Background: Persistent
hyperglycemia and lipid imbalance in diabetes contribute to both metabolic and
inflammatory toxicity. Caspase-1, a central component of the inflammasome,
mediates pyroptosis and the maturation of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Objective: This study evaluates Caspase-1 as a potential biomarker linking
metabolic derangement and inflammatory toxicity in individuals with Type 2
Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Methods: The levels of Caspase-1, TNF-α, IL-1β,
albumin, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, and TyG index were measured in diabetic and control
subjects. Correlation analyses examined the relationships between Caspase-1 and
indicators of glycemic control and inflammation. Results: Caspase-1
concentrations were significantly elevated in diabetic subjects compared to
controls (p < 0.001). Caspase-1 correlated positively with HbA1c, HOMA-IR,
TyG, IL-1β, and TNF-α, but inversely with albumin. These relationships suggest
that poor metabolic control and inflammatory toxicity are closely linked via
inflammasome activation. Conclusion: Elevated Caspase-1 levels reflect the
combined burden of metabolic and inflammatory toxicity in T2DM. The enzyme may
serve as an integrative biomarker for assessing systemic toxic stress arising
from metabolic dysregulation and chronic inflammation.
