Fluoride enigma in end stage renal disease

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Endocrinology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Fluoride is an essential micromineral with known detrimental effects on chronic exposure.
• Chronic fluoride exposure is linked to impaired collagen biosynthesis, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, and kidney damage.
• Micro-vascular complications are significant concerns in diabetes mellitus management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum fluoride levels and diabetic nephropathy (DN).
• To explore the correlation of serum fluoride with other biochemical markers in diabetic patients.
• To determine the role of fluoride in the micro-vascular complications of diabetes.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 142 subjects divided into two groups.
• Serum samples were collected, separated, and stored for analysis.
• Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant differences and correlations.

Main Results:

• Significant differences were observed in urea, creatinine, calcium, magnesium, fluoride, and IL6 levels in patients with diabetic nephropathy.
• Serum fluoride, total proteins, and calcium showed a positive correlation between the two study groups.
• Elevated serum fluoride was identified as a key factor in the micro-vascular complications of diabetes.

Conclusions:

• Chronic fluoride exposure is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.
• Serum fluoride levels are correlated with biochemical markers of kidney damage and diabetes complications.
• Fluoride may act as an adjunct and surrogate molecule in causing micro-vascular complications associated with diabetes.