Circulating messenger RNA of the protein Myelin Protein Zero as a non-invasive marker for sensory loss of the upper extremity in patients with type 2 diabetes

Aims We previously demonstrated that Myelin Protein Zero cmRNA is a potential diagnostic marker for DPN. Diabetic neuropathy (DPN) of the upper extremity has a functional relevance, but no validated diagnostic tool such as scores or questionnaires exists to evaluate diabetic neuropathy on the hand. Here we hypothesized that this mRNA marker may also be substantial in the diagnosis of DPN on the hands.

Methods 40 Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and 18 age-matched control subjects were enrolled and evaluated for DNP of the upper and lower extremity using neuropathy scores, nerve conduction studies, quantitative sensory testing, and functional tests of a hand performance. Additionally, cmRNA expression of MPZ was measured in the serum in all participants.

Results We found a significantly reduced expression of MPZ in patients with T2DM compared to those without neuropathy and healthy controls respectively (p < 0.001). Hand dexterity and hand strength correlated significantly with MPZ expression (r=0.27, p=0.03 and r=0.41, p=0.009). Furthermore, univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that decreased MPZ cmRNA levels were significantly associated with loss of function for mechanical detection on the hands (r=33, p=0.03), and feet (r=0.42, p=0.007), while no associations were found for hyperalgesia. Multivariate regression analysis confirmed that MPZ cmRNA levels were the only predictor for sensory loss.

Conclusions MPZ cmRNA is a potential noninvasive marker not only for the diagnosis of DPN of the lower limb, but also for the sensory loss and functional impairment of the hands in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Interessenskonflikt

No potential conflicts of interest relevant to this abstract were reported.

Publication History

Article published online:
06 May 2021