Study of Circulating Apelin in Type 1 Diabetic Patients and its Association with Glycemic Control in a Group of Egyptian Population

Abstract

ype 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a common, chronic and metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia as a cardinal metabolic feature. Long-term damage, dysfunction and failure of various organs especially eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and blood vessels are caused by chronic hyperglycemia of diabetes. The incidence of T1DM is reported to be increasing by 3-5% per year, and the number of people with diabetes is estimated to reach 380 million by 2025. Several studies have shown that TIDM is associated with metabolic abnormalities, and alteration of adipose tissue hormones (adipocytokines or adipokines). Apelin, a recently described adipocytokine, is abundantly expressed in adipose tissue and produced in many body parts by the endothelial cells. Apelin is a bioactive peptide, produced by white adipose tissue. It is synthesized as a prepropeptide then modified into smaller peptides with higher potency. It produces its effects through a cell surface G protein-coupled receptor called APJ.Its extensive tissue distribution suggests that the apelinergic system is involved in a wide range of physiological functions.Apelin plays a beneficial role in energy metabolism,Apelin action on glucose metabolism is additive to insulin as it increases glucose uptake and transport in tissues. Increased concentrations of apelin in type 1 diabetes could be an attempt to compensate for the lack of insulin acting as an anti-diabetic agent.