Research Article

Evaluation of Prostate-Specific Antigen and some Micronutrients in individuals with Type-II Diabetes Mellitus attending the University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital in Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency, frequently accompanied by alterations in micronutrient balance and enzymatic activity. These biochemical disturbances may influence both systemic metabolism and organ-specific markers such as Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA). Understanding the relationship between T2DM and trace elements like zinc, magnesium, and calcium is vital for evaluating metabolic derangements and potential endocrine implications. This study aimed to assess serum levels of PSA, zinc, magnesium, and calcium among individuals with T2DM attending the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Akure, and to explore interrelationships among these biochemical parameters. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 75 male participants, comprising 60 diagnosed T2DM patients and 15 non-diabetic controls. Blood samples were analyzed for fasting blood sugar (FBS), zinc, magnesium, calcium, and PSA using spectrophotometric and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29.0, employing descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation, with a significance threshold of p <0.05. Results: Results revealed significantly elevated mean fasting blood sugar in diabetic subjects (p <0.001) relative to controls, with progressive increases corresponding to the duration of diabetes. Conversely, serum zinc, magnesium, and calcium levels were significantly lower in T2DM patients compared to controls (p <0.001), indicating persistent trace element depletion associated with disease chronicity. PSA levels, although slightly higher among diabetics, remained within the physiological range and did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.408). Correlation analysis showed a moderate positive relationship between zinc and magnesium (r = +0.437, p = 0.000) and a moderate negative correlation between magnesium and calcium (r = –0.345, p = 0.007), suggesting metabolic interdependence among these minerals. Conclusion: In conclusion, T2DM is associated with significant reductions in zinc, magnesium, and calcium levels, reflecting disturbances in mineral metabolism and oxidative balance, whereas PSA remains largely unaffected. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring trace element status alongside glycemic indices in diabetic management to mitigate metabolic complications and maintain systemic homeostasis.