title: Expression of REG Iα gene in type 2 diabetics in Pakistan.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The escalating rate of diabetes' has prompted researchers around the world to explore for early markers. A deficit of functional β-cell mass plays a central role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. The REG (Regenerating) gene, encoding a 166 amino acid REG protein was discovered in rats and humans which is released in response to β-cells damage and play a role in their regeneration. The objective of this study was to characterize serum levels of REG Iα proteins in type 2 diabetic patients as indicator of β-cell apoptosis as well as regeneration.
  
  
  METHODS
  Unrelated type 2 diabetic patients (n = 55) of different age groups and disease duration were recruited from the Medical OPD of PNS Shifa Hospital. Age and sex matched non diabetic controls (n = 20) without family history of diabetes were selected from the same setting. Demographical details were recorded on a structured questionnaire. Biochemical parameters like FBG, HbA1c, TC and TG levels were measured. Serum levels of REG Iα protein were determined by ELISA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Levels of REG Iα protein were found significantly raised in type 2 diabetic patients compared to controls (p < 001). Patients with short duration of the disease had higher levels of REG Iα as compared to patients with longer duration of the disease. Although the patients were on anti hyperglycemic agents, a positive correlation was found between REG Iα serum levels, FBG and HbA1c levels. Patients with higher BMI had higher levels of serum REG Iα levels. Serum TC, TG and Hb levels showed no correlation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  REG Iα may be used as a marker/predictor of type 2 diabetes especially in the early stages of the disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi and National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Sadaf Saleem
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Uppal
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Islamic International Medical College, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Abdul Khaliq
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Naveed
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Saeeda
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baig
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Bushra
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Chaudhry
keywords: REG Iα; Type 2 diabetes; β-Cell apoptosis; β-Cell regeneration