Serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and monocyte adhesion molecules in type 1 diabetic patients with nephropathy

Abstract

Background. Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 is suggested to be implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy by activating and recruiting monocytes to the glomerulus via regulation of adhesion molecule expressions. The aim of this study was to test potential associations between serum concentrations of MCP-1, monocyte expression of Mac-1 and LFA-1 and nephropathy in type 1 diabetes mellitus. Methods. Serum MCP-1 levels and expression of monocyte adhesion molecules in 51 type 1 diabetic patients with and without diabetic nephropathy were compared with matched 15 healthy control subjects. Concentrations of serum MCP-1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays whereas monocyte expression of adhesion molecules Mac-1 and LFA-1 was measured by flow cytometry. Results. Serum MCP-1 levels and expression of Mac-1, but not LFA-1, were significantly higher in diabetic patients compared with controls. The mean serum MCP-1 level was 137.2 +/- 71.4 pg/mL in control patients, whereas it was 246.2 +/- 114.9 pg/ml in diabetic patients (p = 0.002). Serum MCP-1 levels were positively correlated with HbA1c and plasma fasting glucose levels. There was no difference in serum levels of MCP-1 and expression of monocyte adhesion molecules between type 1 diabetic patients with and without diabetic nephropathy. Conclusions. In type 1 diabetic patients, the levels of circulating MCP-1 concentration and expression of Mac-1 is mostly influenced by glycemic control rather than the existence of diabetic nephropathy.