CROSS SECTIONAL EVIDENCE FOR OPPOSING EFFECTS OF HYPERGLYCAEMIA AND HYPERLIPIDAEMIA ON CHOLINESTERASE ACTIVITIES

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Endocrinology
• Clinical Chemistry

Background:

• Global rise in diabetes necessitates affordable biomarkers beyond glucose and HbA1c.
• Plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) are potential biomarkers due to their association with metabolic disorders.
• Investigating cholinesterase activity in relation to diabetes type, control, complications, and dyslipidemia is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if plasma BChE and erythrocyte AChE activities correlate with diabetes type.
• To assess the relationship between cholinesterase activity, glycemic control, and chronic complications in diabetes.
• To evaluate cholinesterase activity in patients with isolated dyslipidemia compared to healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 298 patients with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes (monotherapy or combination therapy), or isolated dyslipidemia, plus 30 healthy controls.
• Plasma BChE and erythrocyte AChE activities were measured using an electrometric assay.
• Patients were stratified by glycemic control, complication status, therapy, and comorbidities.

Main Results:

• Significantly lower BChE and AChE activities were observed in most type 2 diabetes subgroups compared to controls.
• Poorly controlled type 2 diabetes and chronic complications showed the greatest reduction in enzyme levels.
• Isolated dyslipidemia was associated with significantly elevated BChE and AChE levels.

Conclusions:

• Declining cholinesterase activity, particularly AChE, correlates with poorer glycemic control and vascular complications in type 2 diabetes.
• Elevated cholinesterase levels are linked to isolated dyslipidemia.
• Cholinesterase assays show promise as cost-effective adjunct biomarkers for diabetes management, pending further validation.