1*Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Adichunchanagiri University, BG Nagara, Nagamangala Taluk, Mandya-571448.
Email: drnamithad@bgs.edu.in
2Former Professor and HOD, Department of Biochemistry, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Adichunchanagiri University, BG Nagara, Nagamangala Taluk, Mandya-571448.
Professor and HOD, Department of Biochemistry, Alvas Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Moodubidire-574227.
3Vice Principal & Professor and HOD, Department of Biochemistry, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Adichunchanagiri University, BG Nagara, Nagamangala Taluk, Mandya-571448.
4Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Adichunchanagiri University, BG Nagara, Nagamangala Taluk, Mandya-571448.
5Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Farookh Academy of Medical Education, Mysore-571103.
Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a global non-communicable disease (NCD) linked to chronic low-grade inflammation and dyslipidemia, increasing the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Traditional lipid profiles may not fully capture this risk. Novel atherogenic indices and anthropometric markers may offer better predictive utility in diabetic populations. Megalin (LRP2), a multiligand endocytic receptor implicated in lipid handling and vascular pathology, has emerged as a potential novel biomarker in diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Objectives: To assess and compare anthropometric, glycemic, lipid and serum megalin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and evaluate their association with the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted over 12 months with a total of 150 participants—100 T2DM patients (50 with CVD, 50 without) and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Data collected included anthropometric indices (BMI, waist-to-hip ratio), glycemic markers (FBS, PPBS), lipid profiles (HDL, LDL, VLDL, TC, TG), apolipoproteins, and atherogenic ratios. Serum Megalin was measured in all participants and compared across controls, diabetics without CVD, and diabetics with CVD. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
Results: Diabetics were significantly older than controls (mean age: 54.79 vs. 44.50 years, p<0.001). FBS and PPBS levels were significantly higher in diabetics (p<0.001). Diabetics exhibited higher waist circumference, BMI, and weight-to-height ratio than controls (p<0.001), indicating greater central obesity. Lipid abnormalities in diabetics included higher TG, LDL, VLDL, TC: HDL, TG:HDL ratios, and apolipoprotein B levels, and lower HDL and Apo A-I levels (p<0.05). Among diabetics, those with CVD were older (mean age 61.28 years), had longer diabetes duration (112.56 vs. 34.20 months), and higher FBS and LDL (p<0.05). Atherogenic indices such as TC: HDL and non-HDL cholesterol were significantly elevated in diabetics with CVD. Serum Megalin levels was declined from healthy individuals to diabetics with cardiovascular complications, implying that Megalin may be downregulated in relation to metabolic and vascular stress.
Conclusions: T2DM patients exhibit significant metabolic derangements and anthropometric alterations predisposing to CVD. Lipid ratios and apolipoproteins are superior to conventional lipid markers in identifying cardiovascular risk, and lower serum Megalin levels are associated with prevalent CVD in T2DM, although its standalone diagnostic performance is limited. Prolonged diabetes duration and abdominal obesity were strongly associated with CVD. Early and comprehensive risk assessment is crucial to improve cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic populations.
Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiovascular Disease, Dyslipidemia, Atherogenic Index, Apolipoproteins, Waist-Hip Ratio, Megalin, Anthropometry.
How to cite this article: Namitha D, Asharani N, Nusrath A, Rajeshwari A, Shilpashree YD. Comparison of serum megalin levels with lipid profile and anthropometric measures in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(8s): 149-155; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.8s.26
Source of support: None.
Conflict of interest: None