Biochemical Evaluation of the Antioxidant Nutrients on Blood Rheology among Prediabetics

Background: Oxidative stress is involved in the developing of several diseases including diabetes followed by the majority of severe acute illness and/or contra complications. Current studies indicated increasing plasma viscosity with progressing microangiopathy among diabetic cases.

Objectives: To evaluate whether antioxidant nutrients biomarkers of selenium, vitamin A and vitamin E are associated with alterations of blood viscosity in pre-diabetes (PD).

Materials and Methods: Whole blood samples were collected from (20) PD non obese subjects with blood HbA c1 (5.7-6.4%) and (20) control healthy subjects. Different biomolecules were assessed including selenium concentration in both plasma and red blood cells (RBCs), glutathione peroxidase activity in RBCs, plasma lipids, vitamin A and vitamin E plasma concentration, and the blood viscosity.

Results: Comparing to control healthy subjects, blood viscosity was significantly increased, selenium was not altered in the plasma of PD, subjects but it was markedly decreased in RBCs and negative correlation with the elastic component of whole blood viscosity. Mean RBCs, glutathione activity was reduced. Vitamin A and vitamin E plasma levels were correlated with blood viscosity. Plasma viscosity correlated strongly with increased cholesterol level (r=0.67, P 0.002) and triglycerides concentration (r=0.66 , P 0.005).

Conclusion: Blood viscosity increased in PD and this may be contributed to reduced nutritional antioxidants.