Analysis of selected new biomarkers of early atherosclerosis process in children and adolescents with diabetes type 1

In recent years there have been proposed numerous new biomarkers, connected with actual pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, where endothelial dysfunction and inflammation of the vascular wall play the main part in the first phase of the disease. The concentration of these molecules in diabetes type 1 remains to be established.
Aim: The aim of the work was to analyse the concentration of selected new biomarkers of atherosclerosis risk in children and adolescents with diabetes type 1.
Material and methods: In 127 diabetic children (64 boys and 63 girls) aged mean 14.9±3.1 years (7–20 yrs) we estimated the concentration of hsCRP, adiponectin, sICAM-1 and thrombomodulin (sTM). The control group consisted of 52 (30 boys and 22 girls) healthy children and adolescents.
Results: In the study group we found significantly higher levels of adiponectin, sICAM-1 and sTM, as well as near to statistically significant higher hsCRP level. Diabetic children with coexisting hypertension and/or obesity had significantly higher hsCRP level compared to the control group, and to children without additional diseases. For other studied parameters we did not find such a relationship. Children with diabetic complications (microalbuminuria, retinopathy) had insignificantly lower adiponectin levels.
Conclusions: Children and adolescents with diabetes type 1 have higher concentrations of several biomarkers of early atherosclerotic process (hsCRP, adiponectin, sICAM-1 and sTM). Elevated hsCRP in children with diabetes type 1 and hypertension and/or obesity reflects low grade inflammatory state in the course of metabolic syndrome.