Evaluation of thiol/disulfide homeostasis and ischemia-modified albumin in metabolic syndrome patients

Introduction: Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and thiol-disulfide homeostasis (TDH) have emerged as valuable markers of oxidative stress in various disease states, including diabetic nephropathy. However, limited research has been conducted on these markers in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS), particularly those with comorbid type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aims to investigate the roles of TDH and IMA in the context of MetS. Materials and methods: We enrolled 162 participants, comprising three groups of 54 subjects each: healthy controls, patients with MetS alone, and patients with both MetS and T2DM. IMA levels and TDH parameters were measured spectrophotometrically. Statistical analyses included one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation studies. Results: IMA levels were significantly elevated, and thiol levels were significantly reduced in participants with MetS compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001). IMA levels showed a strong positive association with diastolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose (FBG) (P < 0.001). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, native thiol, and total thiol were also strongly associated (P < 0.001). In contrast, triglycerides, waist circumference, and FBG were negatively correlated with thiol levels. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated elevated oxidative stress in patients with MetS, as evidenced by increased IMA levels and decreased thiol concentrations. These parameters may be valuable markers for monitoring disease progression and potential complications in MetS.