Background: Oxidative stress plays a key role in the development of Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) commonly associated with type2 diabetes mellitus. Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) enzyme maintains the GSH-cysteine homeostasis and detoxifies whereas magnesium maintains glucose homeostasis and hence both these molecules lowers oxidative stress.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to elucidate the relationship of serum GGT and magnesium with isolated systolic hypertension associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: 60 diagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus were segregated into two Groups: Group1 comprised patients having uncontrolled ISH and Group2 included patients with controlled generalized hypertension. Control group (n=40) comprised of non-diabetic subjects divided on the basis of presence or absence of ISH. Serum lipid profile, GGT, magnesium, albumin and fasting blood glucose were estimated. Data was statistically analyzed using t-test and chi-square. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results: Serum GGT activity was markedly high (p<0.05) in type2 diabetic patients having ISH (Group 1) as compared to Group 2 patients while serum magnesium and albumin levels did not differ significantly (p>0.05). Similar results were also observed in control group. Serum Mg and albumin levels were low in type2 diabetic patients as compared to control group with or without ISH. A significant positive correlation (p<0.05) was observed between increased GGT and systolic blood pressure in both patient and control subjects. Lipid profile of patients and control group did not show significant difference.

Conclusions: Serum GGT may act as potential biomarker for isolated systolic hypertension and can be used for its diagnosis and prognosis.

Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus, isolated systolic hypertension, oxidative stress, gamma glutamyl transferase, magnesium.

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Dr Ritu Sharma

Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Govt. Medical College, Amritsar-143001, Punjab-India