Circulating secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (Sfrp5) and wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 5a (Wnt5a) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (Sfrp5), an endogenous inhibitor of wingless-type MMTV integration site family (Wnt) signalling, is an anti-inflammatory adipokine whose expression is perturbed in models of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Wnt member 5a (Wnt5a) is a representative ligand, and recent reports suggest that Wnt5a is involved in inflammatory diseases and metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate whether plasma Wnt5a and Sfrp5 levels are altered in patients with T2DM.

Methods: Plasma Sfrp5 and Wnt5a concentrations were measured through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in type 2 diabetic and nondiabetic subjects.

Results: A total of 82 patients with T2DM and 42 nondiabetic subjects were studied. Plasma Sfrp5 levels were found to be elevated in patients with T2DM (9.4 ± 9.0 vs 7.4 ± 10.9 ng/mL, p = 0.006). In contrast, Wnt5a levels were decreased (6.8 ± 12.6 vs 9.1 ± 4.0 ng/dL, p < 0.001). Increasing concentrations of Sfrp5 were independently and significantly associated with T2DM. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed Sfrp5 as an independent association factor for T2DM, even after full adjustment of known biomarkers. In a multiple linear regression analysis, only the fasting glucose level was positively associated with the plasma Sfrp5 level.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that Sfrp5 may play a role in the pathogenesis of T2DM.