U-shaped association between plasma cobalt levels and type 2 diabetes

Area of Science:

• Environmental health
• Metabolomics
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing global health concern.
• The role of trace metals in T2D pathogenesis is increasingly recognized.
• Cobalt's potential impact on metabolic health requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between plasma cobalt levels and newly diagnosed T2D.
• To explore potential interactions between plasma cobalt and other redox metals (manganese, copper, selenium) in T2D development.

Main Methods:

• A large-scale case-control study involving 4564 participants (2282 T2D cases, 2282 controls).
• Participants were matched for sex and age.
• Plasma metal concentrations, including cobalt, were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Main Results:

• A U-shaped association was observed between plasma cobalt levels and T2D risk.
• Higher odds ratios for T2D were found at both the lowest and highest quartiles of plasma cobalt.
• Significant interaction between plasma cobalt and copper concentrations was identified, with the lowest T2D risk at medium levels of both metals.

Conclusions:

• Both elevated and reduced plasma cobalt concentrations are associated with an increased risk of T2D.
• The complex interplay among redox metals warrants further investigation in the context of T2D.
• Understanding these metal interactions may offer new insights into T2D prevention and management.