Comparison of Malondialdehyde, Cystatin C and Serum Creatinine in Diabetes Mellitus as Compared to Normal Individual: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The study aimed to compare the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), cystatin C (Cys-C), and serum creatinine in diabetic patients and normal control.

Methods: The study included 150 patients who attended the follow up at King Khalid Hospital, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia. The study group consists of 75 patients with HbA1C, more than 8% as for cases (diabetes mellitus) and patients with HbA1C less than 8% (without diabetes mellitus) as controls. MDA was analyzed by a semi-automated analyzer, and Cys-C and creatinine were analyzed using a fully automated analyzer. Unpaired T-test was used to compare the quantitative variables, and Chi-square test was used to compare the categorical variables among cases and control. Data were analyzed using coGuide software.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 59±10.2 years in cases and 58.4±11 years in controls. The baseline parameters did not show any statistically significant difference between the case and control groups, except for body mass index (BMI). It was observed that there was an increased level of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p <0.001), Cys-C (p = 0.002), and serum creatinine  (p = 0.001)  in diabetic patients. A positive correlation was found between HbA1C level with MDA (r=0.55), Cys-C(r=0.417), Creatinine (r = 0.510) in diabetic patients.

Conclusion: A considerable increase in MDA was observed in the present study, suggesting that hyperglycemia may cause a marked elevation in oxidative stress. Also, the estimation of elevated levels of Cys-C and creatinine could aid in effective control and prevention of developing macrovascular complications like diabetic nephropathy in hyperglycemic patients.