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Endothelial markers in diabetes mellitus
P Galajda1, E Martinka, M Mokán
1Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty Hospital, Martin, Slovakia.
Thrombosis Research
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients show elevated von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels, indicating early platelet and endothelial activation. These findings suggest potential markers preceding vascular complications in diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Vascular Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is associated with an increased risk of vascular complications.
- Early detection of endothelial and platelet activation may help predict disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and thrombomodulin (TM) in NIDDM patients without vascular complications.
- To explore the relationship between vWF and TM levels and markers of endothelial and platelet activation.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of vWF and TM levels between 22 NIDDM patients and 17 healthy controls.
- Correlation analysis of vWF levels with calcium-dependent (C-peptide, PF4) and calcium-independent (TM, TFPI) markers.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher vWF levels were observed in NIDDM patients compared to controls (1.33 +/- 0.39 vs 1.01 +/- 0.27 IU/ml, p = 0.006).
- TM levels were similar between the groups.
- vWF levels positively correlated with C-peptide (r = 0.680, p < 0.001) and PF4 (r = 0.613, p < 0.01), but not with TM or TFPI.
Conclusions:
- Elevated vWF levels in NIDDM patients suggest increased calcium-dependent endothelial and platelet activation.
- These activation markers may precede overt signs of endothelial damage in NIDDM.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and their clinical implications.