The value of adenosine deaminase activity in latent autoimmune diabetes in adults and type 2 diabetes patients

Objective Adenosine deaminase (ADA) associated with cell-mediated immune responses is involved in many diseases. But little is known about the value of ADA activity in the progression of different diabetes types. The purpose of this study was to compare the ADA level between latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, and healthy controls (HC) and analyze its correlation with glycemic parameters and systemic cytokines. Methods This hospital-based study included 28 LADA patients, 52 T2D patients, and 50 HC. Serum ADA activity and concentrations of inflammatory cytokines were measured. Correlations of ADA level with different indicators were assessed by using spearman’s correlation method. Results Serum ADA activity was significantly higher in T2D patients compared with LADA ( p = 0.008) and HC ( p < 0.001). Correlation analysis of ADA with HbA1c% ( r = 0.34, p = 0.003) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, r = 0.31, p = 0.007; IL-10, r = 0.22, p = 0.049) showed significant positive correlations. Conclusions Serum ADA activity may reflect the different immunopathogenesis between LADA and T2D patients.