Abstract

"The imbalance between the activities of antioxidant enzymes and free radicals gives rise to oxidative stress. Increased oxidative stress can induce other serious complications in diabetic patients. Mutations in mitochondrial DNA can cause oxidative stress and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hence, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the levels of antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial DNA 3243 A/G mutation in families with a history of maternally inherited type 2 diabetes mellitus.  Method: This study included two diabetic families and one normal healthy family. The level of catalase, Mn/Fe SOD, Cu/Zn SOD, nitric oxide and malonaldehyde formation were studied via various biochemical standard methods. DNA isolation and mutation analysis were done as per standard protocols and methods.  Result: As compared to control samples, a significant decrease in the activities of catalase (family 1 p<0.01, family 2 p<0.01), Mn/Fe SOD (family 1 p<0.01, family 2 p< 0.05), Cu/Zn SOD (family 1 p<0.001, family 2 p<0.01) was observed. Significantly increased concentrations of malonaldehyde (family 1 p< 0.05, family 2 p<0.05) and nitric oxide (family 1 p<0.05, family 2 p<0.05) was also observed. Both diabetic families represent  altered antioxidant enzymes status. This study corroborates an absence of the mutation.  Conclusion: High oxidative stress was shown in both the families with diabetes, but we did not find a mutation in mitochondrial DNA.    "

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