Serum ceramide and meteorin-like protein as potential biomarkers of type 2 diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTION: Objectives: The recent research aims to detect ceramide and meteorin-like proteins as potential markers for identifying type 2 diabetes and monitoring its progression.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study included three groups: type 2 diabetes without hypertension, type 2 diabetes with hypertension, and healthy control groups. Serum ceramide, meteorin-like protein, insulin, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, and hemoglobin A1c levels were measured.
RESULTS: Higher concentrations of ceramide, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance were observed in both type 2 diabetes groups compared to the healthy control group. In the type 2 diabetes group with hypertension, total cholesterol was elevated compared to the other study groups; however, the concentration of low/very-low-density lipoprotein was statistically higher than in the healthy control group. Serum meteorin-like protein was statistically lower in the type 2 diabetes group with hypertension than in the other study groups and positively correlated with fasting blood glucose in type 2 diabetes with hypertension. The ceramide level showed a significant positive correlation with meteorin-like protein across all study groups and with systolic blood pressure in the type 2 diabetes group with hypertension. In type 2 diabetes without hypertension, ceramide negatively correlated with the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and fasting blood glucose.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Elevated ceramide levels could accelerate type 2 diabetes progression. Meteorin-like protein levels were lower in type 2 diabetes with hypertension and higher in type 2 diabetes without hypertension. It positively correlated with fasting blood glucose in type 2 diabetes with hypertension, suggesting that meteorin-like protein may play a potential role in glycemic and blood pressure control.