Signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 levels in type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and obesity

Obesity, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are metabolic disorders and global problems, the most significant complication of which is endothelial damage and the accompanying platelet hyperactivity, which leads to cardiovascular disease. Signal peptide, CUB, and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE1) is a protein secreted by both the endothelial cells and platelets. The present study compares the serum SCUBE1 levels of rats with experimentally induced obesity, T1DM, T2DM, and control subjects. It makes a comparative evaluation of the relationship between the groups.

Included in the study were 28 male Sprague-Dawley rats that were allocated to the obese group fed a high-fat diet (HFD); the T2DM group that received HFD plus a single dose of streptozocin (STZ); the T1DM group that received only STZ; and the control group. Serum SCUBE1 was analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, and caspase-3 (Cas-3), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interferon gamma (INF-γ), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) expressions in the liver and pancreas of rats were evaluated using immunohistochemical methods.

Serum SCUBE1 levels were significantly higher in the obese, T1DM, and T2DM groups than in the control group, but there was no significant difference among the obese, T1DM, and T2DM groups. The study identified a significant relationship between serum SCUBE1 level and hepatic CAS3, IL-6, and SOD expressions and pancreatic SOD expression.

The expression of SCUBE1 in both endothelial cells and platelets suggests that SCUBE1 could be used as a marker of endothelial dysfunction and platelet hyperactivity, which are significant complications in obesity, T1DM, and T2DM.