Relationship between selected micronutrient deficiencies and oxidative stress biomarkers in diabetes mellitus patients with foot ulcers in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background/aim: Micronutrients are indispensable in the prevention of diseases and maintenance of good health. Their deficiencies have been implicated in several diseases associated with oxidative stress (OS). This study aimed at investigating the levels of some vitamins and minerals in association with OS markers in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patients in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Materials and methods: Seventy DFU patients and 50 apparently healthy volunteers (controls) were recruited for the study. Blood samples of 10 mL were collected after a 10-h overnight fast from each participant after obtaining their consent. Levels of oxidative stress biomarkers such as lipid peroxide (LPO), 8-hydroxyl-2?-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), total antioxidant status (TAS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and micronutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, copper, selenium, and zinc were determined. Results: Significant increases in the levels of LPO and 8-OHdG and GPx activity were found in DFU patients compared to controls (P < 0.001). Significant decreases in vitamin C (P = 0.003), selenium, vitamin E, and TAS concentrations were detected between DFU patients and controls (P < 0.001). However, nonsignificant decreases in SOD activity and copper and zinc levels were observed when DFU patients and controls were compared (P > 0.05). Vitamin C was significantly positively correlated with GPx and selenium was significantly negatively correlated with 8-OHdG in the DFU group. However, nonsignificant correlations were observed between other micronutrients and oxidative stress biomarkers of both the DFU and control groups. Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus patients with foot ulcers may require micronutrient supplementation for proper control and maintenance of oxidant/antioxidant homeostasis.