Evaluation of Lipoprotein (A) and Ceruloplasmin Among Type 2 Diabetics Attending General Hospital Ilorin, Kwara State

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global health concern associated with chronic hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, increased risk of cardiovascular complications, and high morbidity. Different factors are responsible for the increased prevalence of coronary artery disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) is a plasma lipoprotein synthesized by the liver and circulated in blood. Ceruloplasmin, a copper-carrying metalloenzyme mainly produced by the liver, primarily transports copper throughout the body and helps to regulate iron metabolism. It also acts as an antioxidant through ferroxidase activity. Lp(a) and ceruloplasmin have emerged as biomarkers with potential implications in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and oxidative stress in T2DM.Aim: This work aims to evaluate the serum levels of Lp(a) and ceruloplasmin in type 2 diabetic subjects in Ilorin, Kwara State, and to assess the relationship of these biomarkers with age, gen-der, and duration of diabetes mellitus. Method: Seventy-five participants were recruited. Fifty-five (55) diabetic subjects and twenty age-matched non-diabetic individuals were recruited. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected via a structured questionnaire. Serum glu-cose, Lp(a), and ceruloplasmin levels were measured and analyzed using the enzymatic, turbidimetric, and ELISA methods, respectively. Statistical analysis included independent t-tests and Pearson correlation analysis with significance at p<0.05. Result: Diabetic subjects exhibited significantly elevated serum glucose (164.394±5.561 mg/dL), Lp(a) (53.73±24.88 mg/dL), and ceruloplasmin (57.40±18.50 mg/dL) compared to non-diabetic controls (93.42±0.06 mg/dL, 13.02±0.81 mg/dL, and 35.63±0.71 mg/dL respectively; p<0.01). Lp(a) and ceruloplasmin levels were significantly higher in females and in patients aged >60 years. No significant association was found between biomarker levels and duration of diabetes. Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is linked to higher levels of Lp(a) and ceruloplasmin, suggesting an increased risk of atherosclerosis and oxidative stress. These biomarkers could help predict cardiovascular complications, especially in older adults and females.