Delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (delta-ALA-D) activity in diabetes and hypothyroidism

Clin Biochem. 2007 Mar;40(5-6):321-5. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2006.11.016. Epub 2007 Jan 5.

Abstract

Objectives: This study analyzed the influence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and primary hypothyroidism on the activity of the delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (delta-ALA-D) in human blood.

Design and methods: Delta-ALA-D enzyme activity was determined in normal (healthy) people (n=29), compensated (DMC, n=11) and non-compensated diabetic patients (NDMC, n=23), and in patients with compensated (CH, n=19) and non-compensated primary hypothyroidism (NCH, n=10). The determination of lead, copper, zinc and magnesium was performed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.

Results: This study shows that delta-ALA-D activity was decreased (P<0.05) in situations associated to hyperglycemia maintained for long periods (HbA1c high). Another finding of this study suggests that states of hypofunction of the thyroid gland, when non-compensated, increase the activity of delta-ALA-D (P<0.001). In addition, copper was elevated in HNC, zinc was diminished in DMC, HC and HNC, and magnesium was diminished in the HNC group.

Conclusion: This result points out that there is a correlation among diabetes, hypothyroidism and delta-ALA-D activity.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Copper / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / blood*
  • Female
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypothyroidism / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Porphobilinogen Synthase / blood*
  • Thyrotropin / blood
  • Zinc / blood

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Glycated Hemoglobin A
  • Copper
  • Thyrotropin
  • Porphobilinogen Synthase
  • Zinc