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Plasma and tissue fibronectin in diabetes
Clinical Physiology and Biochemistry
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Diabetic patients exhibit lower plasma fibronectin levels and an altered age-dependent pattern compared to controls. Tissue fibronectin appears to increase in diabetes, suggesting an inverse relationship with plasma fibronectin.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Plasma fibronectin levels and tissue distribution are crucial in physiological processes.
- Diabetes mellitus is associated with various microvascular and macrovascular complications.
- Altered fibronectin levels may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma fibronectin levels in diabetic patients compared to healthy controls.
- To examine the relationship between plasma fibronectin and diabetes duration, control, and type.
- To assess tissue fibronectin distribution in diabetic patients and compare it with plasma levels.
Main Methods:
- Plasma fibronectin was quantified using laser immunonephelometry.
- Tissue fibronectin was evaluated via immunofluorescence in skin biopsies.
- Diabetic patients were categorized by diabetes type (insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent), age, sex, and glycemic control (HbA1C).
Main Results:
- Diabetic patients showed significantly lower plasma fibronectin levels than age-matched controls.
- The age-dependent increase in plasma fibronectin observed in controls was absent in diabetics.
- Tissue fibronectin, particularly in the papillary dermis and basement membranes, appeared elevated in diabetics, suggesting an inverse correlation with plasma fibronectin.
Conclusions:
- Diabetes is associated with reduced plasma fibronectin levels and altered age-related changes.
- An inverse relationship between plasma and tissue fibronectin may exist in diabetes.
- These findings suggest fibronectin dysregulation might contribute to diabetic complications.