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Association between changes in the mRNA expression of platelet-activating factor receptor in peripheral blood
Sahar Ghavidel Darestani1, Mihoko Kurano1, Atsushi Shinnakasu1
1Department of Diabetes and Endocrine Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, 8-35-1, Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima, 890-8520 Japan.
Introduction:
Several studies have recently pointed out the role of many inflammatory mediators in the progression of diabetes complications. We had previously demonstrated that mRNA expression of platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was associated with urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) and forearm flow-mediated dilatation in patients with type 2 diabetes. In an attempt to elucidate this association, patients were followed up for 1 year.
Materials And Methods:
We recruited 95 patients from the hospital outpatient clinic, among whom 86 were followed up for 1 year (normoalbuminuria: 40 patients, microalbuminuria: 25 patients, macroalbuminuria: 21 patients). We then measured their baseline and 12 month characteristics and collected blood samples to extract PBMCs and measure gene expressions.
Results:
Despite higher mRNA expression of PAFR in PBMCs among patients with macroalbuminuria, the rise in its value was not associated with biomarkers of nephropathy, while baseline values were not associated with progression of nephropathy. Moreover, changes in mRNA expression of PAFR were correlated with changes in ACR in all patients (r = 0.225, p = 0.037) and estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with macroalbuminuria (r = - 0.438, p = 0.047) during the follow-up period.
Conclusion:
Our findings indicate that even though no causal relationship exists between diabetic nephropathy and elevated expression of PAFR in PBMCs, their close association signifies the presence of another common mechanism that could induce both events. Given these findings, the PAF/PAFR interaction could clarify corresponding mechanisms involved in diabetic complications.
Insights
Elevated platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) mRNA in PBMCs is linked to diabetic nephropathy progression, suggesting a common underlying mechanism. This association highlights potential pathways for diabetic complications.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
- Immunology
Background:
- Inflammatory mediators play a role in diabetic complications.
- Platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was previously linked to urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) and forearm flow-mediated dilatation in type 2 diabetes patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the association between PAFR mRNA expression in PBMCs and diabetic nephropathy progression over a 1-year follow-up period.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 95 type 2 diabetes patients, with 86 completing a 1-year follow-up.
- Categorized patients into normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria, and macroalbuminuria groups.
- Measured baseline and 12-month characteristics, including gene expression of PAFR in PBMCs.
Main Results:
- Higher baseline PAFR mRNA expression was observed in macroalbuminuria patients.
- Changes in PAFR mRNA expression correlated with changes in ACR in all patients (r=0.225, p=0.037).
- Changes in PAFR mRNA expression correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate in macroalbuminuria patients (r=-0.438, p=0.047).
Conclusions:
- No direct causal relationship was found between diabetic nephropathy and elevated PAFR expression in PBMCs.
- The close association suggests a shared underlying mechanism contributing to both conditions.
- The PAF/PAFR interaction may offer insights into mechanisms driving diabetic complications.
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