Biochemical markers decrease and increase disproportionally in A1 pulley tissue of type 2 diabetic trigger finger patients

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to detect the levels of some biochemical markers in A1 pulley tissue of type 2 diabetic trigger finger patients to enlighten the mechanisms leading to cellular complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 35 trigger finger patients (5 males, 30 females; mean age 53.9±9.15 years; range, 37 to 71 years). We measured total thiol (total-SH) levels to determine the status of the non-enzymatic antioxidant defense system and advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) levels to determine levels of oxidative protein modification in pulley tissues of trigger finger patients with or without diabetes. Extracellular matrix degradation was assessed by measuring levels of sialic acid (SA) in the pulley tissue. RESULTS: Total-SH values for the groups with and without diabetes were 22.7±1.6 vs. 38.9±5.2 nmol/mg protein, respectively, while AOPP values were 472.5±131.6 vs.175.6±9.9 mmol/g protein, respectively. The SA levels of diabetic and nondiabetic patients were 0.4±0.0 vs. 0.63±0.1 nmol/mg protein, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that tissue SA levels and tissue SH levels decreased and AOPP levels increased disproportionally in the A1 pulley tissue of diabetic patients, which may indicate the role of oxidative protein damage and extracellular matrix changes in diabetic trigger finger etiology.