Serum vaspin concentration in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and macrovascular complications

Adipose tissue, an endocrine organ of the body, is involved in some obesity-related disease states such as insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis. Vaspin is a novel adipocyte with insulin sensitizing effects. In this study, we planned to estimate serum vaspin concentrations as related to glycemic status and the presence of macrovascular complications among elderly patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

A total of 230 elderly patients with T2DM were evaluated. These patients were divided into two groups: patients without complications (T2DM group, n = 110), and patients with macrovascular complications (T2DM + MC group, n = 120). In addition, 60 healthy elderly subjects were enrolled and assigned into the control group (NC group). Relevant parameters were matched for age and gender ratio. Serum vaspin concentrations were measured by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Anthropometric measurements, plasma glucose and HbA_1C levels, insulin concentration, liver and kidney functions, and lipid profile were measured for each participant.

Serum vaspin concentrations were significantly higher in the T2DM group than in the T2DM + MC group (F = 13.122, P < 0.01). These concentrations were also significantly higher among females, compared to males (T = 3.567, P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that serum vaspin concentration, systolic blood pressure, HDL-C and T2DM duration were independent influencing factors for diabetic macrovascular complications.

Serum vaspin may be considered as a potential marker to assess the status of elderly patients with T2DM and the risk of developing serious macrovascular complications. Further prospective studies are warranted.

ChiCTR-OPC-14005698 , retrospectively registered on 20 Dec. 2014.