T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain‐containing molecule 3 on CD14(+) monocytes serves as a novel biological marker for diabetes duration in type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes is a worldwide disease that is associated with increased rates of obesity and reduced physical activity. Obesity‐associated insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes is a disorder in the balance between pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory signals. T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain‐containing molecule 3 (Tim‐3) has been reported as an important regulatory inflammation molecule, and plays a pivotal role in several inflammation‐related diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from type 2 diabetes patients (n = 31) and healthy donors (n = 18), and Tim‐3 expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS: We showed the downregulated expression of Tim‐3 on CD14(+) monocytes from type 2 diabetes patients. In addition, the upregulated expression of Tim‐3 on peripheral CD4(+) T cells and CD8(+) T cells was observed in the present study. The correlation analysis between Tim‐3 expression on CD14(+) monocytes and diabetes duration showed the longer diabetes duration time, the lower Tim‐3 expression on CD14 monocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggest that Tim‐3 might participate in the progression of type 2 diabetes by its negative regulation on these immune cells, and Tim‐3 on CD14(+) monocytes serves as a novel biological marker for diabetes duration in type 2 diabetes patients.