Decreased blood oxytocin levels in obesity and in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND: Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are common metabolic disorders. Oxytocin, a hypothalamic neuropeptide, has recently been recognized as a potential regulator of energy balance, appetite, and insulin sensitivity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between circulating oxytocin levels and metabolic parameters in individuals with obesity and newly diagnosed T2D. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 96 participants were enrolled, including 48 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and 48 with newly diagnosed T2D, each subdivided into normal-weight and obese groups. Anthropometric indices, glucose and lipid parameters, insulin, HbA1c, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were measured. Insulin resistance and β-cell function were assessed using the HOMA model. RESULTS: Circulating oxytocin levels were significantly lower in patients with T2D compared to NGT (p < 0.01), and in obese compared to normal-weight participants (p < 0.01). Low oxytocin was negatively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, HbA1c, glucose, insulin, lipids, and hs-CRP, but positively with β-cell function. Multiple regression analysis identified 2-hour glucose, BMI, and total cholesterol as independent predictors of oxytocin levels. CONCLUSION: Patients with obesity and newly diagnosed T2D exhibit markedly reduced circulating oxytocin levels, associated with adverse metabolic profiles. These findings highlight oxytocin as a potential biomarker of early metabolic dysregulation and suggest new therapeutic perspectives.

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