P153 MARKER OF TYPE VI COLLAGEN FORMATION (PRO-C6) IS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER ARTERIAL STIFFNESS IN TYPE 1 DIABETES

Aim: Arterial stiffening reflects fragmentation and loss of elastin fibers and accumulation of stiffer collagen fibers in the media of large arteries. We evaluated associations between carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and a marker of collagen type VI formation (Pro-C6) and a marker of collagen type III degradation (C3M) in type 1 diabetes. Methods: Serum and urinary level of Pro-C6 and C3M was measured with ELISA in 634 patients with type 1 diabetes. cfPWV was assessed by the SphygmoCor device. We applied unadjusted and adjusted linear regression analyses. Adjustment included sex, age, mean arterial pressure, LDL cholesterol, smoking, HbA1c, eGFR and urinary albumin excretion rate. To adjust for urine output levels, the urinary markers were normalized for urinary creatinine. Results: Of the 634 patients, 349 (55%) were male, mean±SD age was 54.6±12.6 years and cfPWV 10.4±3.3 m/s. Higher serum and urinary level of Pro-C6 was associated with higher cfPWV in unadjusted models (p≤0.039), after adjustment only higher serum level remained significantly associated with higher cfPWV (β estimate per doubling: 0.47±0.21; p = 0.028). Lower urinary level of C3M was associated with higher cfPWV in the unadjusted model (p < 0.001), but significance was lost after adjustment (p = 0.44). Higher serum level of C3M was associated with higher cfPWV in the unadjusted model (p = 0.002), but significance was lost after adjustment (p = 0.34). Conclusion: In type 1 diabetes, higher serum levels of Pro-C6, a marker of collagen type VI formation, was associated with increased arterial stiffness. This observation could introduce a new target for therapeutic intervention.