Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) Expression and Role of Cytokines in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Objective: The basic aim of this study is to find the TNF-α expression and role of different cytokines in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. 

Study Design: Cross-sectional study 
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the CMH Rawalakot from June 2025 to August 2025. 

Methods: Patients diagnosed with diabetes and having age >18 years were included in the study. Patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus and individuals with malignancies or autoimmune diseases were excluded. Plasma levels of pro inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. 

Results: Data were collected from 550 participants in this study. Mean age of participants was 58.6 ± 10.2 year and mean BMI was 29.4 ± 5.6 kg/m2. Mean duration of DM in participants was 8.5 ± 5.3 years. Patients in the uncontrolled diabetes group had higher fasting plasma glucose levels (168.9 ± 38.2 mg/dL vs. 142.6 ± 28.9 mg/dL, p < 0.001) and higher BMI (31.5 ± 6.2 kg/m² vs. 28.1 ± 4.9 kg/m², p < 0.001). TNF-α gene expression was moderately correlated with HbA1c levels (r = 0.42, p < 0.001), indicating that higher TNF-α expression is associated with poorer glycemic control. There was also a positive correlation with BMI (r = 0.35, p < 0.001), suggesting a link between increased TNF-α expression and higher body mass index. 

Conclusion: Elevated TNF-α gene expression and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels are prominent features of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), correlating with glycemic control and metabolic dysfunction.