BIOCHEMICAL STUDY OF SERUM B12 AND FOLIC ACID IN RELATION TO HOMOCYSTEINE IN SOME DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS

Elevated plasma tHcy level is a strong risk factor for stroke and myocardial infarction. Vitamin B-12 and folic acid act as coenzymes for the methionine synthase enzyme and show a close molecular interaction on the basis of the homocysteine metabolism.This study was designed to investigate the possible role of vitamin B-12, folic acid and homocysteine variations in diabetes mellitus with macrovascular complications.50 individuals were included and were classified into four groups: 10 healthy volunteers as control group, 10 type 2 diabetics without complications, 15 type 2 diabetics with CHD and 15 type 2 diabetics with stroke.All individuals were subjected to: routine investigations, folic acid and vitamin B12 were determined by TLC while homocysteine was assayed by HPLC.The following results were obtained:Regarding vitamin B12 and folic acid, their results revealed that, they were significantly lower in diabetics with CHD and stroke than control group and diabetic patients without complications. On the other hand, there was a non statistically significant decrease in the level of vitamin B12 and folic acid in diabetic patients without complications when compared to control group, as well as, in diabetics with stroke when compared to those with CHD.With respect to the result of the plasma homocysteine, its level was significantly higher in diabetics with CHD and stroke when compared to