Evaluation of trace elements and Malondialdehyde levels in type II diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: Background: There are so many factors contributing to the pathophysiology of type II DM, some of these factors are trace elements and Malondialdehyde (MDA). Their increase or decrease may affect control of diabetes and delay the complications. Aim: Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), chromium (Cr), selenium (Se) and MDA were studied in this work to clarify their role in the pathogenesis and complications of type II DM aiming at preventing or delaying its complications. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted on 50 patients with type II DM divided into 2 groups: group I (controlled diabetic patients), n =20 and group II which comprised 30 uncontrolled diabetic patients complicated with diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy and retinopathy. Their results were compared to 15 age and sex matched healthy group. Patients and controls were subjected to full history taking, complete clinical examination and laboratory investigations which included measuring fasting serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-c and LDL-c. HbA1c was measured by column chromatography. MDA was assayed using colorimetric technique. The trace elements were measured in blood by means of atomic absorption spectrometer. Results: The mean levels of Zn, Mg, Se were significantly lower in the diabetic groups than the control group (P <0.001), while MDA was significantly higher in the diabetic groups (P <0.001). MDA showed significant positive correlation with HbA1c (r =0.301), cholesterol (r =0.394), triglycerides (0.315) and LDL-c (r =0.354) and negative correlation with HDL-c (r =−0.315). Significant negative correlation was found between each of Zn, Mg and Se and each of HbA1c and cholesterol. Copper positively correlated with HbA1c, cholesterol and LDL-c. MDA positively correlated with copper (r =0.307) and negatively correlated with Zn, Mg and Se (r =−0.356, −0.282, −0.513, respectively). Conclusion: Trace elements and MDA could have a role as cofactors in the pathogenesis of type II DM. They could be used as markers to evaluate the glycemic control as well as showing the lipid status of diabetic patients. Trace elements supplementations as zinc, magnesium and selenium might have utility in the treatment of the complex disorder in type II DM and may help in control of blood glucose and lipid levels, thus preventing or delaying serious clinical events in these patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]