Altered redox status in patients with Diabetes Mellitus type I

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by a disturbance in glucose metabolism. Recent evidences suggest that increased oxidative damage as well as deficits in antioxidants defence systems could be related to the complications in Diabetes patients' type I. The aim of this study was to investigate an extensive array of redox status indices: glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), peroxidation potential, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total hydroperoxide (TH) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) in relation to blood glucose and glucose indicators control such as glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and fructosamine by spectophotometric techniques. Forty Diabetes Mellitus patients' type I and 40 healthy subjects were recruited. Both a reduction of GSH levels and an increase in MDA and TH levels were observed in the serum of patients. These patients also showed an increase of AOPP and PP levels as well as an increase of both CAT and SOD activity. Relatively to the control group, patients had significant differences in global indices of oxidant/antioxidant status and indicators of glycaemia control. These results contribute both to the evidences that substantial oxidative stress occurs during Diabetes Mellitus type I without early complications and to an integral overview of the oxidant/antioxidant balance in these patients.