BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia is among the potent factors that may induce or facilitate apoptosis. TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Factor (TRAIL) is known for its apoptotic and immunomodulatory effects that have recently been correlated with diabetes. We examined serum-soluble TRAIL (sTRAIL) and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) levels and their association with various distinct parameters in type 2 diabetic nephropathy patients with diabetic foot disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two diabetic nephropathy patients with foot ulcers were enrolled in our study. Patients had been diagnosed with diabetes at age 24±10.58 years. Circulating sTRAIL and Hs-CRP levels were compared with control values, and possible correlations were investigated with parameters such as age, Wagner’s Grade (WG), BMI, HbA1c, and creatinine.

RESULTS: Serum sTRAIL levels were significantly reduced in the patient group, compared to healthy subjects. High HsCRP levels correlated with age, and WGS correlated with BMI and creatinine levels.

CONCLUSIONS: Significantly suppressed sTRAIL levels in diabetic nephropathy patients with foot ulcers compared to healthy controls suggest a protective role for TRAIL in the disease setting.

Keywords: C-Reactive Protein - metabolism, Body Mass Index, Creatinine - blood, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - complications, Diabetic Foot - pathology, Diabetic Nephropathies - etiology, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated - metabolism, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand - blood, Turkey