Estimation of Serum Adenosine Deaminase Levels as a Marker for Risk Assessment and Immunomodulation in Patients with Diabetic Foot

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcers are critical complications of uncontrolled diabetes, with peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, and immune suppression as primary contributing factors. Adenosine Deaminase (ADA), an enzyme, has been identified as a promising marker for cell-mediated immunity. Its estimation may serve as a predictive marker for immunomodulation, which, in turn, leads to complications among individuals with diabetes.Aim: To estimate serum ADA levels in diabetic patients without diabetic foot and diabetic patients with diabetic foot. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the association of ADA serum levels with glucose, Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c), and the severity of wounds. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the central laboratory Department of Biochemistry at Krishna Rajendra Hospital (KR Hospital), Mysuru Medical College and Research Institute, Mysuru, India, from August to September 2021. The study included diabetic foot cases (n=45) and Type 2 diabetes patients on regular follow-up in theDepartment of Medicine without diabetic foot and any other complications (n=45). Venous blood samples were analysed for ADA, glucose, HbA1c, and complete blood count. The data were statistically analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman rank correlation test.Results: The present study observed a higher incidence of diabetic foot among males. It showed a statistically significant increase in serum ADA, HbA1C, and neutrophil count in patients with diabetic foot compared to patients with diabetes without diabetic foot ulcers, with mean Standard Deviation (SD) of 71.79 +/- 25.11, 11.53 +/- 3.11%, and 75.91 +/- 9.77%, respectively. Serum ADA exhibited a positive correlation with HbA1C and different grades of ulcers.Conclusion: The present study demonstrated a significantly increased serum ADA in diabetic ulcers and a positive correlation with different grades of ulcers. This finding contributes to a better understanding of the disease's pathogenesis at different stages. Furthermore, the positive correlation between ADA and HbA1C levels may play an important role in predicting the glycaemic and immunological status of these patients.