DR. SUBHOJIT CHAKRABORTY

Dr.Sambuddha Ghosh

Abstract

Aim:Iron overload is observed in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Serum iron causes oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and higher insulin resistance which are risk factors for diabetic retinopathy (DR).We assessed association of diabetic retinopathy (DR) with serum free iron.

Method:Observational cross-sectional study with 120 middle-aged T2DM patients,60 with DR and 60 without DR (NODR).Serum free iron and ferritin was measured by spectrophotometry and chemiluminiscent immunoassay respectively.

Result:Mean age was not different (p=.922) between two groups.Serum free iron in DR (94.7 ± 51.0 mcg/dl) was less (p=.032) than in NODR (118.0± 63.9 mcg/dl). However,in 55-64 year age group, serum free iron in DR (127.9 ± 67.7 mcg/dl) was more (p=.004) than in NODR (94.1± 50.2 mcg/dl).There was no difference (p=.8) in ferritin level between DR (79.8 ± 65.4 ng/ml) and NODR (85.0 ± 66.4 ng/ml).

Conclusion:DR is associated with high serum free iron level in late mid life (55-64 year age group).

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