High Mobility Group Box-1 Serum Concentrations Increase at Onset of Diabetes in Cystic Fibrosis Patients

The DNA-binding High Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB1) is an intracellular gene regulator that can be secreted also in response to inflammatory mediators, including interleukins, binding subsequently to both RAGE and Toll-like receptors forming a self-reinforcing inflammatory circle. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation. Elevated serum HMGB1 concentrations were described in serum of obese children and to be associated with the metabolic syndrome that originates from a state of insulin-insensitivity. This latter is a feature of cystic fibrosis related diabetes also (CFRD). The article aimed to assess HMGB1 serum concentrations in CF patients and verify whether there were any relationships with the state of glucose tolerance