N-Terminal Propeptide of Collagen Type Iii as a Proposed Marker of Myocardial Fibrosis in Type 2 Diabetes

Aim. To evaluate the role of N-terminal procollagen type III propeptide (P3NP) as a proposed marker of myocardial fibrosis in type 2 diabetes (DM2) patients. Material and methods. In the study, 2 groups of patients participated: with DM2 and non-DM2 (both n=32). All patients underwent clinical and laboratory assessment, including P3NP, electrocardiography, echocardiography. Statistics was done with Mann-Whitney criteria and Spearman correlation. Results. The level P3NP is significantly higher in DM2 patients (р<0,00001). In DM2 patients, the level of P3NP significantly correlates with increased myocardial mass of the left ventricle (р=0,00026) and myocardial mass index of the left ventricle (р=0,03685). Conclusion. Echo- and electrocardiographic signs characteristic for myocardial fibrosis (mass increase, voltage decline) in DM2 patients are concomitant with the increase of P3NP. Significant correlation of P3NP and the size of myocardium makes it to propose P3NP as one of possible markers of myocardial fibrosis in DM2 persons.