Mannose-Binding Lectin and Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 1 Diabetes

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate serum levels of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) in type 1 diabetes with diabetic nephropathy (DN) and persistent normoalbuminuria (PN). MethodSerum MBL levels were determined in 224type 1 diabetes with overt nephropathy and 224type 1 diabetes with PN matched for sex, age, and duration ofdiabetes The predictionvalue of MBL was compared with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) and other known predictors. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression models. ResultsThe serum MBL levels were significantly higher in diabetes with DN as compared to with PN (P < 0.0001). Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the optimal cutoff value of serum MBL levels as an indicator for diagnosis of DN was projected to be 1,680 g/l, which yielded a sensitivity of 75.4% and a specificity of 78.8%, with the area under the curve at 0.768 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.724-0.815). Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for common factors showed that serum MBL level 1,680 g/l was an independent indictor of DN (odds ratio [OR] = 6.99; 95% CI: 2.83-17.15). ConclusionIn type 1 diabetic patient, evaluated serum levels of MBL can be seen as an independent marker of DN even after correcting for possible confounding factors.