Zinc Alpha-2 Glycoprotein, Acylated Ghrelin, and Zinc Levels in Prediabetics

Background/aim: Prediabetic stages of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) exhibit differences in the sites of insulin resistance. Serum Zinc α-2 glycoprotein (ZAG), acylated ghrelin (AG), and zinc (Zn) levels can affect IFG, IGT, and diabetic glucose tolerance (DGT) differently. This study examined the importance of ZAG, AG, and serum Zn levels in prediabetic individuals with IFG, IGT, and DGT, compared to those with normal glucose levels.

Patients and methods: The study was conducted at İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa-Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine. A total of n=151 volunteers were classified according to the WHO criteria for diabetes after undergoing an oral glucose tolerance test. Plasma and serum samples were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy, ELISA, and immunoassay.

Results: Prediabetic conditions became more prominent with the decrease in ZAG levels. ZAG levels showed a negative correlation with acylated ghrelin and Homeostatic Model Assessment for assessing beta-cell function and insulin resistance. Zinc levels were significantly lower in DGT.

Conclusion: ZAG levels have regulatory effects on insulin resistance and plasma glucose levels are mediated by zinc and acylated ghrelin.