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Polymorphonuclear leucocyte respiratory burst activity correlates with serum zinc level in type 2 diabetic patients
B Larijani1, P Shooshtarizadeh, N Mosaffa
1Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Doctor Shariati Hospital, Iran. emrc@sina.tums.ac.ir
Abstract:
Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are prone to infection, in part due to phagocyte dysfunction and impaired polymorphonuclear (PMN) leucocyte superoxide generation. Another frequently mentioned factor in the pathogenesis of infection in DM patients is altered zinc status. This study aims to evaluate the association between serum zinc level and PMN respiratory burst activity in patients with type 2 DM. Thirty-nine type 2 DM patients (19 with foot ulcers) and 20 healthy controls are studied. Respiratory burst activity is evaluated at baseline and in stimulated states by a nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction test. Serum zinc level is evaluated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Although not statistically significant, PMNs from diabetics with foot ulcers appeared to be slightly hyperactivated at the baseline state. The NBT index was significantly lower in DM patients with foot ulcers after stimulation. Mean serum zinc level was significantly lower in diabetics with foot ulcers compared to those without foot ulcers. A significant negative correlation between serum zinc level and NBT index at baseline was seen in patients with foot ulcers, but this changed to a significant positive correlation after stimulation. These findings may be explained by PMN hyperactivity at baseline and by respiratory burst dysfunction following stimulation in diabetic patients.
Insights
Type 2 diabetes patients with foot ulcers show lower serum zinc levels and impaired polymorphonuclear (PMN) respiratory burst activity, increasing infection risk. Zinc status impacts PMN function in diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus (DM) is linked to increased infection susceptibility due to impaired phagocyte function.
- Polymorphonuclear (PMN) leucocyte superoxide generation and zinc status are critical factors in DM pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum zinc levels and PMN respiratory burst activity in type 2 DM patients.
- To compare these parameters in diabetic patients with and without foot ulcers.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated respiratory burst activity using the nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction test at baseline and stimulated states.
- Measured serum zinc levels via atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
- Studied 39 type 2 DM patients (19 with foot ulcers) and 20 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- PMNs from diabetic patients with foot ulcers showed slightly higher baseline activity but significantly lower stimulated NBT index.
- Mean serum zinc levels were significantly lower in diabetic patients with foot ulcers.
- Found a negative baseline correlation and a positive stimulated correlation between serum zinc and NBT index in patients with foot ulcers.
Conclusions:
- Diabetic patients, especially those with foot ulcers, exhibit altered PMN respiratory burst activity and lower serum zinc.
- These alterations may contribute to increased infection risk in diabetic patients.
- Serum zinc levels correlate with PMN function, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
