Maternal-fetal status of copper, iron, molybdenum, selenium and zinc in insulin-dependent diabetic pregnancies

The objective was to assess the status of essential trace elements such as copper, iron, molybdenum, selenium and zinc in insulin-dependent diabetic pregnancies at term and to compare the data with a control group. Fetal-maternal ratios of the elements and copper:zinc ratio were also computed in the control and study populations.

Samples from maternal vein, umbilical artery and umbilical vein of diabetic and control women were collected at the time of spontaneous delivery or cesarean section and activities of trace elements evaluated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Cu, Fe, Mo, Se and Zn concentrations in maternal venous blood averaged 2,156, 2,020, 13, 102 and 656 μg/l in control women (n=17) while in the diabetic group (n=14), the corresponding values for the trace elements averaged 3,135, 3,675, 15, 85 and 628 μg/l respectively. Values for copper and molybdenum were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the study group compared to control while those of zinc, iron and selenium were not significantly different (p>0.05). Iron and molybdenum values were significantly higher (p<0.05) and that of zinc significantly lower (p<0.05) in umbilical arterial samples of diabetic group compared to controls. In the case of molybdenum, copper the values were significantly higher (p<0.05) in umbilical venous samples of diabetic group compared to that of control. Significant differences in Cu:Zn ratio of maternal venous and umbilical samples and fetal-maternal ratios of some elements were noted between control and study group as well.

We speculate that altered status of some essential trace elements and altered antioxidant mineral ratio observed in insulin dependent diabetic patients could have deleterious influences on the health of the mother as well as the fetus and newborn.