A New Treatment Strategy that Reduces Growth/Differentiation Factor-15 in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus: Major Autohemotherapy: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Context center dot Growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a diagnostic and prognostic marker associated with inflammation, renal damage, and cardiovascular risk in type-2 diabetes mellitus. Researchers have proposed treatment targets that reduce GDF-15 levels. Objective center dot Our aim in this study is to investigate the effect of major autohemotherapy on GDF-15 levels and to evaluate it as a complementary therapy. Design center dot The research team designed a laboratory study to examine the effect of major hemotherapy on GDF-15 levels in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus and healthy volunteers. Blood was drawn from the participants in a closed system, infused with ozone gas, and reinfused into the patients. Setting center dot The study was carried out from 15 August-5 October at Kirsehir Training and Research Hospital Traditional and Complementary Medicine Center, Turkey. Participants center dot The study was conducted prospectively, and two groups were formed, consisting of those with type-2 diabetes mellitus (n = 21) and healthy volunteers (n = 14). Outcome Measures center dot All participants received 10 sessions of major autohemotherapy at a concentration of 25-35 micrograms/milliliter twice a week. Before and after the application, GDF-15, fasting glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and lipid panel levels were studied and compared. Results center dot Age, GDF-15, fasting glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and triglyceride levels were found to be higher in the type-2 diabetes mellitus group compared to the healthy group, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were found to be lower. After major autohemotherapy, GDF-15 and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly in the type-2 diabetes mellitus group. No change was observed in the healthy group. Conclusions center dot As a new treatment strategy, major autohemotherapy reduces GDF-15 levels in type-2 diabetes mellitus and contributes to the therapeutic effects of ozone therapy.