Free radical activity in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients

Abstract 

Background

Free radical activity is an important cause of vascular complications in type 1 diabetes mellitus. But data regarding vascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus are scant.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine free radical activity in type 2 diabetic patients with hypertension compared to those without hypertension.

Materials and Methods

The serum levels of lipid peroxidation product, MDA malondialdehyde), the free radical scavenger, SOD (superoxide dismutase) and NO (nitric oxide) were studied in 50 type 2 diabetic outpatients. Controls were regarded as those diabetic outpatients who did not have hypertension.

Result

Among 50 patients thus studied 19 were hypertensive. The concentration (median (range)) of both SOD (21.31(5.33–26.64) vs. 16.65(6.66–22.64)U/dl; p<0.05) and NO (18.54 (11.40–37.07) vs. 21.39(15.69–35.65)U/dl; p<0.05) were reduced in the hypertensive group. Similarly, concentration (median (range) of MDA (359(231–718) vs. 385(256–666)μmoles/dl; p<0.01 were increased in the hypertensive group.

Conclusion

The reduction in serum levels of SOD and NO with a concomitant increase in serum MDA levels is consistent with an increase in free radical activity in hypertensive type 2 diabetics.

Keywords: Superoxide dismutase, Nitric oxide, Malondialdehyde, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Hypertension