The Role of Nonspecific Inflammation in the Development of Diabetic Polyneuropathy

Abstract— Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common complication of diabetes and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiological mechanisms leading to the development of DPN have not been fully studied and are still debatable. Currently, immune-mediated mechanisms of its development are being discussed. The aim of this study was to estimate the content of TNF-α in the blood serum of patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) complicated by DPN and to assess the significance of this factor in the development and progression of DPN. An open comparative study was conducted with the participation of 83 patients with DM2 of different duration. In patients with clinical manifestations of DPN and long-term course of DM2 (group 2), the level of TNF-α was significantly higher compared to patients with DM2 and duration of DPN less than 2 years. Both studied groups of patients with DM2 and DPN had a higher level of TNF-α in comparison with the control group. Our data indicate a more aggressive immune-mediated process that develops with a longer duration of DM2 and makes a negative contribution to the functioning of the peripheral nerve fiber.