Abstract
Vitamins C, E and selected elements such as Magnesium (Mg), Copper (Cu), Selenium (Se), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe) influence different metabolic reactions in our organisms. These agents could be also influenced by deterioration of glucose metabolism especially by diabetes mellitus.
Even vitamins C, E and selected elements - Mg, Cu, Se, Zn, Fe could deteriorate immune functions- particularly polymorphonuclear (PMN) phagocytosis and subpopulation rates of T lymphocytes. Deficiencies of vitamins C and E are manifested in dermatological, neurological and reproduction systems.
Their decreased concentrations could lead to a reduction of antioxidant capacity in patients with diabetes mellitus and consequently to an increase of reactive oxyden intermediates (ROI) and to an acceleration of atherosclerosis. Deficiencies of vitamins C and E could alter immune system especially polymorphonuclear phagocytosis and T cell reactivity on antigen stimulus.
Deficiencies of elements such as Mg, Cu, Se, Zn and Fe could also lead to the impairments of T - lymphocyte and PMN cell functions. The efficacy of scavenger system is impaired due to the deficiency of Cu, Zn, which serve as cofactors of enzyme Superoxiddismutase.
Consequently increased oxidative damage of organic structure could appear. The detection of vitamin C, E, selected elements - Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe concentrations could show the metabolic impairments leading to the elevation of oxidative stress in patients with diabetes mellitus.
The evaluation of these "micronutrients" could show the consequent real possibilities of therapeutical intervention.