Increased plasma level of pigment epithelium-derived factor is associated with diabetic neuropathy. (P5.077)

OBJECTIVE: To determine if plasma levels of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) are increased in diabetic neuropathy patients. BACKGROUND: Diabetes is an established risk factor for peripheral neuropathy. PEDF, an anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant factor, has been shown the level varied in diabetic patients. PEDF, a protein of 418-amino acids, is a member of the serpin (serine protease inhibitor) family. A recent study showed that higher expression of PEDF in pancreatic cancer cells was significantly correlated with better patient survival but increased neuropathy [Am J Gastroenterol 2011; 106:968-980]. The relationship between PEDF and development of diabetic neuropathy is elusive. DESIGN/METHODS: Plasma PEDF levels were measured by ELISA in 61 subjects (M/F= 27/34, age: 57.2±15.01) in a cross-sectional study of diabetic patients with neuropathy (Group-1 or G1; n=29; Male/Female=13/16; age: 59.2±15.3), diabetic without neuropathy (G2; n=15; M/F=5/10; age: 57±9.93), and control subjects without diabetes and neuropathy (G3; n=17; M/F=9/8; age: 53.9±18.2). PEDF association with underlying medical conditions, such as body mass index (BMI), BUN, creatinine, and glycated hemoglobin A1C, were also assessed. The study was approved by Temple University IRB. RESULTS: Increased PEDF levels were found in G1 (5.40±2.01 µg/ml) and G2 (3.57±0.71 µg/ml) compared to the control G3 (2.75±0.69 µg/ml), which achieved statistically significant difference (G1/G2, p=0.001; G1/G3, p=0.000005; G2/G3, p=0.003). Significantly increased A1C levels were observed in G1 (7.9±1.7[percnt], p=0.0004) and G2 (8.9±2.8[percnt], p=0.002) as compared to G3 (5.5±0.4[percnt]). Additionally, significantly increased BUN level was found in G1 (20.7±12.6 mg/dL; p=0.03), but not in G2 (13.7±6.4 mg/dL), as compared to that of G3 (12.0±4.0 mg/dL). No statistical differences were seen in BMI and creatinine among G1, G2 and G3. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma PEDF levels are associated with the development of diabetic neuropathy in diabetic patients. PEDF may serve as a biomarker for diabetic neuropathy. Disclosure: Dr. Safarpour has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shandal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dun has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wagoner has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rezaei has nothing to disclose. Dr. Belinga has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nalleballe has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lyu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dun has nothing to disclose. Dr. Luo has nothing to disclose.