Trace elements in glucometabolic disorders: an update

Abstract

Many trace elements, among which metals, are indispensable for proper functioning of a myriad of biochemical reactions, more particularly as enzyme cofactors. This is particularly true for the vast set of processes involved in regulation of glucose homeostasis, being it in glucose metabolism itself or in hormonal control, especially insulin. The role and importance of trace elements such as chromium, zinc, selenium, lithium and vanadium are much less evident and subjected to chronic debate. This review updates our actual knowledge concerning these five trace elements. A careful survey of the literature shows that while theoretical postulates from some key roles of these elements had led to real hopes for therapy of insulin resistance and diabetes, the limited experience based on available data indicates that beneficial effects and use of most of them are subjected to caution, given the narrow window between safe and unsafe doses. Clear therapeutic benefit in these pathologies is presently doubtful but some data indicate that these metals may have a clinical interest in patients presenting deficiencies in individual metal levels. The same holds true for an association of some trace elements such as chromium or zinc with oral antidiabetics. However, this area is essentially unexplored in adequate clinical trials, which are worth being performed.

Correlation of trace elements (serum zinc and copper) in type 2 diabetic patients with and without complications

“…Numerous studies have demonstrated that trace element as zinc, copper, chromium, magnesium, selenium and molybdenum have essential role in insulin action and carbohydrate metabolism. 11 In our study, serum zinc level was significantly lower in diabetic patients (with complications and without complications) compared to the healthy control group, which is in line with the findings of Puri M et al, 2 Olaniyan OO et al, 3 Devi TR et al 4 and Supriya MS et al 5 Zinc is essential for the correct processing, storage, secretion, and action of insulin in beta (β)-cells of pancreas. Insulin is stored inside secretory vesicles or granules.…”

Oxidative Stress by Tartrazine in the Testis of Wistar Rats

“…So, the reciprocal antagonism between Cu and Fe might be the reason for the increased Fe in the tartrazinetreated rats. Zn is a remarkable antioxidant [32], whose deficiency results in oxidative stress. Oxidative stress due to excessive production of ROS, impaired antioxidant defense mechanisms or both participate in the damage of testicular structure or the architecture of seminiferous tubules, which are believed to negatively affect the male reproductive function.…”

A Review on Role of Antioxidants in Diabetes

“…In animal experimental studies shown selenate stimulate glucose uptake and involved phosphorylation of insulin receptor and insulin receptor substrate 1 [39,40] and the oral administration or intraperitoneal injection of daily doses of selenate for 3-8 weeks in streptozotocininduced diabetic rat, the result shown that the raised glucose level to be reduced [41,42].…”