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Introduction: Several decades of basic science and animal research provided considerable support for significant role of plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) in etiology of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Contradicting data related to signifi cance of elevated FFAs in plasma of patients with Type 2 diabetes prompted us to study concentrations of palmitic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid, in patients and healthy controls in an attempt to possibly use them as potential biomarkers in progression of the disease. Since aging is associated withincreased plasma glucose and insulin levels that are consistent with an insulin resistant state, in this study,age differences in the concentration of the above mentioned acids were tested.Methods: Progressive changes in their concentrations were followed through a period 6 months. All subjects included in the study were free of evidence of hepatitis B or C viral infection or active liver and kidney damage. Analysis of glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels were performed on BT PLUS 2000 analyzer using standard IFCC protocols, while concentrations of FFAs were analyzed by gas chromatography.Results: Our data demonstrated signifi cantly higher FFA values in plasma of diabetic patients as compared to healthy controls. There was a trend of correlation of FFAs levels with the blood glucose levels in diabetic patients, which was more prominent in diabetic men than in women.Conclusion: With aging, levels of free fatty acids signifi cantly increased in plasma of diabetic patients, and this effect was also more profound in male than in female diabetics.

Both essential and heavy metals play important roles in human health and diseases. The aim of the present study was to determinate concentrations of essential and heavy metals, such as Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni, Fe, Pb, Zn, and Cd, in the leaves of Mentha longifolia L. and Mentha × piperita L. The plant material samples were collected from six different locations in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), at selected distances from heavy metal pollution sources. Wet digestion was applied for the dissolution of samples and essential and heavy metals concentrations were analysed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry and (FAAS). Results of the analysis (expressed as mg g–1) were obtained as follows: Na 2.08–4.12; K 14.85–22.54; Ca 9.06–15.53; Mg 1.93–3.12; Cu 0.01–0.05; Cr 0.70–0.90; Mn 0.02–0.09; Ni 1.10–7.00; Fe 0.06–1.11; Pb 0.10–0.90; Zn 0.01–0.04. The cadmium concentration in all samples was below the detection limit by FAAS. Strong correlation between Ni and Pb, as well as Ni and Fe, confirmed mostly environmental and processing influence/impact. In conclusion, Mentha longifolia L. and Mentha × piperita L. can be used in daily consumption considering the high content of essential metals Fe, Cu, Mg, and Zn, and their beneficial effects on normal body function. In addition, there is no risk of heavy metals to human health after consuming these samples due to lower concentrations.

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Metabolic derangements in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) are associated primarily with the carbohydrate and lipid levels disturbances. Increased flow of free fatty acids (FFAs) into the blood that is coming from the adipocytes as well as an elevated flux of FFAs from de novo lipid synthesis in the liver contribute to these metabolic disturbances. Previous studies suggested a strong association of the hepatic activity of certain enzymes, such as aspartate and alanine transferase (AST, ALT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) with the progression of T2D. In this study, the potential association of the hepatic activities of the liver enzymes and FFAs levels in T2D was examined. Analysis of the activities of ALT, AST, GGT and AP, as well levels of FFAs, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and lipid profile was performed in 40 healthy control and 71 diabetic subjects. All participants were free of hepatitis, viral infections or active liver damage. The results showed a positive association between levels of palmitic and oleic acids with ALT activity (p<0.05), while the activity of GGT was significantly associated with the levels of palmitic, stearic, and oleic fatty acids (p<0.01). Interestingly, in control group, a positive correlation was found between palmitoleic acid levels with ALT activity (p<0.05), and a negative correlation palmitoleic acid with ALP activity (p<0.05) was observed. Obtained data suggest that an elevation of free fatty acid levels and the hepatic fat accumulation in insulin-resistant conditions affect the hepatic enzymes activities, which might contribute further to the progression of Type 2 diabetes and its complications.

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Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a condition characterized by hyperglycemia as well as chronic inflammation, and is associated with disturbed lipids metabolism and impaired hepatic function. It is well known that the liver plays a key role in maintenance of normal glucose levels during the fasting and post prandial periods while C reactive protein as a marker of inflammation is produced in the liver. Altered lipoprotein levels and elevated hepatic enzymes have been identified as an independent risk factor for the development of many metabolic disorders including T2D. Aim of this study was to evaluate C-reactive protein (CRP) as well hepatic enzymes and to find their association with the lipid profile in non-treated T2D patients. Biochemical parameters, CRP, hepatic enzymes (alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and alkaline phosphatase) were measured by using VITROS 350 Chemistry System. Glycemic control parameters, lipid profile and liver enzymes were increased in diabetics and differed from control group (p<0.001). The significant association between CRP with HDL levels as well as association of ALT and GGT activity with HDL levels was observed in control group. Also, a negative association of GGT with VLDL levels was revealed in healthy subjects. In non-treated diabetics a negative significant association between AST and HDL levels as well as a positive association of AST and LDL levels was found while lack of association between lipid profile and other liver enzymes. Interestingly, in diabetes patients a negative association between CRP and AP levels was observed. These findings suggest that marker of inflammation (CRP), hepatic enzymes activities and impaired lipid metabolism may play an important role in pathogenesis of T2D and related complications.