This is in line with a previous study reporting a major shift in the serum proteome in type 2 diabetes, partially reflecting inflammatory processes and extracellular matrix alterations.30 Similarly, plasma expression of HGF, IL-6, FGF-21, CDCP1 and IL-18R1 have been identified among the top 30 proteins associated with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.31 It is interesting to note that four of the proteins increased in diabetes were also increased in patients with MI deep periodontal pockets. Here, HGF is linked to diabetes mellitus.