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.