Serum Angiopoietin-2 levels as a marker in type 2 diabetes mellitus complications

Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) has been reported to be involved in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and accelerates micro and macro vascular complication. The current study aimed to investigate serum Ang-2 levels in Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes and its complications. In this observational cross-sectional study, serum was collected from 329 T2D subjects aged 34–79 years. All subjects were evaluated for fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, lipid profile, and kidney profile. Serum concentration of Ang-2 was assayed by ELISA-based method. Mean serum Ang-2 level was significantly higher in female T2D subjects (2881 ± 1550 pg/ml) compared with male T2D subjects (2450 ± 1477 pg/ml). The mean serum Ang-2 levels in female T2D subjects significantly increased with increase in their age and BMI, while mean serum Ang-2 levels did not significantly increase among the male with their age and BMI. A significantly higher level of Ang-2 was found in patients with diabetic complications like neuropathy (3293 ± 1728 pg/ml), retinopathy (2986 ± 1645 pg/ml), and vascular complications (3152 ± 1571 pg/ml). The study has established comprehensive Ang-2 levels in various subsets of adults with diabetes. While interpreting Ang-2 levels, the differences in age and sex need to be taken into account. Diabetic patients with higher Ang-2 levels should be monitored closely and level of serum Ang-2 should be served as a marker to identify patients at high risk of diabetic complications.