A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Evaluation of plasma IL-21 as a potential biomarker for type 1 diabetes progression
Authors: Schroderus Anna-Mari, Poorbaugh Josh, McElyea Samantha, Beasley Stephanie, Zhang Lin, Näntö-Salonen Kirsti, Rintamäki Reeta, Pihlajamäki Jussi, Knip Mikael, Veijola Riitta, Toppari Jorma, Ilonen Jorma, Benschop Robert J., Kinnunen Tuure
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Publication year: 2023
Journal: Frontiers in Immunology
Journal name in source: FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
Journal acronym: FRONT IMMUNOL
Article number: 1157265
Volume: 14
Number of pages: 8
ISSN: 1664-3224
eISSN: 1664-3224
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1157265
Web address : https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1157265
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/180421144
IL-21 is a multifunctional cytokine linked with the pathophysiology of several autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes. In this study, our aim was to examine plasma IL-21 levels in individuals at different stages of type 1 diabetes progression. We measured plasma IL-21 levels, as well as levels of other key pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-17A, TNF-& alpha; and IL-6), from 37 adults with established type 1 diabetes and 46 healthy age-matched adult controls, as well as from 53 children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, 48 at-risk children positive for type 1 diabetes-associated autoantibodies and 123 healthy age-matched pediatric controls using the ultrasensitive Quanterix SiMoA technology. Adults with established type 1 diabetes had higher plasma IL-21 levels compared to healthy controls. However, the plasma IL-21 levels showed no statistically significant correlation with clinical variables, such as BMI, C-peptide, HbA1c, or hsCRP levels, evaluated in parallel. In children, plasma IL-21 levels were almost ten times higher than in adults. However, no significant differences in plasma IL-21 levels were detected between healthy children, autoantibody-positive at-risk children, and children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. In conclusion, plasma IL-21 levels in adults with established type 1 diabetes were increased, which may be associated with autoimmunity. The physiologically high plasma IL-21 levels in children may, however, reduce the potential of IL-21 as a biomarker for autoimmunity in pediatric subjects.
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