Immunological Role of Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a longstanding metabolic illness that may be genetic or advanced due to lifestyle and environmental factors. It occurs when the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin, or when the body is incapable to use the insulin it produces successfully, leading to disorders in the regulation of blood glucose. The goal of this study is to evaluate matrix metalloproteinase-13 as a probable biomarker in complications of diabetes.

Material and Methods: The current study comprised a total of 90 specimens obtained from members. The study was divided into two groups: the first consisted of 60 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, while the second comprised 30 healthy individuals serving as a control group. All members were employed from a private laboratory in Balad city, Iraq, between September 2025 and January 2026.

Results: Concerning sex distribution, males accounted for a higher proportion of the patients, accounting for 54 (60%), while female established 36(40%). Examination by age group specified that persons aged 51–60 years had the highest occurrence of diabetes. In addition, the findings exposed that the Matrix metallopeptidase-13 (MMP-13) serum level was significantly increased in T2DM patients compared to healthy control (P < 0.05).