Is urolithiasis associated with increased levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in diabetic patients?

Abstract

Background: The prevalence and incidence of urolithiasis is increasing worldwide. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is well known to be associated with insulin resistance which increases the risk of urolithiasis by altering the composition of urine. Both urolithiasis and diabetes mellitus are associated with inflammation. The aim of the study was to assess the serum levels of inflammatory markers i.e. high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in diabetes mellitus patients with urolithiasis in comparison to those without urolithiasis.

Materials and methods: The study involved two groups. Group A consisted of diabetic mellitus patients with urolithiasis (n=30) and Group B consisted of diabetic mellitus patients without urolithiasis (n=30). Blood samples were obtained and analysed for HbA1C, lipid profile, calcium, phosphate and uric acid, and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and Interleukin-6) were also measured.

Results: We found a significant increase in CRP and IL-6 levels in diabetic urolithiasis cases as compared to diabetes mellitus cases without urolithiasis. However, no significant difference was observed in calcium, phosphorus and uric acid in diabetic patients with and without urolithiasis. We also found that total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol levels were significantly increased, and HDL-cholesterol was significantly decreased in diabetic urolithiasis cases. IL-6 was significantly correlated with total cholesterol in diabetic urolithiasis cases.

Conclusion: The data from the present study shows that lipid profile is altered, and Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels are significantly increased in patients with diabetes mellitus and urolithiasis when compared to diabetes mellitus alone.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Inflammation; Inflammatory markers; Renal stones.