Study of hsCRP, adiponectin, NF-κB in low bodyweight, standard bodyweight and obese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus in India

Introduction: Low bodyweight type 2 DM is a distinct clinical entity having many inherent peculiarities seen in India and developing countries, constituting 11% to 25% of type 2 diabetic subjects. Our study aimed at assessing the prevalence of inflammatory markers like hsCRP, adiponectin and NF-κB expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in subjects with type 2 DM in relation to BMI. Materials and Methods: 57 consecutive type 2 diabetics were recruited for study, classified as Low Bodyweight (A = BMI < 18.5), Standard weight (B = BMI 18.5 - 24.99) and Obese (C = BMI ≥ 25). Group D comprised 14 healthy controls. They were evaluated for clinical parameters, FBG, 2hrPPBG, HbA1c, lipid profile and above mentioned inflammatory markers. Results: Serum hsCRP was significantly higher in all group of diabetics as compared to Group D but was lowest in Group A. Adiponectin levels were highest in Group D, similar in Groups B and C but lowest in Group A. NF-κB expression, though higher in diabetic subjects than controls (OD = 0.041 ± 0.006), was least in Group A (OD = 0.045 ± 0.005). Discussion and Conclusion: Our study revealed that Indians with type 2DM are in a pro-inflamematory state. Low bodyweight type 2 diabetics had the least pro-inflammatory load. This further supported the earlier observation of lesser macrovascular disease load and testifying that Low Bodyweight type2DM constitutes a distinct entity.