Low levels of soluble low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1
as a biomarker of diabetic retinopathy
Abstract
Purpose: Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) is a
large multifunctional peptide which plays a role in diverse cellular
processes, including lipid metabolism, cell growth, migration, and
regeneration. sLRP1 (soluble form) can be detected in serum and sLRP1
can serve as a biomarker of atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic
diseases. This study investigated the concentrations of the circulating
serum sLRP1 and explored its potential role as a diagnostic and
prognostic biomarker in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Methods:
Fifty-two patients with diabetic retinopathy and 71 controls were
enrolled based on well-defined eligibility criteria. Venous blood samples
were collected after 12 hours of fasting. sLRP1 concentrations were
measured using the commercially available ELISA in an accredited
laboratory. Results: The mean age of patients and control groups were
63.6 and 48.5 years, respectively. The median disease duration was 8.1
years. The median serum sLRP1 levels were lower in patients with
diabetic retinopathy compared to the controls (2.11 µg/mL versus 2.44
µg/mL, p=0.034). No significant correlation was observed between the
sLRP1 and serum lipid levels. Conclusions: The sLRP1 levels are low in
patients with diabetic retinopathy compared to healthy controls, and
future studies are needed to assess sLRP1 as a potential biomarker in
diabetic retinopathy.