Copper and Diabetes: Current Research and Prospect

Abstract

Copper is an essential trace metal for normal cellular functions; a lack of copper is reported to impair the function of important copper‐binding enzymes, while excess copper could lead to cell death. Numerous studies have shown an association between dietary copper consumption or plasma copper levels and the incidence of diabetes/diabetes complications. And experimental studies have revealed multiple signaling pathways that are triggered by copper shortages or copper overload in diabetic conditions. Moreover, studies show that treated with copper chelators improve vascular function, maintain copper homeostasis, inhibit cuproptosis, and reduce cell toxicity, thereby alleviating diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, and cardiomyopathy. However, the mechanisms reported in these studies are inconsistent or even contradictory. This review summarizes the precise and tight regulation of copper homeostasis processes, and discusses the latest progress in the association of diabetes and dietary copper/plasma copper. Further, the study pays close attention to the therapeutic potential of copper chelators and copper in diabetes and its complications, and hopes to provide new insight for the treatment of diabetes.

Analyzing Immune Cell Infiltration and Copper Metabolism in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

“…Previous studies indicate that DFU patients exhibit significantly lower serum copper levels compared to diabetics without ulcers, with these levels inversely correlating with glycaemic indices. 8 , 9 Copper plays a crucial role in wound healing processes, such as elastin and collagen crosslinking, angiogenesis promotion, and protection against free radicals, highlighting its importance in skin repair mechanisms. 10 Recent interest in copper dressings for DFU underlines copper’s significant impact on wound recovery.…”

Cuproptosis: potential new direction in diabetes research and treatment

“…It should be noted that Chang W et al. extensively reviewed the literature on the relationship between dietary copper/plasma copper and diabetes in clinical studies from 2019 to 2023 ( 64 ). Multiple studies concerning the dietary copper/plasma copper levels in patients with diabetes were summarized.…”

“…Meta-analyses have also pointed out elevated serum copper ion levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes compared to the healthy control group (63). It should be noted that Chang W et al extensively reviewed the literature on the relationship between dietary copper/plasma copper and diabetes in clinical studies from 2019 to 2023 (64). Multiple studies concerning the dietary copper/plasma copper levels in patients with diabetes were summarized.…”