Assessment of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines, G6PDH, and LDH Levels in Diabetic Patients Treated with Metformin and Glibenclamide

Background: Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes is often accompanied by inflammation and altered glucose metabolism. Long-term use of oral hypoglycemic agents such as metformin and glibenclamide may influence cytokine expression and enzyme activity, contributing to variable therapeutic outcomes. This study assessed pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6) and glycolytic enzymes (G6PDH, LDH) in diabetic patients on therapy compared with healthy controls. Methods: A total of 125 participants aged ≥30 years were recruited from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and the Postgraduate Biochemistry Laboratory, UNIBEN. Participants were grouped into diabetics on metformin, diabetics on glibenclamide, and healthy controls. Blood samples were analyzed using ELISA for cytokines and enzyme assays for G6PDH and LDH. Results: Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed among groups. IL-1 levels were higher in male subjects on metformin (10.94 pg/mL) and glibenclamide (7.60 pg/mL). Reduced G6PDH activity (0.860 µgHb and 1.111 µgHb) and elevated LDH activity (277.9 µL and 275.8 µL) were found in diabetic subjects compared to controls. Conclusion: Prolonged use of metformin and glibenclamide alters cytokine expression and glycolytic enzyme activity, suggesting drug-induced metabolic changes that may underlie therapeutic resistance in diabetes.