Soluble CD163, adiponectin, C-reactive protein and progression of dysglycaemia in individuals at high risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: the ADDITION-PRO cohort

Abstract

Aim/hypothesis: Our aim was to investigate the association between the macrophage-activation marker soluble CD163 (sCD163), adiponectin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and changes in glycaemia, insulin resistance and insulin secretion in individuals at high risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: This prospective study included 1014 individuals at high risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus participating in the Danish arm of the Anglo-Danish-Dutch study of Intensive Treatment In PeOple with ScreeN-detected Diabetes in Primary Care (ADDITION-Europe trial) baseline examination in 2001–2006 and follow-up examination (ADDITION-Progression [ADDITION-PRO]) in 2009–2011. Baseline serum samples were analysed for sCD163, adiponectin and CRP. The associations between sCD163, adiponectin and CRP per doubling of concentration, and changes per year in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, 2 h glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and HOMA-β were assessed using a mixed-effects model. Results: A doubling of sCD163 concentration was positively associated with changes in HOMA-β (β = 1.160 per year, 95% CI 0.345, 1.975) as well as a doubling of CRP concentration (β = 0.410 per year, 95% CI 0.051, 0.769) after adjustment for age and sex. A doubling of adiponectin was inversely associated with changes in 2 h glucose (β =−0.063 per year, 95% CI −0.111, −0.014), HOMA-IR (β =−0.038 per year, 95% CI −0.060, −0.015) and HOMA-β (β =−1.028 per year, 95% CI −1.635, −0.421) after adjustment for age and sex. The associations were robust to adjustment for baseline waist circumference and smoking. Adjustment for CRP did not change the associations for sCD163 or adiponectin. Conclusions/interpretation: Our findings indicate that mechanisms related to inflammation, including macrophage activation and adipocyte metabolism, may play a role in changes in glucose homeostasis in individuals at high risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.