Circulating Growth Differentiation Factor 15 Is Associated with Diabetic Neuropathy

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Neurology

Background:

• Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15), a member of the TGF-beta superfamily, is implicated in various pathologies.
• Previous research suggests a correlation between GDF15 and pathological conditions, necessitating further investigation into its specific role in diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between circulating GDF15 levels and metabolic characteristics in diabetic patients.
• To determine the predictive role of GDF15 in the development of diabetic neuropathy.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 241 diabetic patients and 42 non-diabetic controls.
• Plasma GDF15 levels measured via ELISA; chronic kidney disease (CKD) and albuminuria assessed per KDIGO guidelines.
• Nerve conduction studies (NCS) including distal latency, amplitude, nerve conduction velocity (NCV), H-reflex, and F-wave evaluated.

Main Results:

• Diabetic patients exhibited higher prevalence of CKD and elevated plasma GDF15.
• GDF15 positively correlated with waist/hip circumference, HbA1c, serum creatinine, albuminuria, and HOMA-IR.
• GDF15 significantly correlated with NCS parameters and demonstrated predictive value for tibial motor nerve neuropathy, ulnar and median sensory nerve neuropathy, and CKD.

Conclusions:

• Increased serum GDF15 levels are significantly associated with adverse metabolic parameters and diabetic neuropathy.
• Plasma GDF15 may serve as an independent biomarker for predicting diabetic neuropathy.