Is GDF15 a Novel Biomarker to Predict the Development of Prediabetes or Diabetes?

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) was discovered as a divergent member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily. GDF15 was cloned independently in different laboratories and is therefore also known as different names including macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 [1], nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 [2], placental bone morphogenetic protein B [3], and placental transforming growth factor β [4]. It is expressed in various cells including macrophages, cardiomyocytes, adipocytes, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells.