Lowering effect of valsartan on fetuin-A in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION Fetuin-A (A2-HS-glycoprotein) is a protein that plays several functions in human physiology and pathophysiology. The role of fetuin-A in type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) has been less studied. We investigated the serum levels of fetuin-A in type 1 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria. Furthermore, the blocking effect of renin-angiotensin-aldosteron system on serum levels of fetuin-A was assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS From January 2010 to May 2011, 32 patients with type 1 DM with confirmed microalbuminuria were included in this study in Isfahan, Iran. Serum fetuin-A levels before and 8 weeks after valsartan administration were measured. In addition, serum lipid profile, creatinine, hemoglobin A1c, and urine microalbuminuria were determined. RESULTS The mean age of participants was 21.65 +/- 0.38 years. Before valsartan administration, the mean values of fetuin-A were not significantly different between males and females (64.22 +/- 1.77 ng/mL versus 61.39 +/- 3.35 ng/mL, respectively). After valsartan administration, serum levels of fetuin-A and urine albumin-creatinine significantly decreased. A negative correlation was observed between serum fetuin-A level after valsartan administration and serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (P = .007, r = -0.507). CONCLUSIONS Administration angiotensin receptor blockers concomitantly decreases fetuin-A levels and urine albumin levels.