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Increased tissue kallikrein levels in type 2 diabetes
D J Campbell1, A Kladis, Y Zhang
1St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia. dcampbell@svi.edu.au
Diabetologia
|March 13, 2010
Summary
Tissue kallikrein levels increase in type 2 diabetes, but statin therapy does not affect the circulating kallikrein-kinin system. This suggests cardiac tissue kallikrein may offer cardioprotection in diabetic patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with cardiovascular complications.
- The kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) plays a role in cardiovascular homeostasis.
- Understanding KKS alterations in diabetes and the impact of therapies is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure components of the KKS in patients with type 2 diabetes.
- To investigate the effects of statin therapy on the circulating KKS.
- To explore the role of cardiac tissue kallikrein in diabetic hearts.
Main Methods:
- Measured circulating levels of bradykinin, kallidin, kininogens, plasma kallikrein, tissue kallikrein, and kallistatin in diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
- Assessed cardiac tissue kallikrein via immunohistochemistry and mRNA quantification.
- Analyzed the impact of statin therapy and other cardiovascular medications.
Main Results:
- Plasma tissue kallikrein was 62% higher in diabetic patients (p=0.001).
- Cardiac tissue kallikrein and its mRNA were significantly increased in diabetic patients (p=0.015 and p=0.014, respectively).
- Statin therapy, aspirin, calcium antagonists, beta blockers, and nitrates did not alter KKS variables.
Conclusions:
- Tissue kallikrein levels are elevated in type 2 diabetes, particularly in cardiac tissue.
- Statin therapy does not modify the circulating KKS in these patients.
- Elevated cardiac tissue kallikrein may contribute to cardioprotection in type 2 diabetes, potentially enhancing ACE inhibitor efficacy.
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