Serum fibroblast growth factor-21 levels and its relationship with carotid intima-media thickness in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate fibroblast growth factor-21 levels in type 1 diabetes patients and its relationship with carotid intima-media thickness which is a marker of atherosclerosis. Patients and Methods: We recruited 39 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and 39 healthy controls. Blood samples for fibroblast growth factor-21, adiponectin and carboxymethyllysine were drawn from subjects after 8 hours fasting. Fasting blood glucose and hemoglobinA1c levels were obtained from patient records. Carotid intima media-thickness was measured via B-mode ultrasound by the same physician. Results: Median fibroblast growth factor-21 levels were 0.54 (0.10-10.69) ng/ml in type 1 diabetes patients, 0.42 (0.09-1.57) ng/ml in healthy controls (P=0.13). There was no correlation between serum fibroblast growth factor-21 levels and carotid intima-media thickness. Carboxymethyllysine levels were similar in both groups (P=0.86). Adiponectin level was 16336.7 ± 7338.7 ng/ml in type 1 diabetes patients, 13343.1 ± 5318.7 ng/ml in control group (P=0.04). Conclusion: Our study did not find any relation between serum fibroblast growth factor-21 levels and carotid intima-media thickness. Further researches with wider study population are needed.