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Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Homogeneous Time-resolved Förster Resonance Energy Transfer-based Assay for Detection of Insulin Secretion
Published on: May 10, 2018
Correlation of circulating betatrophin concentrations with insulin secretion capacity, evaluated by glucagon
S Tokumoto1, Y Hamamoto, K Fujimoto
1Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Tazuke Kofukai Foundation, Medical Research Institute, Kitano Hospital, Osaka, Japan.
Aim:
To investigate the relationship between plasma betatrophin concentrations and insulin secretion capacity in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Methods:
Glucagon stimulation tests (1 mg) were performed in 70 people with Type 2 diabetes after an overnight fast. Plasma betatrophin concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Insulin secretion capacity was evaluated by measuring increments of C-peptide concentration in response to glucagon stimulation, and creatinine clearance was determined by comparing creatinine concentrations in serum and 24-h urine samples.
Results:
Plasma betatrophin concentrations were positively correlated with duration of Type 2 diabetes (r = 0.34, P = 0.003), and negatively correlated with increments of C-peptide concentration (r = 0.37, P = 0.001) and creatinine clearance (r = 0.37, P = 0.001). The correlation with increments of C-peptide concentration remained significant after adjustment for age and duration of Type 2 diabetes (r = 0.25, P = 0.037). Multivariate analysis identified age and increments of C-peptide concentration as independent factors associated with plasma betatrophin levels.
Conclusion:
Plasma betatrophin levels inversely correlate with insulin secretion capacity, suggesting that betatrophin levels are regulated by insulin secretion capacity in humans.
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