Secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) and fractalkine (CX3CL1) — Potential new biomarkers for β-cell dysfunction and diabetes

The discovery of new risk factors for diabetes is a major challenge for contemporary science. Pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is closely related to adipose tissue dysfunction. The aim of this review was to describe recently discovered cytokines: fractalkine (CX3CL1, FKN) and secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) as potential biomarkers of early β cell dysfunction and diabetes. The association of CX3CL1 and SFRP4 with low-grade inflammation in adipose tissue links obesity with disturbances in insulin secretion and impaired glucose metabolism, therefore it indicates new therapeutic and preventive targets in both healthy and diabetic subjects.