Plasma levels of the proprotein convertase furin and incidence of diabetes and mortality

Abstract

Background. Diabetes mellitus is linked to premature mortality of virtually all causes. Furin is a proprotein convertase broadly involved in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis; however, little is known about its role in the development of diabetes mellitus and risk of premature mortality. Objectives. To test if fasting plasma concentration of furin is associated with the development of diabetes mellitus and mortality. Methods. Overnight fasted plasma furin levels were measured at baseline examination in 4678 individuals from the population-based prospective Malmo Diet and Cancer Study. We studied the relation of plasma furin levels with metabolic and hemodynamic traits. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to investigate the association between baseline plasma furin levels and incidence of diabetes mellitus and mortality during 21.3-21.7 years follow-up. Results. An association was observed between quartiles of furin concentration at baseline and body mass index, blood pressure and plasma concentration of glucose, insulin, LDL and HDL cholesterol (vertical bar 0.11 vertical bar Conclusion. Individuals with high plasma furin concentration have a pronounced dysmetabolic phenotype and elevated risk of diabetes mellitus and premature mortality.