Urinary leukotriene E4 is associated with renal function but not with endothelial function in type 2 diabetes

Dis Markers. 2013;35(5):475-80. doi: 10.1155/2013/370461. Epub 2013 Oct 2.

Abstract

Leukotrienes are inflammatory and vasoactive mediators implicated in endothelium-dependent relaxations and atherosclerosis. Urinary leukotriene E4 (U-LTE4) is a validated disease marker of asthma and increases also in diabetes and acute coronary syndromes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of U-LTE4 and CRP with endothelial function. Urine samples were obtained from 30 subjects (80% males; median age 65) with type 2 diabetes of at least two years duration and a median glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 71 (14-129) mL/min. Reactive hyperemia index (RHI) was used as a measure of microvascular endothelial function, whereas macrovascular endothelial function was determined be means of flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery (FMD). Decreased renal function was associated with lower concentrations of U-LTE4. In addition, U-LTE4 was correlated with serum creatinine (R = -0.572; P = 0.001) and eGFR (R = 0.517; P = 0.0036). A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis identified eGFR as an independent predictor of U-LTE4 concentrations. In conclusion, the present results did not establish an association of U-LTE4 with endothelial dysfunction. However, eGFR was an independent predictor of U-LTE4, but not CRP, in this cohort, suggesting that GFR should be considered in biomarker studies of U-LTE4.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biomarkers / urine
  • Brachial Artery / physiopathology
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Creatinine / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / diagnosis*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / physiopathology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / urine
  • Diabetic Nephropathies / diagnosis*
  • Diabetic Nephropathies / physiopathology
  • Diabetic Nephropathies / urine
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Glomerular Filtration Rate*
  • Humans
  • Kidney / physiopathology*
  • Leukotriene E4 / urine*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Vasodilation

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Leukotriene E4
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Creatinine