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Association of the IGF1/pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A system and adipocytokine levels with the presence and the morphology of carotid plaques in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with stable glycaemic control.

OBJECTIVE
Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) has been implicated in the atherosclerotic process through regulation of local expression of IGF1. In type 2 diabetes mellitus, glycaemic control has been involved in PAPP-A expression. We compared PAPP-A, IGF1, inflammatory markers and adiponectin concentrations in type 2 diabetic patients with and without carotid plaques and evaluated the relationship between these serum parameters and ultrasound carotid markers of atherosclerosis.


METHODS
We studied 125 consecutive type 2 diabetic patients. Clinical data, metabolic variables, hemostatic factors (plasma type-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor, fibrinogen), high-ultrasensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, adiponectin, IGF1 and PAPP-A were determined. Patients were classified into two groups according to the presence of carotid plaques on ultrasound. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and morphology of carotid plaques were evaluated.


RESULTS
The mean age was 61.5+/-7.3 years and the mean glycated hemoglobin of 6.8+/-0.9%. A total of 60% presented carotid plaques. Both groups were homogeneous in anthropometric data, biochemical determinations and hemostatic factors. Adiponectin, hsCRP, TNF-alpha and IL-6 were similar in both groups. No differences were observed in serum PAPP-A (0.46 (0.22-0.86) vs 0.38 (0.18-0.66) mIU/l and in SDS IGF1 (-0.34+/-1.38 vs -0.67+/-1.35)) in patients with and without carotid plaques respectively. PAPP-A and IGF1 were not correlated with IMT.


CONCLUSIONS
Serum PAPP-A and IGF1 do not appear to be useful serum biomarkers for carotid atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetic patients with stable glycemic control, despite scientific evidence of their local role in atherosclerosis.