Serum lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme levels in male and female diabetic patients.

INTRODUCTION: The depletion of defensive body chemicals called antioxidants may increase the risk of complications from the most common form of diabetes mellitus. This study aims to evaluate blood serum lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde), an antioxidant, in non-insulin dependent male and female type 2 diabetic patients.

METHODS: Blood serum samples were collected from the diabetic patients and non-diabetic healthy controls. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level, which is an index of endogenous lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione and protein content of the serum were estimated.

RESULTS: A significant elevation in MDA level and decrease in glutathione and protein content was observed in both male and female diabetic patients in comparison to non-diabetic controls.

CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the increase in the lipid peroxidation product MDA and decline in glutathione-dependent antioxidant defences may appear early in non-insulin dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus patients before the development of secondary complications.