Abstract
Background
The high morbidity, mortality and associated economic burden have entailed to identifying early biomarker of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules play a role in the chronic inflammation associated with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).
Aim
This study aims to find the association between ApoA1, IL-10, TNF-α and diabetic foot ulcers, and whether their levels can assess the severity of the disease.
Method
Two groups, diabetic mellitus without foot ulcers and diabetes with foot ulcers were recruited for the study. Detailed clinical history was obtained and blood was collected to measure TNF-α , IL-10 and Apo A1. The association between variables was analysed using Pearson correlation test. ROC analysis was used to identify cut-off values of ApoA1, IL-10 and TNF-α in diabetes patients with foot ulcers.
Results
The presence of pro-inflammatory parameter, TNF-α , was higher and anti-inflammatory biomarkers, HDL, ApoA1 and IL-10 were lower in patients of DFU than those without foot ulcers (p < 0.001). Increasing age, smoking, retinopathy, eGFR and inflammatory biomarkers like low levels of ApoA1 (p < 0.005) and IL-10 (p < 0.001) significantly contributed to the development of diabetic foot ulcers. ROC curve identified the cut-off for ApoA1 and IL-10 as 89.82mg/dL and 78.80pg/mL respectively.
Conclusion
In the light of this study, ApoA1 has the potential to predict DFU. The finding proposes IL-10 (b = −0.37, p < 0.001) could be considered in stratifying DFU as per its severity.
Keywords: ApoA1, Cytokines, Diabetic foot ulcers, eGFR, TNF-α, Wagners
1. Introduction
Diabetic foot is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and economic burden [1–4]. The non-healing nature of these ulcers is due to the impairment in usual physiological factors of wound healing which are blocked due to chronic inflammation resulting in the derailment of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines.
TNF-α, along with associated hyperglycemia, stimulates apoptosis of fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and endothelial cells and accounts for the catabolic state of non-healing ulcers [5,6]. The state of hypoxia in DFU also up-regulates the regular expression of inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α [7]. Thus hyperglycemia and hypoxia have a synergistic effect on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine release [7]. IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, inhibits antigen presentation by dendritic cells and macrophage activation and infiltration into the site of injury resulting in inhibition of release of pro-inflammatory cytokines [8]. Low IL-10 has also been observed in wound margins of non-healing ulcers [8,9]. Apo A1 has an anti-inflammatory role by interfering with T-cell signaling of monocytes, hampering the production of IL-1β, TNF-α [10] and blocking the interplay between T cells and monocytes. ApoA1 inflammatory functions of monocyte in peripheral blood mononuclear cells without affecting cell proliferation. In wound healing, ApoA1 interferes with the polymerization of C9 and incorporation in the membrane, thus inhibiting the formation of membrane attack complex of complement [11]. Further, it also increases pentraxin3 to promote efficient tissue repair [12].
This study aims to find the association between ApoA1, IL-10, TNF-α, and diabetic foot ulcers and whether their levels can assess the severity of the disease.
2. Materials and methods
2.1. Study participants
Seventy-seven participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and diabetic neuropathy (defined as Group I)and 75 participants with T2DM and diabetic neuropathy with foot ulcers (defined as Group II) were recruited for this hospital-based observational study by consecutive recruitment.
Patients were recruited from the outpatient clinics of Departments of Endocrinology and Surgery between January to December 2019. The study followed the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines. Institutional ethics committee approval was obtained before initiating research work, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants.
Diabetic neuropathy was defined as loss of protective sensation on testing with 10-g monofilament along with any one of the following: impaired vibration sensation on testing with 128 Hz tuning fork, pinprick sensation, vibration perception threshold, or ankle reflexes. Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU)was defined as patients of diabetes with ‘ulceration, infection, or destruction of deep tissues located in the lower limb below the ankles [13]. The diabetic foot ulcers were classified according to Wagner’s classification [14] [Supplementary Table 1]. Patients with ulcers on both feet or with acute inflammation, liver disease, cardiac failure, varicose veins, peripheral artery disease, malignancy, and psychiatric disorders were not included in the study. All patients were subjected to clinical evaluation and detailed history was recorded with the help of a questionnaire. Data on age, sex, anthropometric measurements, duration of diabetes, and other medical history were obtained. Systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg, cholesterol ≥200 mg/dL, and triglycerides ≥150mg/dL were defined as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia, respectively [15,16]. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation; eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was defined as chronic kidney disease (CKD). Blood sample for plasma was collected under aseptic conditions for measurement of ApoA1, IL-10, and TNF-α. ApoA1 was determined in Beckman AU680 analyzer by immunoturbidimetric immunoassay method using commercially available kits from Randox Laboratories, Ltd (UK). The assay range for ApoA1 was 5.78–234 mg/dL, intra assay and inter-assay co-efficient of variation (CV) were 3.08% and 2.04%, respectively. IL-10 and TNF-α levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method using kits from KRISHGEN Biosystems. The intra and inter-assay CV for TNF-αwere 3.3% and 9%, respectively, and for IL-10 were 12% and 10%, respectively. HbA1c was measured using the HPLC method using the D-10 testing system (Bio-Rad), urea by urease method, creatinine and uric acid by modified Jaffe’s and uricase method, respectively. The cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL were measured by cholesterol oxidase peroxidase, GPO-PAP, and direct estimation, respectively. LDL was calculated using Friedwald’s equation.
2.2. Statistical analysis
The results were statistically analyzed using SPSS 20.0 for Windows and Microsoft Excel. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to evaluate the normality of variables. Qualitative data were presented as n (%), normally distributed quantitative data as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Data not normally distributed were logarithmically transformed. The difference between groups was compared using an independent sample t-test. Association between variables was analyzed using the Pearson correlation test by measuring the correlation coefficient(r). ROC analysis was used to identify cut-off values of Apo A1, IL-10, and TNF-α in patients with DFU. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to identify which independent variables could predict the dependent variables. Results were considered significant when the p-value was <0.05.
3. Results
The demographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics of the two groups are depicted in Table 1. The mean age of patients (54.85 ± 9.6), percentage of males (78.7%), and body mass index (BMI) were higher in Group II than in Group I (p = 0.03, 0.02, and 0.01 respectively). The mean duration of diabetes was more in patients with foot ulcers than those without foot ulcers (p = 0.005) DFU patients had more individuals (42.7%) with the duration of diabetes more than ten years in comparison to those without ulcers (27.2%) (p = 0.04). Only seven patients were on insulin therapy in Group I in comparison to 29 subjects in Group II (p = 0.000). There was a significantly higher number of smokers and individuals with a family history of diabetes in the foot ulcer group than without ulcers (p = 0.03). Amongst the biochemical parameters, glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), creatinine, and uric acid were significantly higher in Group-II (9.44 ± 1.76, 1.23 ± 0.44, 6.82 ± 2.25 respectively) than in Group-I (8.68 ± 1.86, 1.01 ± 0.23, 5.70 ± 1.37 respectively). The eGFR in patients with ulcers was significantly lower than those without ulcers (p = 0.00). The total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were significantly higher in the ulcers group than without ulcers, with lower HDL in Group-II(p = 0.002). Comparing the immunological makers in both groups, subjects in the DFU group showed a lower ApoA1 and IL-10 but higher TNF-α when compared to patients with diabetes without foot ulcers (Group- I). According to Wagner’s classification, there were 2.67% in grade1, 13.3% in grade 2, 38.6% in grade 3, 33.3% in grade 4 and 12% in grade 5.
Table 1.
Demographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics in the study groups.
| Parameters | Group-I (n = 77) | Group-II (n = 75) | P-value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age (years) | 51.37 ± 10 | 54.85 ± 9.6 | 0.03 |
| Male/Female | 48 (62.3)/29 (37.4) | 59 (78.7)/16 (21.3) | 0.02 |
| BMI (kg/m2) | 22.53 ± 5.05 | 24.37 ± 4.24 | 0.01 |
| Duration of diabetes (years) | 7.23 ± 5.02 | 8.78 ± 6.9 | 0.005 |
| Duration of diabetes; >10 years/<10 years | 21 (27.2)/56 (72.7) | 32(42.7)/43 (57.3) | 0.04 |
| Active smoking | 9 (11.7) | 19 (25.3) | 0.03 |
| Family history of diabetes | 21 (27.2) | 33 (44) | 0.03 |
| HbA1C (%) | 8.68 ± 1.86 | 9.44 ± 1.76 | 0.01 |
| Creatinine (mg/dL) | 1.01 ± 0.23 | 1.23 ± 0.44 | 0.00 |
| eGFR (mL/min/1.73m2) | 80.99 ± 18.54 | 65.25 ± 20.36 | 0.00 |
| Uric acid (mg/dL) | 5.7 ± 1.37 | 6.82 ± 2.25 | 0.00 |
| Cholesterol (mg/dL) | 152.8 ± 44.73 | 191.52 ± 50.62 | 0.00 |
| Triglycerides (mg/dL) | 83.24 ± 32.57 | 136.47 ± 92.9 | 0.00 |
| HDL (mg/dL) | 44.8 ± 7.61 | 39.8 ± 5.6 | 0.002 |
| LDL (mg/dL) | 74.57 ± 47.21 | 122.3 ± 49.46 | 0.00 |
| Apo A1 (mg/dL)* | 97.0 (24.5) | 76.0 (31.5) | <0.0001 |
| TNF-α (pg/mL)* | 65 (170.53) | 193.0 (142.38) | 0.0001 |
| IL-10 (pg/mL)* | 160.3 (133.33) | 32.0 (42.93) | <0.0001 |
Values are in mean(SD), n(%), median (interquartile range).
To identify the association of independent variables in the study population, known risk factors for diabetic foot ulcers were considered for analysis. A significantly higher number of patients with foot ulcers had retinopathy (38.7%) and CKD (44%) than those without ulcers. Patients with diabetes who were obese (BMI > 25 kg/m2), smokers, had CKD and had a family history of diabetes had a higher odds ratio. Similarly, total cholesterol > 200 mg/dL (OR = 6.82, 95% CI = 3.25–14.3) and triglycerides > 150 mg/dL (OR = 9.37, 95% CI = 2.06–42.6) was strongly seen in DFU patients. Although there were more hypertensives in the T2DM(n = 31) group than in DFU(n = 20) group, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.07) [Table 2].
Table 2.
The measure of association of independent variables in the study population.
| Independent variable | Group I (n = 77) | Group II (n = 75) | Odds Ratio OR (95% CI) | Risk Ratio | Chi-square test | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|||||
| RR (95% CI) | Yates | P | ||||
| BMI >25 kg/m2 | 25 (32.4) | 47 (62.6) | 3.4 (1.78–6.81) | 1.86 (1.32–2.6) | 12.71 | <0.0002 |
| Hypertension | 31 (40.3) | 20 (26.7) | 0.53 (0.27–1.12) | 0.72 (0.48–1.05) | 2.5 | 0.07 |
| Retinopathy | 12 (15.6) | 29 (8.7) | 3.45 (1.57–7.38) | 1.70 (1.26–2.29) | 9.13 | 0.001 |
| CKD (eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73m2) | 6 (7.8) | 33 (44) | 7.85 (3.19–19.34) | 2.2 (1.66–2.9) | 22.1 | <0.001 |
| Smoking | 9 (12) | 19 (25) | 2.56 (1.07–6.10) | 1.50 (1.09–2.07) | 3.84 | 0.03 |
| Family history of diabetes | 21 (27) | 33 (44) | 2.09 (1.06–4.12) | 1.42 (1.04–1.94) | 3.94 | 0.03 |
| Total Cholesterol >150 mg/dL | 30 (39) | 61 (81) | 6.82 (3.25–14.3) | 2.92 (1.80–4.72) | 26.66 | 0.001 |
| Triglycerides >200 mg/dL | 2 (3) | 15 (20) | 9.37 (2.06–42.6) | 1.98 (1.53–2.56) | 9.89 | 0.0005 |
| HDL (<40 mg/dL) | 11 (14) | 17 (23) | 1.75 (0.76–4.05) | 1.2 (0.91–1.84) | 1.26 | 0.19 |
| LDL (>100 mg/dL) | 10 (13) | 15 (20) | 1.67 (0.69–4.00) | 1.27 (0.87–1.83) | 0.89 | 0.25 |
Abbreviations: BMI-body mass Index, eGFR-estimated glomerular filtration rate, HDL-high density lipoprotein, LDL-low density lipoprotein, ApoA1-apolipoprotein A1, TNF- tumor necrosis factor, IL-interleukin.
There was a significant negative and positive correlation of ApoA1 with TNF-α(r = −0.186, p = 0.018) and IL-10 (r = 0.310, p = 0.000), respectively. Similarly, TNF-α and IL-10 (r = −0.224, p = 0.004) were negatively associated with each other [Supplementary Table 2].
Multiple logistic regression analysis as observed by Chi-square and regression coefficients identified increasing age (p = 0.027), smoking (p = 0.032), retinopathy (p = 0.013), eGFR (p = 0.024), HbA1C (p = 0.030) and inflammatory biomarkers like low levels of ApoA1 (p = 0.005) and IL-10 (p = 0.000) to be significantly associated with diabetic foot ulcers [Table 3]. The other variables, gender, BMI, duration of diabetes, hypertension, and TNF-α, were not significant in this model for the study population.
Table 3.
Multinomial logistic regression analysis in patients of diabetic foot ulcers.
| Variables | Likelihood Ratio Tests | Parameter Estimates | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|||
| Chi-Square | Significance | Regression coefficients | Significance | |
| Age | 4.884 | 0.027 | 3.072 | 0.034 |
| Gender | 0.273 | 0.601 | 0.381 | 0.602 |
| BMI | 0.076 | 0.783 | 0.023 | 0.784 |
| Smoking | 5.321 | 0.032 | 3.017 | 0.035 |
| Duration of diabetes | 0.014 | 0.906 | −0.007 | 0.906 |
| Hypertension | 2.40 | 0.127 | −1.128 | 0.130 |
| Retinopathy | 6.136 | 0.013 | 1.814 | 0.020 |
| eGFR | 4.390 | 0.024 | 1.638 | 0.010 |
| HbA1C | 1.536 | 0.293 | 0.764 | 0.317 |
| Apo A1 (mg/dL) | 7.779 | 0.005 | −0.047 | 0.012 |
| TNF-α (pg/mL) | 2.197 | 0.138 | 0.002 | 0.148 |
| IL-10 (pg/mL) | 59.73 | 0.000 | −0.037 | <0.0001 |
Since the probabilities of inflammatory biomarkers ApoA1 and IL-10 were significant in predicting the presence of DFU, ROC curve analysis was conducted on these to identify the cut-off point for DFU development [Fig. 1]. The cut-offs for ApoA1 and IL-10 were 89.82 mg/dL and 78.80 pg/mL respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of IL-10 were better than ApoA1, as evident by the overall accuracy of 89.5% for IL-10 compared to 75% for ApoA1 [Table 4].
Fig. 1.
Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve of APO A1 and IL-10 in predicting the development foot ulcers in diabetes.
Table 4.
Accuracy of ApoA1 and IL-10 in diabetic foot ulcers.
| Cut off | AUC | Sensitivity (%) | Specificity (%) | NPV (%) | PPV (%) | ACC (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ApoA1 | 89.82 | 0.75 (0.676,0.827) | 70.0 | 65.0 | 74.0 | 76.05 | 75.0 |
| IL-10 | 78.8 | 0.93 (0.891,0.970) | 88.8 | 82.5 | 94.2 | 85.5 | 89.5 |
AUC-Area under the curve, NPV-Negative predictive value, PPV-Positive predictive value, ACC- Accuracy.
To illustrate whether Apo A1 and IL-10 could predict the severity of ulcers according to their grade, the DFU group was graded to DFU1(grades 0–2) (n = 20) and DFU2(grades 3–5) (n = 55), and tests of difference were utilized. There was no difference in Apo A1 (p = 0.540) and IL-10 (p = 0.856) levels between these two groups [Supplementary Fig. 1].
4. Discussion
This study evaluated the association between Apo A1 and other inflammatory biomarkers like TNF-α and IL-10 and diabetic foot ulcers. It was demonstrated that T2DM patients with foot ulcers had lower Apo A1 and IL-10 than T2DM patients without foot ulcers. Low Apo A1 and IL-10 had high sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values in patients with DFU, with IL-10 being a superior biomarker to Apo A1 for the development of DFU. However, none of these showed utility in estimating the disease severity. This could be attributed to fewer patients in the severe grades of ulcer-like grade 4 and 5 and more in grade 3.
It is well known that DFU is a severe complication of diabetes associated with poor quality of life and increased financial burden on the family and hence on the community. Therefore, if certain beacons can serve as early indicators in developing diabetic foot ulcers, this can benefit the patients. The inflammatory state associated with ulcers results in the release of various non-specific cytokines of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory nature. Multiple factors play a role in the development of foot ulcers. In this study, different variables were compared between DFU patients and patients with diabetes and without foot ulcers to try and establish the association of Apo A1 with the severity of diabetic foot. The overall characteristics of the patient population were similar to various other studies in India as mentioned below and so are generalizable to the population of the subcontinent.
The mean age of the ulcer group was 54.85 ± 9.6 years, and the prevalence in male gender in our study is similar to other studies [1,17,18]. Increasing age and male gender are known independent risk factors for the development of diabetes, as males have a higher exposure to trauma, use improper footwear, and have high foot pressure. Our study has found age to be a prominent risk factor, whereas found gender is not to be a risk factor for DFU. Few studies have found no difference in sex between diabetic patients with and without foot ulcers [19,20]. We assume that the degree of neuropathy, joint mobility, and foot pressure was the same in males and females, and this could be the reason for gender not being a risk factor in this population.
Results of Chi-square and Exact measures of association suggested several factors with potential association with DFU in our study. There was a significant association of obesity (BMI> 25 kg/m2) on the risk of developing DFU (OR-3.4, CI: 1.78–6.81), similar to other studies [18,21,22]. Smoking, a longer duration of diabetes (> 10 years), and a family history of diabetes mellitus were strongly associated with foot ulcers. As per many studies, this was identified as a risk factor for neuropathy [18,21,23]. Smokers were 2.56 times (CI: 1.07–6.10) more likely to be associated with diabetic foot ulcers. As the duration of diabetes increases, macrovascular and microvascular complications become more common, which further increase the development of DFU. Retinopathy (OR-3.45, CI: 1.57–7.38) had a strong association with DFU. Poor glycemic control was also associated with DFU cases in this study (p = 0.01). The renal function and lipid profile were more deranged in Group-II than in Group-I. However, upon multivariable analysis, from amongst the above factors, our study drew conclusion only of age (b = 3.072, p = 0.034), smoking (b = 3.017, p = 0.035), retinopathy (b = 1.814, p = 0.02)and CKD (b = 1.638, p = 0.01)as independent associated with DFU.
Due to the inflammatory status in DFU, there was a high concentration of pro-inflammatory mediator TNF-α and lower levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. Lower levels of ApoA1, an anti-inflammatory molecule were strongly associated with DFU. TNF-α is produced by monocytes, macrophages and Tcells affecting many pathways like adhesion, migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. In normal skin wounds, TNF-α is quickly released by the vascular endothelium of the ulcer areas, and it initiates the inflammatory process for wound healing [24]. In DFU, which is a chronic non-healing state, there is prolonged and excessive production of TNF-α by M1 macrophages (classically activated macrophages) that promotes a positive amplification circuit. This can impair the migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts to the wound site and reduce angiogenesis by adversely affecting endothelial progenitor cells mobilization. The most conspicuous response is lowering the ability of macrophages to phagocytose wound debris and apoptotic neutrophils [25]. The consistent hyperglycemia leads to the accumulation of advanced glycation end products and induces nuclear factor-κB( NF-κB), transcription factors related to cytokines like TNF-α [26]. The M2 cells (alternatively activated macrophages) released during wound healing produce IL-10 that attenuate injury and suppress inflammation by releasing vascular endothelial growth factors [27]. Overall in patients with diabetes, an imbalance towards M1 macrophages increases expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and decreases IL-10 production (r = −0.224, p = 0.004) by M2 cells, and delays wound healing [28]. Studies in diabetic rats have shown that applying neutralizing TNF-α antibody and TNF-α antagonists have promoted healing of the wounds by increasing the migration capacity of keratinocytes [29]. However, amongst the cytokines only IL-10 (b = −0.37, p = 0.000) and not TNF-α (b = 0.002, p = 0.138) could help in predicting DFU. It can be assumed that IL-10 has a complementary action to TNF-α.
ApoA1 has been shown to exert an anti-inflammatory effect on macrophages, thus inhibiting atherogenesis [30]through various mechanisms like mRNA decay of pro-inflammatory cytokines [31]. Experimental studies in mice have shown that injection of ApoA1 leads to an increase in M2 polarisation markers [IL-10] and a decline in inflammatory markers [32]. Therefore, a lower HDL and ApoA1 level shift the cells away from an M2 macrophage phenotype aggravating the condition and delaying the healing of the DFU. ApoA1 was significantly lowered in DFU patients and served as independent markers for DFU occurrence in diabetic patients (b −0.47, p = 0.012). There was a negative correlation of ApoA1 with TNF-α( r = −0.186, p = 0.018) and a positive correlation with IL-10 (r = 0.310, p = 0.000), which are pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers. A decreased HDL is associated with a diminished inflammatory immune response. However, although there was no difference in HDL level in our study, the ApoA1 content was lowered in ulcer patients. This could indicate the endogenous anti-inflammatory role of ApoA1. Keeping all these factors into consideration, Apo A1 can be implicated to be an evolving biomarker for the early diagnosis of diabetic foot ulcers.
Smoking was found to be independently associated with DFU in our study population. The oxidative damage due to smoking induces glycotoxins inducing cell damage to vulnerable neural tissues [33]. Cigarette smoking also induces insulin resistance, thereby corroborating the presence of insulin requirements in these patients.
It is notable that early diagnosis and treatment aid in reducing the incidence of DFU, which is expected to reduce other complications like amputation and mortality. Therefore, we propose ApoA1 and IL-10 as inflammatory biomarkers for the early diagnosis of DFU. Expression of serum ApoA1 and IL-10 showed high AUC in the diagnosis of DFU, with IL-10 showing greater accuracy than ApoA1. Even though these two anti-inflammatory markers could not differentiate between the different grades of ulcers, this does not dissuade the combined use of these biomarkers can speculate DFU.
In terms of study limitations, since this is a cross-sectional study, the dynamics of this biomarker can also be well studied with prospective follow-up studies and taking a larger population in each ulcer grade. The study of time-dependent changes in these inflammatory markers during treatment would further reveal more information about the role of ApoA1 and IL-10 in DFU. This study was also carried out in a single tertiary care hospital with a limited representation of the entire Indian population with DFU. However, further studies are required to completely elucidate its role as a biomarker, set target serum levels, and increase its clinical use.
5. Conclusion
Although molecular targets like a pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines can serve as biomarkers, it is challenging to pinpoint them for DFU. However, the present study has demonstrated that Apo A1 and IL-10 are significantly reduced in patients with DFU and are correlated with clinical and laboratory indices. Although these biomarkers cannot monitor the severity of DFU, further prospective trials using cut-off values would aid in the early prediction of DFU so that timely management of these patients can be undertaken. Anti-inflammatory molecules, ApoA1 and IL-10, can serve as novel predictors for the occurrence of DFU and thus reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality.
Supplementary Data
Box plot representation of ApoA1 and IL-10 in patients with DFU1 (n ¼ 20)and DFU2(n ¼ 55).
Supplementary Table 1.
Wagner’s classification of diabetic ulcer
| Ulcer grading | Clinical description |
|---|---|
| Grade 0 | Intact skin (impending ulcer) |
| Grade 1 | Superficial ulcer |
| Grade 2 | Deep ulcer, no bone involvement or abscess |
| Grade 3 | Abscess with bone involvement (osteomyelitis) |
| Grade 4 | Localized gangrene e.g. toes, heel |
| Grade 5 | Extensive gangrene involving entire foot |
Supplementary Table 2.
Correlation matrix of ApoA1 with TNF-α and IL-10
| Apo A1 | TNF-α | IL-10 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apo A1 | Pearson Correlation | 1 | −0.186* | 0.310** |
| Sig. (2-tailed) | 0.018 | 0.000 | ||
| TNF-α | Pearson Correlation | −0.186* | 1 | −0.224** |
| Sig. (2-tailed) | 0.018 | 0.004 | ||
| IL-10 | Pearson Correlation | 0.310** | −0.224** | 1 |
| Sig. (2-tailed) | 0.000 | 0.004 |
Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed).
Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
Footnotes
Funding
This research work was possible through funding from All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, as an INTRAMURAL GRANT.
Ethics statement
Ethical clearance obtained: IEC Proposal No. AIIMSRPR/IEC/2018/128, vide Approval no 373/IEC- AIIMSRPR/2018 dated 07.04.2018, from All India Institute of Medical Sciences Raipur (Chhattisgarh), India, Ethics Committee (Registration No – ECR/714/Inst/CT/2015).
Conflicts of interest
No conflict of interest.
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Associated Data
This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.
Supplementary Materials
Box plot representation of ApoA1 and IL-10 in patients with DFU1 (n ¼ 20)and DFU2(n ¼ 55).
Supplementary Table 1.
Wagner’s classification of diabetic ulcer
| Ulcer grading | Clinical description |
|---|---|
| Grade 0 | Intact skin (impending ulcer) |
| Grade 1 | Superficial ulcer |
| Grade 2 | Deep ulcer, no bone involvement or abscess |
| Grade 3 | Abscess with bone involvement (osteomyelitis) |
| Grade 4 | Localized gangrene e.g. toes, heel |
| Grade 5 | Extensive gangrene involving entire foot |
Supplementary Table 2.
Correlation matrix of ApoA1 with TNF-α and IL-10
| Apo A1 | TNF-α | IL-10 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apo A1 | Pearson Correlation | 1 | −0.186* | 0.310** |
| Sig. (2-tailed) | 0.018 | 0.000 | ||
| TNF-α | Pearson Correlation | −0.186* | 1 | −0.224** |
| Sig. (2-tailed) | 0.018 | 0.004 | ||
| IL-10 | Pearson Correlation | 0.310** | −0.224** | 1 |
| Sig. (2-tailed) | 0.000 | 0.004 |
Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed).
Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).