Influence of modified levels of plasma Magnesium, Cu, Zn and Iron levels on Thiols and protein status in diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy

The clinical research suggests that the homeostasis of trace elements can be disrupted by diabetes mellitus. Conversely, research also suggests that early imbalances of specific elements may play an important role in upsetting normal glucose and insulin metabolism. This study evaluated the levels of Cu, Zn, Mg & Iron and its influence on protein oxidation which reflects the extent of oxidative stress and the thiols, which protects the proteins from oxidation in plasma of diabetic (n=60) and diabetic retinopathy (n=40) patients. 30 healthy non-diabetic subjects were studied for comparative analysis. There was a significant increase in the copper (p < 0.001) and AOPP (p < 0.01), & iron (p<0.05), and decrease in Zinc (p<0.001), Mg (p < 0.001) and total thiols (p<0.001) in diabetic patients without complications when compared with normal controls. Further, an increase in copper (p < 0.001), iron (p<0.001) and AOPP (p<= 0.005) and decrease in Mg (p< 0.001), Zinc (p< 0.001), total thiols (p< 0.001) in diabetic retinopathy patients when compared to the controls. A significant decrease in Total thiols, Zn and Mg and an increase in Iron levels was observed in DR patients when compared with DM.