowledge regarding clinical implementation of cardiac biomarkers in risk assessment for T2DM patients. The role of natriuretic peptides, soluble ST2, galectin-3, growth differentiation factor-15, and cardiac troponins are widely discussed.

IL33/ST2 Axis in Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Literature Review

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a cytokine belonging to the IL-1 family, playing a role in inflammatory, infectious and autoimmune diseases and expressed in the cellular nucleus in several tissues. High levels of IL-33 are expressed in epithelial barrier tissues and endothelial barriers. ST2 is a receptor for IL-33, expressed selectively on a subset of Th2 cells, mediating some of their functions. The IL-33/ST2 axis plays an important role in several acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, including asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Different disorders are related to the activity of IL-33, ST2, or their axis, including cardiovascular disease or renal disturbances. Therefore, in the present work, a literature review was conducted, covering the period from 1 January 2000 to 30 November 2018, in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar database, to assess the involvement of the IL-33/ST2 axis in diabetic kidney disease. 6 articles directly dealing with the argument were identified, highlighting a clear link between IL-33/ST2 axis and diabetic kidney disease or related nephropathy. Overall, the involvement of ST2 seems to be more predictive than IL-33, especially in investigating the deterioration of kidney function; however, both compounds are pivotal in the field of renal diseases. Future studies are required to confirm the scientific evidences on larger and more heterogeneous cohorts.

Novel heart failure biomarkers: why do we fail to exploit their potential?

Plasma biomarkers are useful tools in the diagnosis and prognosis of heart failure (HF). In the last decade, numerous studies have aimed to identify novel HF biomarkers that would provide superior and/or additional diagnostic, prognostic, or stratification utility. Although numerous biomarkers have been identified, their implementation in clinical practice has so far remained largely unsuccessful. Whereas cardiac-specific biomarkers, including natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP) and high sensitivity troponins (hsTn), are widely used in clinical practice, other biomarkers have not yet proven their utility. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) are the only novel HF biomarkers that are included in the ACC/AHA HF guidelines, but their clinical utility still needs to be demonstrated. In this review, we will describe natriuretic peptides, hsTn, and novel HF biomarkers, including Gal-3, sST2, human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP-7), heart fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP), soluble CD146 (sCD146), interleukin-6 (IL-6), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), procalcitonin (PCT), adrenomedullin (ADM), microRNAs (miRNAs), and metabolites like 5-oxoproline. We will discuss the biology of these HF biomarkers and conclude that most of them are markers of general pathological processes like fibrosis, cell death, and inflammation, and are not cardiac- or HF-specific. These characteristics explain to a large degree why it has been difficult to relate these biomarkers to a single disease. We propose that, in addition to clinical investigations, it will be pivotal to perform comprehensive preclinical biomarker investigations in animal models of HF in order to fully reveal the potential of these novel HF biomarkers.