New Biomarkers Identify Cardiovascular Risk in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Individuals with type 2 diabetes are significantly more prone to cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, and angina, with their risk being up to four times higher than that of the general population. To better predict who might develop such complications, researchers have turned to innovative biomarkers, specifically focusing on epigenetic changes called DNA methylation.

A study conducted by a team from Lund University in Sweden tracked 752 participants newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes from the extensive ANIS cohort. None of these participants had prior major cardiovascular issues. The study spanned over seven years, during which 102 individuals experienced serious cardiovascular events. The researchers analyzed chemical modifications in the genome—DNA methylation—to identify potential biomarkers for cardiovascular risk.

The team discovered more than 400 sites in the genome with altered methylation patterns. From these, they developed a scoring system based on 87 specific methylation sites, which can assess an individual’s likelihood of developing severe cardiovascular complications.

Remarkably, the score demonstrated a 96% accuracy in predicting those unlikely to develop cardiovascular disease, showcasing its strong negative predictive value. While the study's follow-up duration limits the prediction of positive outcomes, ongoing research aims to refine this model further.

This pioneering work suggests that DNA methylation patterns could serve as a valuable tool in risk assessment. Detecting these epigenetic changes through a simple blood test could enable earlier intervention through lifestyle changes, medication adjustments, and targeted treatments to protect the heart and blood vessels.

Professor Charlotte Ling of Lund University emphasizes that current risk assessments using traditional clinical variables are less precise. Incorporating DNA methylation profiles could dramatically enhance the ability to identify high-risk patients accurately. The ultimate goal is to develop a practical, clinical testing kit that provides personalized risk scores, helping to prevent severe cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes.

This research has been published in 'Cell Reports Medicine' and signifies a significant advance in personalized medicine for diabetes-related cardiovascular risk management. For more detailed insights, visit source.