Evaluating HMGB1 as a Biomarker for Metabolic Dysregulation and Progression of Diabetes in a Mexican American Cohort

Authors

Peter Elvin, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Walid Fakhouri, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Craig Hanis, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Cláudia Cristina Biguetti, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Fall 8-1-2024

Abstract

Aim/Hypothesis: This study focuses on HMGB1 to evaluate its association with the development and progression of diabetes within a Mexican American cohort of non-diabetic (ND), pre-diabetic (Pre-D), and diabetic (D) individuals.

Methods: Data from a cohort of 40 individuals, standardized by age (61.76±11.77), BMI (32.52±7.02), and sex (58% male, 42% female) was analyzed. We assessed several immunological markers utilizing ELISA assays from buffy coats. After excluding out of range samples, the remaining 20 individuals displayed statistical significance in HMGB1. Pearson's correlation coefficient examined the relationship between HMGB1 levels and glycemic changes (HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, HOMA-IS², and HbA1c). Statistical significance was evaluated with a significance level set at p<0.05.

Results: A negative correlation trend between HMGB1 and HbA1c was shown, although not statistically significant (p=0.86). A positive correlation between HMGB1 levels and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was noted, with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.453 (p=0.030). A negative correlation between HMGB1 levels and insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IS), as well as a positive correlation between HMGB1 levels and beta cell function (HOMA-B) was seen, having both values approaching significance with p=0.067 and p=0.071, respectively.

Conclusion: Recent findings suggest an elevation in HMGB1 levels among obese individuals, highlighting its potential role in maintaining chronic inflammation within adipose tissue, which is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance¹. Our findings support the potential of HMGB1 as a biomarker for metabolic disturbances in hopes to guide future therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating diabetes-related complications, such as diabetic foot ulcers.

Recommended Citation

Elvin, Peter; Fakhouri, Walid; Hanis, Craig; and Biguetti, Cláudia Cristina, "Evaluating HMGB1 as a Biomarker for Metabolic Dysregulation and Progression of Diabetes in a Mexican American Cohort" (2024). School of Podiatric Medicine - Medical Student Research. 2.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/sopm_mspub/2