The role of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon-gamma in type 2 diabetes and its correlation with atherosclerosis

Background: Immunity plays a major role in the development of atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interferon gamma (IFN-γ), play an important role in atherosclerosis-related inflammation. Aims: This study aims to determine whether IFN-γ level and AIP in patients with T2DM are associated with atherosclerosis development and the effect of IFN-γ concentration level in disease progression. Materials and Methods: This study involved 60 Iraqi T2DM patients (30 with dyslipidemia and 30 without dyslipidemia) with an age range of 35–70 years. For the purpose of comparison, 22 healthy participants comparable for T2DM were included in the study. Results: this study shows a significant increase in IFN-γ level in the patient groups as compared to the control group (P < 0.009). There was a gradualincrease of AIP in the three studied groups with a significant difference (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The level of IFN-γ and the AIPmay reflect the progression atherosclerosis which may give an alarming sign in studying group patients.