Assessment of serum nitric oxide level and its correlation with anthropometric parameters and lipid profile in diabetic patients: A hospital-based study from Tripura

Background: Endothelial dysfunction is a well-known finding in hyper-cholesterolaemic patients. Multiple factors including increased inactivation of nitric oxide by radicals and inhibition of nitric oxide formation by different mechanisms contribute to this. Objectives: (i) To estimate serum nitric oxide (NO) levels among diabetic and non-diabetic subjects attending a tertiary care hospital of Tripura and (ii) to determine the correlation of serum nitric oxide with different anthropometric parameters and lipid profile among the study subjects. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during June 2019 to May 2020 among 227 subjects. Anthropometric measurements like weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, visceral fat percentage were measured by using OMRON Body Composition Monitor (HBF 701). Serum NO levels were measured using standard NO colorimetric assay kit and HbA(1)C and lipid profile were analyzed by using a Biochemical Autoanalyser. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS software version 25. Result: One hundred fifteen (115) diabetics were considered as test group whereas One hundred twelve (112) non-diabetic subjects were included as control. The mean serum level of NO in the diabetic group was 86.91 +/- 14.13 mu moles/L whereas in the non-diabetic group it was 33.23 +/- 12.90 mu moles/L which is statistically significant. Significant correlation is also found between serum NO level and different anthropometric parameters, namely, age, BMI and visceral fat percentage. Conclusion: In this study, positive correlation is found between serum NO, BMI, and body visceral fat. As NO is considered as a potential biomarker for diabetic patients developing hypertension, BMI, and body visceral fat may be considered as a good prognostic parameter in future development of diabetic complications. While dealing with diabetic patients the family physicians should be aware of these two parameters and besides treating them, physicians should convince the diabetic patients to maintain ideal BMI and body visceral fat by following proper life style.