The Promising Role of Selected Fibroblast Growth Factors as Potential Markers of Complications in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Diabetes is a common chronic disease. Untreated diabetes may lead to complications such as nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, and macroangiopathies. The main goal in treating diabetes is to limit the development of vascular complications. The FGF (fibroblast growth factor) family, with its potential as a biomarker for diabetic complications, offers a promising avenue for future research and treatment. The study aimed to analyze and compare the concentrations of selected fibroblast growth factors, FGF-2, FGF-19, FGF-22, and FGF-23, in the plasma of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes with those of the control group. The study group consisted of 73 patients, including 33 people with type 1 diabetes (18 M and 15 W) aged 18 to 68 years and 40 with type 2 diabetes (20 M and 20 W) aged 25 to 90. The control group consisted of 41 healthy individuals (23 men and 18 women) aged 21 to 56. The FGF-2, FGF-19, FGF-22, and FGF-23 concentrations were measured using ELISA. The study observed a significant relationship between the levels of FGF19 and FGF22 in the serum of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as in the control group (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between FGF-2 and FGF-22 concentrations and hypertension (p = 0.03; p = 0.01). A statistically significant difference was also found between the concentrations of FGF-19 and FGF-22 (p = 0.001; p < 0.001) in the serum of people with normal weight and people with overweight and obesity. A significant correlation was also observed between the concentrations of FGF-22 and FGF-23 and arthritis (p = 0.01; p = 0.02). FGF-2, FGF-19, FGF-22, and FGF-23 likely significantly impact diabetes and its complications. In the future, they could serve as biomarkers for diabetic complications, aiding in diagnosis, patient monitoring, and even predicting potential complications for individuals. However, more research in this area is necessary.

Keywords: FGF-19; FGF-2; FGF-22; FGF-23; diabetes type 1; diabetes type 2; diabetic complications.

Figure 1

Comparison the concentrations of FGF-19 and FGF-22 (measured in pg/mL) in EDTA samples from individuals with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and a control group. We conducted a Kruskal–Wallis rank ANOVA to assess the relationship between FGF-19 and FGF-22 concentrations and group membership, with results indicating statistical significance (p < 0.001). This was followed by post hoc analysis using the Bonferroni correction. The group composition included 41 individuals in the control group, 33 individuals with type 1 diabetes, and 40 individuals with type 2 diabetes. **** p < 0.0001.

Figure 2

Comparison of FGF-2 and FGF22 concentration according to the occurrence of hypertension. U-test analysis of the concentration of FGF-2 in patients with and without hypertension, p = 0.03; p = 0.01. Yes—47 patients; No—26 patients.

Figure 3

Comparison of FGF-19 and FGF-22 concentration by body mass index. U-test analysis of the concentration of FGF-19 in people with normal, overweight, and obese BMI, p = 0.001, p < 0.001, followed by post hoc analysis with the Bonferroni correction. Normal—53 people; Overweight—35 people; Obesity—28 people. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, **** p < 0.0001.

Figure 4

Comparison of FGF-22 concentrations due to arthritis. U-test analysis of the concentration of FGF-22 in patients with and without arthritis, p = 0.01; p = 0.02. Yes—15 patients; No—58 patients.

Figure 5

Spearman’s rank correlation between the concentrations of selected fibroblast growth factors (FGF-2, FGF-19, FGF-22, FGF-23), anthropometric parameters, and biochemical indicators in all study participants (including patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes as well as controls). N-114 people.