Soluble endothelial protein C receptor and high sensitivity C reactive protein levels as markers of endothelial dysfunction in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus: Their role in the prediction of vascular complications

Background and objectiveEndothelial dysfunction in diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important factor in the pathogenesis of micro and macrovascular complications. We aimed to measure soluble endothelial protein C receptor (sEPCR) and high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) levels as markers of endothelial damage in both types of diabetes mellitus and to determine if they can be used as predictors of vascular complications.MethodsFifty patients with DM, 20 with type 1 and 30 with type 2 as well as 30 healthy subjects were included. All were subjected to measurement of sEPCR and hsCRP by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.ResultssEPCR and hsCRP were significantly increased when compared to the control group in both types of DM. sEPCR was a significant predictor of macrovascular complications and thrombosis in type 1 p = 0.02, and p = 0.015, respectively. hsCRP was a significant predictor of macrovascular complications in type 2 p = 0.04.ConclusionPatients with type 1 and type 2 DM exhibit higher sEPCR and hsCRP levels compared to healthy controls which suggesting endothelial damage. sEPCR could be used as a predictor of macrovascular complications and thrombosis in type 1 DM, whereas, hsCRP might be used as a predictor of macrovascular complications in type 2 DM.