The relationship between NR2E1 and subclinical inflammation in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients

Abstract Aims To evaluate the expression level of NR2E1 (nuclear receptor subfamily 2,group E,member 1) and its correlation with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from 54 T2DM and 88 healthy individuals. The levels of free fatty acids (FFAs), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL-c), low density lipoprotein (LDL-c), fasting insulin (FIN), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were measured. The insulin resistance index was calculated using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). NR2E1 in PBMCs were analyzed using real-time RT-PCR and Western blots. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the plasma were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). PBMCs isolated from healthy volunteers were treated with glucose or palmitate for 24 h, followed by analysis for the expression level of NR2E1.The amount of TNF-α and IL-6 secreted into the supernatant were measured by ELISA. Results FIN, FBG, HOMA and TNF-α, IL-6 were significantly higher in diabetic patients, compared to the control group. Levels of NR2E1 were significantly higher in the PBMCs isolated from the diabetic group, compared to the control group. NR2E1 expression was positively correlated with FBG, FIN, HOMA, FFAs, TNF-α and IL-6. Glucose and palmitate treatment significantly increased NR2E1 gene expression and inflammatory cytokines production in PBMCs in vitro. Conclusions Increased NR2E1 level may be closely associated with inflammation and disorder of lipid and glucose metabolism in diabetic patients.