Potential role of transforming growth factor 1 and interleukin-6 in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Background: Studies suggest that various cytokines like TGF-�1 and IL-6 mediate development and progression of diabetic nephropathy. Aim: To determine the role of cytokines by evaluating the plasma levels of TGF-�1 & IL-6 in Type 2 DM elderly patients with different degree of renal function insufficiency. Settings and Design: Cross sectional. Material and Methods: This study comprised of seventy three type2 DM patients between 50-60 years and 44 age & sex matched controls were enrolled in the study were sampled for Serum (Creatinine and HbA1C) and Urine (Albumin and Creatinine). Type 2 DM patients were stratified into normoalbuminura, microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria. Plasma TGF-�1 and IL-6 were analyzed by ELISA method. Serum TGF-�1 and IL-6 levels were increased in Type 2 DM patients compared with controls. Statistical analysis: Tukey Post-hoc test, Analysis of variance and Mann Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis of the results. Results and Conclusion: The mean TGF-�1 and IL-6 were significantly different among the groups with increased level in subjects with macroalbuminuria. This study confirms the role of cytokines in development of diabetic nephropathy. Keyword : Cytokines; TGF-� 1; IL -6; Type2 DM; Nephropathy