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An association between Type 2 diabetes and alpha-antitrypsin deficiency
C S Sandström1, B Ohlsson, O Melander
1Chronic and Degenerative Disease Research Unit, University Hospital Malmoe, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden.
Diabetic Medicine : a Journal of the British Diabetic Association
|December 3, 2008
Summary
Alpha(1)-Antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency may increase Type 2 diabetes risk. While overall AAT levels didn't differ, diabetic individuals showed more low AAT levels and deficiency genotypes, suggesting a link between AAT and Type 2 diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Alpha(1)-Antitrypsin (AAT) is a protease inhibitor with demonstrated roles in preventing Type 1 diabetes and promoting islet health.
- Lower plasma AAT concentrations are observed in Type 1 diabetes patients, hinting at AAT's involvement in diabetes pathogenesis.
- This study investigates the relationship between AAT levels and Type 2 diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if plasma Alpha(1)-Antitrypsin (AAT) levels are altered in individuals with Type 2 diabetes.
- To explore the association between AAT deficiency and the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Plasma AAT concentration and phenotype were analyzed in 163 Type 2 diabetic patients and 158 matched non-diabetic controls.
- Serum glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein, lipid levels, and glycated hemoglobin were measured.
- Statistical analysis compared AAT levels, genotypes, and correlations with clinical parameters between groups.
Main Results:
- Mean plasma AAT levels did not significantly differ between Type 2 diabetic and control subjects.
- However, the diabetic group exhibited a 50% higher prevalence of low AAT levels (< 1.0 mg/ml) and a higher frequency of AAT deficiency genotypes.
- In diabetic patients with low AAT, AAT levels correlated with higher systolic blood pressure and lower waist-hip ratio.
Conclusions:
- A deficiency in Alpha(1)-Antitrypsin (AAT) may be associated with an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
- The findings suggest a potential role for AAT in the pathophysiology of Type 2 diabetes, particularly in individuals with low AAT levels.
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