Changes in Arginase activity, some inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in Iraqi diabetic patients with valvular heart diseases

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant independent risk factor for the development of valvular heart disease (VHD) in the aging population. The most prevalent valve diseases are aortic valve stenosis (AVD) and mitral valve regurgitation (MVD). Oxidative stress and inflammation undoubtedly play a role in both diseases. Arginase and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) have important roles in inflammatory responses and oxidative stress because they share the same substrate. This study included: 90 T2DM patients with and without VHD, subdivided into three equal groups: patients without VHD (T2DM group), AVD group, and MVD group.  Arginase, NOS activities, levels of Arg.1, nitric oxide (^•NO), peroxinterite, and oxidized protein, in addition to some inflammation parameters were assessed in patient populations. The overall statistical results showed significant increases in the thoughtful parameters of the two VHD groups compared to the T2DM group. Furthermore, the correlation between arginase activity, and selected parameters (nitric oxide level, peroxynitrite) as well as arginase1 level and nitric oxide synthase activity gave remarkable correlation coefficient values. Likewise, the analysis of receiver operator curves for arginase in VHD groups showed a high ability to differentiate VHD patients from T2DM. Meanwhile, increasing arginase activity enhances oxidative stress and inflammation and may lead to further destruction of valves. Thus, arginase levels can be chosen as the best diagnostic marker and may be a good predictor for VHD, giving a special target for the treatment of T2DM complications.