Immunological Signatures During Type 2 Diabetes Development and Progression among Mexican Americans in Starr County, Texas

Previous studies implicate immune dysregulation in the metabolic changes accompanying obesity and type 2 diabetes. This study investigated the interplay between metabolic and immunological parameters during the progression of type 2 diabetes in an obese Mexican American cohort from Starr County, Texas. Individuals matched for age, gender, and BMI were stratified into five categories: diabetes-free, isolated impaired glucose tolerance, combined glucose impairment (fasting or post-load), type 2 diabetes without complications, and type 2 diabetes with lower extremity complications. Buffy samples were analyzed via Luminex Multiplex Assay for IL-4, IL-17A, MCP-1, and HMGB1. HMGB1 levels were significantly elevated in individuals with prediabetes and the combined glucose intolerance group compared to the diabetes-free group and those with diabetes. Elevated HMGB1 levels positively correlated with Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA) for insulin resistance (p = 0.03) and showed a moderate negative correlation with insulin sensitivity (p = 0.060). IL-17A levels were elevated in the diabetes group without complications compared to those with combined glucose impairment. The combined diabetes group exhibited the poorest glycemic control. In summary, HMGB1 is a potential early marker of insulin resistance and diabetes progression in Mexican Americans from an underserved community.