Oxidative Stress and 3243 A/G Mitochondrial Dna Mutation In Maternally Inherited Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

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 pless than0.01, family 2 pless than0.01), Mn/Fe SOD (family 1 pless than0.01, family 2 pless than 0.05), Cu/Zn SOD (family 1 pless than0.001, family 2 pless than0.01) was observed. Significantly increased concentrations of malonaldehyde (family 1 pless than 0.05, family 2 pless than0.05) and nitric oxide (family 1 pless than0.05, family 2 pless than0.05) 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.