Alterations of the preptin–myostatin axis and their association with glycemic control and atherogenic risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Al-Iraqia University, Baghdad, Iraq.
Research Article
International Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences Archive, 2026, 11(02), 103-114.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijbpsa.2026.11.2.0047
Publication history:
Received on 27 March 2026; revised on 06 May 2026; accepted on 08 May 2026
Abstract:
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disorder characterised by chronic hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and progressive β-cell dysfunction. Emerging evidence suggests that novel peptide hormones, including preptin and myostatin, may contribute to metabolic dysregulation and cardiovascular risk. Aim: The purpose of the study was to examine the changes in the preptin-myostatin axis and determine their relationship with glycemic control, insulin resistance, inflammation, and atherogenic risk in patients with T2DM who had and did not have early cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Methods: The case-control study involved 110 participants (3 groups) who included healthy controls (n=30), T2DM without complications (n=40), and T2DM with early CVD (n=40). We connected astudy at Baghdad Medical City Hospital between April and July 2025. Measurements taken were serum preptin, myostatin, and hs-CRP. There was a measure of glycemic indices (HbA1c, fasting blood sugar (FBS), HOMA-IR) and parameters of lipid profile. Calculation of non-HDL cholesterol and Atherogenic Index (log TG/HDL) was done. SAS (2018) and SPSS (2019) were used as the statistical tools.
Results: In the patients with T2DM, serum preptin, myostatin and hs-CRP levels were remarkably higher, especially in those patients who had early CVD (P≤0.01). These modifications were accompanied by deteriorating glycemic regulation and lipid disorders. The non-HDL-C and Atherogenic Index were also much elevated in diabetic groups. The correlation of myostatin with glycemic markers was rather low but significantly positively correlated with hs-CRP in uncomplicated T2DM. Conclusion: The preptin-myostatin axis is highly changed in T2DM and is linked with the failure to manage glucose levels and atherogenic risk. These peptides can be potential biomarkers that connect the metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular complications.
Keywords:
Preptin; Myostatin; Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; Atherogenic Index; Cardiovascular Disease; Insulin Resistance
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