Affiliation:
1. Department of Chemical Pathology, UGMS University of Ghana Accra Ghana
2. Paradise Diagnostic Centre Abeka‐Lapaz, Accra Ghana
3. St. Gregory Hospital Buduburam Central Region Ghana
4. School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Basic and Applied Sciences University of Ghana Accra Ghana
5. 37 Military Hospital Accra Ghana
6. West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens Accra Ghana
7. Department of Medical Pharmacology University of Ghana Medical School Accra Ghana
Abstract
ABSTRACTIntroductionData suggest malfunctioning mitochondria reduce oxidation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, disrupting insulin signalling. Cytochrome c (CC), acylcarnitine (AC) and citrate synthase (CS) are essential components of the mitochondria machinery and can be used as reliable biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction. This study aimed to determine whether mitochondrial biomarkers (AC, CS and CC) are altered in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to examine the association between these biomarkers and insulin resistance.MethodologyA cross‐sectional observational study that recruited 170 participants (88 with T2DM and 82 without DM) was conducted. Blood samples were collected from the recruits and analysed for levels of fasting glucose (FBG), AC, CS, CC, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and magnesium. Blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric characteristics of participants were also taken. Appropriate formulas were used to determine %body fat, body mass index (BMI), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and insulin sensitivity (HOMA‐β).ResultsPatients with T2DM had higher levels of CC, %body fat, FBG, TG, HbA1c, BMI and HOMA‐IR than controls (p < 0.05, respectively). Results showed a significant relationship between circulating CC levels versus HOMA‐β (r = −0.40, p = 0.001), CS (r = −0.70, p = 0.001) and AC (r = −0.72, p = 0.001) levels in patients with T2DM. The adjusted odds increased in the T2DM patients for VLDL (OR = 6.66, p = 0.002), HbA1c (OR = 6.50, p = 0.001), FPG (OR = 3.17, p = 0.001), TG (OR = 2.36, p = 0.010), being female (OR = 2.09, p = 0.020) and CC (OR = 1.14, p = 0.016).ConclusionOverall, alterations in mitochondrial biomarkers, measured by AC, CC and CS, were observed in people with T2DM and showed a direct relationship with insulin resistance. These findings are potentially significant in Africa, although additional confirmation from a larger cohort is necessary.