Erythrocytic NA+-K+atpase activity in complicated diabetes

Abstract EN

This work was done to evaluate the role of Na+-K+ ATPase activity alterations in the development of some diabetic complications, and whether the presumed ATPase activity changes are influenced by alterations in thyroid hormones.

Thirty diabetic patients, half of them were complicated by neuropathy and lor nephropathy, while the other is not, are compared to normal control subjects regarding serum and intra erythrocytic Na+ and K+, as well as erythrocyte cell membrane ATPase activity.

Thyroid functions were also evaluated.

ATPase activity was significantly reduced in the complicated group only, while it was normal in the uncomplicated one.

This significant reduction ivas not influenced by thyroid functions which were rather normal in this study.

This finding may throw some light on more understanding of the mechanisms underlying the incidence of some diabetic complications, and stressing on the lack of link between ATPase activity and the diabetic state it self.