Changes in Inflammatory Cytokines Are Related to Impaired Glucose Tolerance in Offspring of Type 2 Diabetic Subjects

  1. Eija Ruotsalainen, MD1,
  2. Urpu Salmenniemi, MD1,
  3. Ilkka Vauhkonen, MD1,
  4. Jussi Pihlajamäki, MD1,
  5. Kari Punnonen, MD2,
  6. Sakari Kainulainen, MD3 and
  7. Markku Laakso, MD1
  1. 1Department of Medicine, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland
  2. 2Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland
  3. 3Department of Clinical Radiology, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland
  1. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Markku Laakso, MD, Academy Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Kuopio, 70210 Kuopio, Finland. E-mail: markku.laakso{at}kuh.fi

Abstract

OBJECTIVE—We sought to determine whether levels of inflammatory markers and different cytokines are abnormal in nondiabetic offspring of type 2 diabetic subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Cytokine levels were measured in 19 healthy control subjects and 129 offspring of patients with type 2 diabetes (109 with normal glucose tolerance [NGT] and 20 with impaired glucose tolerance [IGT]). Insulin sensitivity was determined with the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, insulin secretion with the intravenous glucose tolerance test, and abdominal fat distribution with computed tomography.

RESULTS—Levels of C-reactive protein and inflammatory cytokines were elevated in nondiabetic offspring of type 2 diabetic subjects. Interleukin (IL)-1β was increased in the NGT group and decreased in the IGT group. In contrast, levels of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) were increased in both groups. IL-1β and -Ra levels correlated inversely (P < 0.05) with rates of whole-body glucose uptake and IL-1β positively with visceral fat mass (P < 0.05) in normoglycemic offspring.

CONCLUSIONS—Nondiabetic offspring of type 2 diabetic subjects have changes in the levels of inflammatory cytokines. The level of IL-1Ra seems to be the most sensitive marker of cytokine response in the pre-diabetic state.

Footnotes

  • A table elsewhere in this issue shows conventional and Système International (SI) units and conversion factors for many substances.

    The costs of publication of this article were defrayed in part by the payment of page charges. This article must therefore be hereby marked “advertisement” in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1734 solely to indicate this fact.

    • Accepted August 3, 2006.
    • Received January 20, 2006.
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  1. doi: 10.2337/dc06-0147 Diabetes Care December 2006 vol. 29 no. 12 2714-2720
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