Correlation Studies Between Double-Stranded DNA and Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common chronic endocrine and metabolic disease, and its complications can involve multiple organs and seriously threaten human health. Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) plays an important role in the autoimmune system; however, the correlation between dsDNA and DM has not been fully studied. Methods: This study recruited 388 diabetic patients and 2970 healthy controls to investigate the relationship between serum dsDNA and DM. The diagnosis of DM was based on the medical diagnostic and treatment standards for DM published by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The study adhered to ethical principles and obtained informed consent from all participants. We measured serum dsDNA levels in both diabetic patients and healthy controls. The study examined differences in serum dsDNA levels among diabetic patients under various conditions, including different temperatures, ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, seasons, and clinical indicators. Additionally, quantitative PCR was used to assess the expression of dsDNA receptors, single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) receptors, absent in melanoma factor 2 (AIM2)-related inflammatory factors, and Type I interferon (INF) in the peripheral blood of patients and control groups. Results: Peripheral blood serum dsDNA levels were elevated in diabetic patients compared to controls (mean values 1.09 and 0.97 ng/ml, respectively, p < 0.001). We also found that the gene expression levels of dsDNA receptor, ssRNA receptor, AIM2-related inflammatory factors, and Type I IFN in diabetic patients were upregulated. And serum dsDNA levels correlated with clinical indicators. Conclusions: We have confirmed that DM is closely associated with serum dsDNA levels. Therefore, dsDNA detection shows promise as a novel approach for evaluating DM progression, offering new insights for the future diagnosis and treatment of DM.