Association of cardiovascular complications with circulating levels of tribbles 3 human homolog and matrix metalloproteinases in Indian type 2 diabetic patients, with or without hypertension

Aim and Objective: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and Tribbles 3 (Trb3) human homologue have been reported to induce atherosclerosis. We wanted to evaluate the association of circulating levels of Trb3 human homologue and MMPs (MMP2 and MMP9), with possible cardiovascular complications in Indian type 2 diabetic patients (type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]), with or without hypertension (HT). Materials and Methods: Serum from 144 individuals, classified as follows: Group A1= (DM + HT); T2DM> 5 years + HT (n = 55); Group A2 = DM; T2DM <2 years, (n = 28); Group B1 = HT; (n = 31) and Group B2 = HC; (n = 30) age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical profiles of sugar and lipids were established using auto analyser. MMP2, MMP9, Trb3, oxidised low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and proinsulin were measured in the serum using ELISA. Results: Using Bonferroni correction, we found that MMP2 levels were increased in (DM + HT), when compared to individuals with DM and HT (P = 0.006 and 0.000). HT group had reduced levels of MMP2, as compared to HC, (P = 0.000). The Mann–Whitney U-test for MMP9 revealed that DM group had elevated levels of MMP9 compared to (DM + HT), HT and HC group, (P = 0.011, 0.000, and 0.001). (DM + HT) had elevated levels of MMP9 when compared to HT group, (P = 0.012).). Levels of MMP9 in HT were lower than the HC group, although not significant. Levels of Trb3 were found to be elevated in (DM + HT) when compared to DM, (P = 0.032). The levels of Trb3 were higher in the HT, when compared to HC group, although not statistically significant. Multiple linear regression model for Framingham Risk Score, weighted with post prandial blood sugar yielded R2 = 0.338; F = 7.602 (df = 9), P = 0.000. Trb3 (β = −0.179, P = 0.019); MMP2 (β =0.021, P = 0.787) and MMP9 (β = −0.03, P = 0.684). Conclusion: Trb3 is a useful marker for evaluating the association of cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients