Serum Adropin Levels as a Potential Biomarker in Diabetic Nephropathy: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease worldwide. Conventional markers such as serum creatinine and urine albumin–creatinine ratio (ACR) have limitations in early detection. Adropin, a novel peptide hormone involved in metabolic regulation and endothelial function, has emerged as a potential biomarker in metabolic disorders. Objectives: To evaluate serum adropin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with and without nephropathy and to assess its association with renal function and metabolic parameters. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 90 T2DM patients, divided into Group A (with nephropathy, n=45) and Group B (without nephropathy, n=45). Clinical parameters, glycaemic indices, lipid profile, renal function tests, and serum adropin levels (ELISA) were measured. Statistical analysis included independent t-test, Pearson’s correlation, multiple regression, logistic regression, and ROC curve analysis. Results: Patients with nephropathy had significantly higher BMI, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, HbA1C, and ACR, along with lower eGFR compared to those without nephropathy (p<0.05). Serum adropin levels were significantly reduced in Group A (89.9+55.2 vs 127.5+51.9 in Groip B) Adropin showed a negative correlation with BMI, glycaemic parameters, and ACR, and a positive correlation with eGFR and HDL cholesterol. Logistic regression identified adropin as an independent predictor of nephropathy. ROC analysis demonstrated moderate diagnostic accuracy (AUC=0.701), with an optimal cut-off of 80 ng/L (sensitivity 75%, specificity 72%). Conclusion: Serum adropin levels are significantly reduced in diabetic nephropathy and correlate with renal dysfunction. Adropin may serve as a promising adjunct biomarker for early detection and risk stratification of diabetic nephropathy.