Abstract
Bilirubin is an antioxidant and plays a protective role against cardiovascular and microvascular disease. The aim of this study is to explore the possible protective effect of bilirubin on small nerve function. A total of 265 Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were enrolled in the study. Both SUDOSCAN and other traditional diabetic neuropathy examinations including neuropathy symptom score (NSS), the neuropathy disability score (NDS) and Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) scores were performed in all patients with T2DM. Blood bilirubin levels were tested in the study. Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate regression analysis were performed to determine the relation between bilirubin level and hands and feet ESC values. Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated a correlation between total bilirubin and ESC levels including hands (r = 0.165, P < 0.05) and feet (r = 0.122, P < 0.05) as well as between UCBil and ESC levels including both hands (r = 0.172, P < 0.05) and feet (r = 0.175, P < 0.05). Multivariate regression linear analyses showed both total bilirubin and UCBil level were independently associated with hands and feet ESC levels. All these results suggested a positive association between bilirubin level and ESC level, indicating a possible protective role of bilirubin in peripheral small nerve dysfunction of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Highlights
Bilirubin, as the end product of heme catabolism, has been regarded merely as a waste with potential toxicity for a long time until year 1987 when it was identified as an antioxidant of possible physiological importance [1]
We aim to evaluate the association between serum bilirubin concentration and the extent of peripheral small nerve dysfunction by using electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) level detected by the SUDOSCAN in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes
We studied a total of 265 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (163 males and 102 females) in the study
Summary
As the end product of heme catabolism, has been regarded merely as a waste with potential toxicity for a long time until year 1987 when it was identified as an antioxidant of possible physiological importance [1]. Both autonomic and peripheral nerve functions were found to be correlated with serum bilirubin after autonomic and peripheral nerve functions were examined in a group of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis by using standard cardiovascular reflex tests and peripheral nerve conduction studies [2]. DPN is one of the common chronic complications of type 2 diabetes, with an estimated prevalence of 50%–70% depending on different diagnostic
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
