ICP-DRC-MS analysis of serum essential and toxic element levels in postmenopausal prediabetic women in relation to glycemic control markers

Abstract

PurposeAssessment of the influence of prediabetes on serum trace element and electrolyte levels in postmenopausal women. MethodsA total of 80 prediabetic and 80 healthy postmenopausal women took part in the present study. Serum was analyzed for glucose, insulin, insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol (TC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were also assessed. Serum levels of 28 elements were estimated using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry with dynamic reaction cell technology (ICP-DRC-MS). ResultsPrediabetic women were characterized by significantly higher HbA1c, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, ALT, and GGT values. Of trace elements, only serum zinc (Zn) levels were significantly lower in prediabetics by 10% (p=0.001) when compared to the controls. Serum Zn levels were characterized by a significant inverse correlation with HbA1c (r=− 0.205; p=0.009), insulin (r=− 0.246; p=0.002), and HOMA-IR (r=− 0.227; p=0.004). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated a significant inverse association between serum Zn (β=−0.169; p=0.031) and Sr (β=−0.192; p=0.012) and HOMA-IR values after adjustment for anthropometric and biochemical parameters (p for a model <0.001). Although serum Zn was significantly associated with HbA1c both in crude and adjusted models, no significant relationship was detected after adjustment for age and anthropometric parameters. ConclusionsPrediabetic postmenopausal women are characterized by significantly lower levels of serum Zn concentration, whereas serum Zn and Sr levels were inversely associated with insulin resistance.