This research explored the function of Interleukin-22 (IL-22), a protein of the immune system, in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Scientists discovered that patients with recently diagnosed T2DM had very high levels of IL-22 in their blood compared to normal controls. These were strongly correlated with high BMI, blood glucose, and HbA1c, a blood measure of sugar control over time, and this indicates IL-22 as a marker of the severity of diabetes.
Also, statistical modeling demonstrated that IL-22 was able to discriminate between individuals with and without diabetes and may be a useful biomarker for T2DM diagnosis. After adjusting for other risk factors, IL-22 was highly associated with diabetes risk, and elevated levels were predictive of higher risk for developing the disease. The research also investigated the action of the diabetes drug sitagliptin, which decreased levels of IL-22 in diabetic humans and obese mice. Sitagliptin also decreased gut inflammation and lowered certain immune cells responsible for the production of IL-22 in mice.
These observations point out the interaction of inflammation, most notably in the gastrointestinal tract, and diabetes pathogenesis. IL-22 from immune Th17 cells seems to be central in this inflammatory cascade. Sitagliptin-induced reduction of IL-22 levels and glucose regulation indicate that processes of inflammation have an impact on diabetes control apart from the normal mechanisms such as insulin regulation.
The research pinpoints several drawbacks, such as the limited number of sitagliptin-recipients in the sample and the cross-sectional character of the investigation, which rules out the identification of whether or not IL-22 is an immediate cause or merely a factor that results. The findings still indicate that IL-22 could serve as both an early-detection biomarker and a likely target for treatment intervention. In conclusion, the interaction of IL-22, intestinal inflammation, and type 2 diabetes offers new insights into the role of inflammation in the disease. It holds the potential to open new doors to new diagnostic and therapeutic options for the treatment of diabetes.
