Relation between Common Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Molecular Markers in Patients with Newly Diagnosed versus Established Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent chronic condition associated with early vascular complications. Identifying relevant biomarkers early in the disease course may facilitate better risk stratification and management. This study aimed to assess serum levels of Growth Factor Receptor-Bound Protein-2 (GRB2), advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in patients with early versus established T2DM.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 140 patients with T2DM (70 newly diagnosed and untreated, 70 with established disease, and 70 healthy controls). GRB2, AGEs, and CIMT were measured and correlated with demographic and biochemical data. The Statistical Package for Social Science for Windows, version 20 (IBM, Chicago, USA), was used to statistically analyze the collected data.

RESULTS

GRB2, AGEs, and CIMT were significantly higher in both early and established T2DM compared to controls (P<0.001), and significantly higher in established compared to early T2DM (P<0.001). Mean GRB2 levels were 3.87±0.37 ng/dL (early), 4.33±0.57 ng/dL (established), and 3.01±0.46 ng/dL (controls). CIMT was 0.66±0.04 mm (early), 0.73±0.06 mm (established), and 0.60±0.05 mm (controls). GRB2 positively correlated with CIMT, AGEs, and glycemic indicators. Carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) ≤ 4.9 ng/mL yielded 100% sensitivity and specificity; methylglyoxal ≤ 3.5 ng/mL showed 88.57% sensitivity; CIMT ≤ 0.71 mm showed 85.71% sensitivity and 60.0% specificity; GRB2 ≤ 3.99 ng/dL had 71.43% sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

GRB2, AGEs, and CIMT levels increase with the progression of T2DM. These markers may aid in distinguishing early from established T2DM; however, further longitudinal studies are warranted to validate their prognostic and clinical relevance.