Integrated biomarker analysis in type 2 diabetes: soluble CD36, glycine, homocysteine, miR-375, and miR-126

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia resulting from insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, and is associated with an increased risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications. The early detection and prognosis of these complications remain difficult to diagnose and, therefore, require reliable biomarkers. Thus, this study aimed at assessing the diagnostic and prognostic values of sCD36, miR-375, miR-126, glycine, and homocysteine in T2DM patients, and their associations with metabolic and vascular dysfunction. Despite extensive studies, there is still a great need for the discovery of early biomarkers of diabetic complications. This may be important in improving risk stratification and personalized treatment. These biomarkers could perhaps help further in early diagnosis, monitoring of disease progression, and guiding therapeutic interventions, thereby improving patient outcomes. A prospective observational study (July–October 2024) included 180 participants (90 T2DM patients, 90 controls). Biomarkers were assayed in blood samples by ELISA and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Correlation matrices, regression, and comparative tests were used for relationships studies with HbA1c, BMI, lipid profile, and complications such as nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. T2DM patients showed significantly elevated sCD36 (∼600 ng/mL), homocysteine (∼70 μmol/L), and miR-375 (3.81-fold increase), while glycine and miR-126 were decreased. sCD36 was highly associated with homocysteine (r = 0.71), indicating vascular oxidative stress. Glycine was inversely correlated with sCD36 and miR-375. miR-126 was downregulated and inversely related to HbA1c, cholesterol, and creatinine, indicating its involvement in metabolic impairment. These biomarkers, taken together, offer a comprehensive insight into pathophysiology, disease progression, and complications in T2DM. Their use would be very promising for early detection, risk stratification, and tailored therapy and justifies their inclusion in regular diabetic checkups for better patient management.