Correlation between circulating adhesion molecule levels and albuminuria in type 2 diabetic normotensive patients.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction is a common feature in type 2 diabetic patients and is associated with inflammation, increased levels of circulating soluble adhesion molecules, and urinary albumin excretion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of circulating soluble adhesion molecules in the development of albuminuria. MATERIAL/METHODS: Thirty normotensive type-2 diabetic patients and 30 non-diabetic normotensive subjects were studied. VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin were measured by ELISA and 24-h urinary albumin excretion was also measured (nephelometry). Relationships between the levels of circulating adhesion molecules and albuminuria were examined with Spearman's correlation coefficient. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA. RESULTS: It was found that diabetic patients have significantly (p<0.001) higher levels of circulating soluble adhesion molecules than control subjects. When levels of circulating soluble adhesion molecules were correlated with albuminuria, a significant correlation was found between VCAM-1 levels and 24-h urinary albumin excretion. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that VCAM-1 may be a marker of nephropathy in normotensive type 2 diabetic patients.