Serum Apelin Level in Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus Patients and Its Association With Metabolic Syndrome Components

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multiple risk factor for metabolic diseases. Apelin plays a crucial role in controlling insulin sensitivity and secretion in animals. The study aimed to clarify the difference in serum apelin between Iranain subjects with MetS and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and subjects without MetS and its association with MetS components. Methods: The study was conducted on 196 individuals, including 98 Iranian subjects with MetS and T2DM, and 98 age- and sex-matched individuals without MetS. MetS was defined using Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP-III) guidelines. Results: Serum apelin level was significantly lower in subjects with MetS than those without MetS. There was a negative correlation between apelin and fasting blood glucose (FBG) in subjects with MetS and in both sexes (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The apelin level in Iranian T2DM subjects with MetS is related to FBG. Apelin is thought to affect glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. Apelin may be an essential indicator in Iranian T2DM people and may play an important role in preventing diabetes complications in T2DM patients.