Evaluation of Interleukin-27 as a Cytokine Marker in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Associated with Toxoplasmosis in Karbala Governorate

Abstract

Background and Objective: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by a state of chronic inflammation and increased risk for certain infections like Toxoplasma gondii. This study set out to investigate the role of interleukin-27 (IL-27), a regulatory cytokine, in this dual-disease milieu.

 Methodology: 184 participants (diabetic patients with toxoplasmosis and healthy control) were analyzed. Serum measurement of IL-27, Hs-CRP and lipids were done using ELISA and automated systems respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 26.0) through t-test, ANOVA and linear regression.

 Results: All lipid parameters and Hs-CRP were significantly higher in diabetic patients (P < 0.001). IL-27 levels were lower than controls (46.63 ± 21.44 ng/ml vs. 50.59 ± 8.50ng/ml), which was not statistically significant (P = 0.074). No significant correlation was found between IL-27 and HbA1c (P = 0.305), age (P = 0.917), or lipids (P > 0.05). Also, 50.75% of patients with high Hs-CRP (>3mg/L) had abnormally elevated IL-27 levels.

 Conclusion: IL-27 may be acting as an independent regulatory mediator across the immune-metabolic axis in diabetic patients with toxoplasmosis. The lack of association of IL-27 with metabolic parameters further alludes to its production being favoured along complex immune-regulatory pathways instead of by the glycaemic state.

Keywords:

Interleukin-27 (IL-27), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii),, High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), Glycemic Control (HbA1c).

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