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Copper metabolism--a factor in gestational diabetes?
1Genetics Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry
|December 31, 1992
Summary
This study found no difference in copper levels but increased oxidative stress markers in gestational diabetes mellitus. This suggests oxidative stress, not copper deficiency, may contribute to the condition.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Reproductive Medicine
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication.
- The role of trace elements like copper in GDM pathogenesis is not fully understood.
- Oxidative stress is implicated in various metabolic disorders, including diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of copper metabolism in the mechanism of gestational diabetes mellitus.
- To assess serum copper, ceruloplasmin, and superoxide dismutase activity in women with and without GDM.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of serum copper and ceruloplasmin concentrations between healthy pregnant women and those with GDM.
- Measurement of ceruloplasmin activity and specific activity.
- Assessment of CuZn superoxide dismutase activity in both groups, using matched pairs for age.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in serum copper and ceruloplasmin concentrations were observed between the groups.
- Ceruloplasmin activity was slightly higher, with significantly raised specific activity in women with GDM.
- CuZn superoxide dismutase activity was significantly increased in women with GDM (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Reduced serum copper concentrations are unlikely to be the cause of oxidative stress in GDM.
- The findings suggest that oxidative stress may play a role in the mechanism of gestational diabetes mellitus.
- Altered copper-related enzyme activity, specifically increased CuZn superoxide dismutase, is associated with GDM.