Serum T50 predicts cardiovascular mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A prospective cohort study

Background and aims

Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, compared with those without T2D. The serum T50 test captures the transformation time of calciprotein particles in serum. We aimed to assess whether serum T50 predicts cardiovascular mortality in T2D patients, independent of traditional risk factors.

Methods

We analyzed 621 individuals with T2D in this prospective cohort study. Cox regression models were performed to test the association between serum T50 and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Causes of death were categorized according to ICD-10 codes. Risk prediction improvement was assessed by comparing Harrell's C for models without and with T_50.

Results

The mean age was 64.2 ± 9.8 years, and 61% were male. The average serum T50 time was 323 ± 63 min. Higher age, alcohol use, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, and plasma phosphate were associated with lower serum T₅₀ levels. Higher plasma triglycerides, venous bicarbonate, sodium, magnesium, and alanine aminotransferase were associated with higher serum T50 levels. After a follow-up of 7.5[5.4–10.7] years, each 60 min decrease in serum T50 was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular (fully adjusted HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.08–1.50, and p = 0.01) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.15, 95%CI 1.00–1.38, and p = 0.04). Results were consistent in sensitivity analyses after exclusion of individuals with estimated glomerular filtration rate <45 or <60 mL/min/1.73 m² and higher plasma phosphate levels.

Conclusions

Serum T50 improves prediction of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality risk in individuals with T2D. Serum T50 may be useful for risk stratification and to guide therapeutic strategies aiming to reduce cardiovascular mortality in T2D.