Evidence mapPaperPMID 41580498Full record

ArticleScientific reports2026

Differences in red blood cell fatty acid profiles by type 2 diabetes status in early-stage chronic kidney disease.

Cindy George, Jillian Hill, N Unati Nqebelele, Dipuo D Motshwari, Nasheeta Peer, Andre P Kengne, Paul J van Jaarsveld

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Article in Scientific reports, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

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1 citing paper in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Cindy GeorgeNon-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town and Durban, Cape Town, South Africa. cindy.george@mrc.ac.za.
Jillian HillNon-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town and Durban, Cape Town, South Africa.
N Unati NqebeleleNon-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town and Durban, Cape Town, South Africa.
Dipuo D MotshwariNon-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town and Durban, Cape Town, South Africa.
Nasheeta PeerNon-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town and Durban, Cape Town, South Africa.
Andre P KengneNon-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town and Durban, Cape Town, South Africa.
Paul J van JaarsveldNon-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town and Durban, Cape Town, South Africa.

Funding

South African Medical Research Council NA
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundRed blood cell (RBC) membrane fatty acid composition may reflect early metabolic disturbances linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), offering insights into shared pathophysiological mechanisms. This study aimed to characterise RBC membrane fatty acid profiles in individuals with early-stage CKD, comparing those with and without T2D to identify disease-specific patterns.

methodsThe cross-sectional analysis comprised 893 participants (290 with T2D and 603 deemed at high risk of T2D by the African Diabetes Risk Score), aged ≥ 18 years, recruited from 16 communities in Cape Town, South Africa, between 2017 and 2019. RBC membrane fatty acids were extracted and analysed using gas chromatography. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m² and/or albumin-to-creatinine ratio > 3 mg/mmol.

resultsIn total, 25.9% presented with CKD, 36.1% with T2D, and 15.6% presented with comorbid CKD and T2D. A higher lipogenic index was associated with an increased odds of prevalent CKD [OR (95% CI): 2.73 (1.22-6.12); p = 0.015], with 18:2n-6 (linoleic acid) [OR (95% CI): 0.81 (0.67-0.99); p = 0.035], total n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) [OR (95% CI): 0.86 (0.76-0.98); p = 0.025], and total PUFA [OR (95% CI): 0.88 (0.77-0.99); p = 0.041] associated with reduced odds of prevalent CKD, with the associations between the PUFAs modified by T2D status (interaction p < 0.070).

conclusionOur findings showed that comorbid CKD and T2D exacerbates changes in PUFAs, suggesting complex metabolic interactions. These fatty acids may be of clinical value adding to already existing biomarkers to improve early detection or monitoring of these diseases. Furthermore, promoting appropriately balanced dietary intake of n-6 and n-3 PUFAs, could support metabolic health, contributing to more personalized patient care.

Indexed as

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2ErythrocytesFatty AcidsRenal Insufficiency, ChronicAgedCross-Sectional StudiesErythrocyte MembraneFemaleGlomerular Filtration RateHumansMaleMiddle AgedSouth AfricaFatty AcidsChronic kidney diseaseRed blood cell membrane fatty acidsType 2 diabetes mellitus

Identifiers

PMID41580498
PMCPMC12901992

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.