Title:Evaluation of Serum Copper, Zinc and Magnesium in Pre-Eclampsia and Gestational Diabetes in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

Author:Idongesit KokoAbasi P. Isong, Ntongha Nelson Ofem, Uwem Okon Akpan, Euphoria C Akwiwu, Bassey Edward Icha and Kingsley Emmanuel John 

Abstract:Objectives: Alterations in Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu) and Magnesium (Mg) levels in blood have been linked to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and Pre-eclampsia. This study aimed at evaluating the levels of some serum minerals in women with
Pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus in order to understand their relationship with these pregnancy disorders.
Methods: Ninety (90) pregnant women (18-45 years) attending ante-natal clinic at General Hospital, Calabar were recruited into this case control cross sectional study. Thirty (30) were clinically diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, 30 clinically diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and 30 were apparently healthy women. Serum Zn, Cu and Mg were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Random Blood Glucose (RBG) was estimated using a glucometer. Urine protein estimation was done turbidimetrically with trichloroacetic acid. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22.0 with ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The zinc levels were significantly lower in gestational diabetes mellitus and pre-eclamptic group compared to the control group (p<0.001). No significant difference was found in mean serum copper and magnesium levels. A positive correlation (r=0.422, p=0.020) was observed between magnesium and Random Blood Glucose in the gestational diabetes mellitus group. A negative correlation was observed between zinc and systolic blood pressure (r=-0.471, p=0.001), diastolic blood pressure (r=-0.485, p=0.001) and urine protein (r=-0.399, p=0.001) in all study participants.
Conclusion: Significant changes in serum zinc was demonstrated in Pre-eclampsia suggesting a relationship with pathogenesis of this disorder. There was however no significant difference in levels of copper and magnesium, thus no relationship between them and gestational diabetes mellitus and Pre-eclampsia.
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