Abdelmarouf Mohieldein

Inflammatory markers and haptoglobin polymorphism in Saudi with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Objectives: Haptoglobin (Hp) polymorphism associated with clinical evolution of several inflammatory diseases and considered as a predictive factor for development of diabetes complications. We designed the present study to investigate the frequency distribution of Hp phenotypes among Saudi with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus compared to healthy nondiabetic subjects. Moreover, we explored the possibility of relationship between serum levels of inflammatory markers (namely, high-sensitive C-reactive proteins “hs-CRP”, interleukin (IL)-6, and Hp) and Hp phenotypes. Methods: In the present case-control study, we enrolled 60 type 2 diabetic patients as the study group and 60 healthy subjects as the control group. We assayed serum levels of Hp and hs-CRP by immunoturbidimetric method; while IL-6 was measured by ELISA. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used for determination of Hp phenotypes. Results: In type 2 diabetics, serum concentrations of IL-6, hs-CRP, and Hp were significantly elevated and correlated to body mass index. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between plasma glucose level and Hp (r = 0.577, p = 0.000), IL-6 (r = 0.448, p = 0.000), and hs-CRP (r = 0.380, p = 0.001). In addition, data demonstrated a positive correlation between HbA1c and Hp (r = 0.521, p = 0.000), IL-6 (r = 0.420, p = 0.001), and hs-CRP (r = 0.353, p = 0.008). Hp 2-1 phenotype predominated among subjects in both study and control groups. No significant association between Hp phenotypes with any of the investigated inflammatory markers was documented. Conclusion: Inflammation may represent the link between type 2 diabetes and obesity. Hp 2-1 was the predominant phenotype among Saudi type 2 diabetics as well as healthy subjects. In addition to Hp; other possible genetic polymorphisms like CRP may have its effect on diabetes through different mechanisms.

Lipoprotein (a) and atherogenic indices in Sudanese patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND & AIMS Type 2 diabetes is associated with significant cardiac morbidity and mortality with a more than threefold increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to assess the serum concentrations of lipoprotein (a) and lipid profile indexes as predictors for CAD in Sudanese type 2 diabetics compared to healthy subjects. MATERIALS & METHODS This case-control study was conducted at Jabir Abu-Aliz Specialized Center, Khartoum State, Sudan. After overnight fasting, 4 ml blood samples were collected in plain vials through venous puncture from each subject. Lipid profile parameters were estimated by standard laboratory procedures. Serum lipoprotein (a) was measured by immunoturbidimetric method. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 17). RESULTS Compared to healthy controls, type 2 diabetics showed significantly higher serum lipids and lipoprotein fractions. The mean values of lipoprotein (a), TC: HDL-C (5.55±.8 vs. 3.89±.6) and LDL-C: HDL-C (3.80±0.7 vs. 2.32±0.5) were significantly increased in patients. Lipoprotein (a) was significantly correlated with TG (p=.025), HDL-C (inversely, p<.001), VLDL-C (p= .025), and TC: HDL-C ratio (p= 016). Moreover, LDL-C: HDL-C ratio and TC were the most common risk factors distributed among the study patients (80% and 71.4% respectively). CONCLUSION Diabetic patients characterized by higher ratios of TC: HDL -C and LDL: HDL and Lipoprotein (a) compared to healthy controls. The evaluation of these lipid indices in diabetics, beside the routine lipid profile analysis, may be a crucial helpful step in the prevention of coronary artery disease since these atherogenic factors can be reduced by lifestyle modifications.

Aldo-keto reductase and sorbitol dehydrogenase enzymes in Egyptian diabetic patients with and without proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Activation of the polyol pathway due to increased aldo‐keto reductase (AKR) activity has been implicated in the development of diabetic complications, including proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR); however, the relationship between hyperglycaemia‐induced activation of the polyol pathway in the retina and PDR is still uncertain.