Activities of Antioxidant Scavenger Enzymes (Superoxide Dismutase and Glutathione Peroxidase) in Erythrocytes in Adult Women With and Without Type II Diabetes

摘要

It is widely believed that oxidative stress plays an importantrole in the pathogenesis of type II diabetes. The presentstudy was undertaken to examine the functioning of two antioxidantscavenger enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD)and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), in erythrocytes in apopulation of healthy aging adult women compared witha similar population with type II diabetes. Blood sampleswere examined from 42 female adult healthy subjects atdifferent ages and from 59 female patients with type II diabetes.A significant increase in SOD activities was correlatedwith aging in erythrocytes of the healthy control subjects(r= .550,P= .001); however, this correlation wasnot found in subjects with type II diabetes (r= .250,P<.07). A trend showing a reduction in glutathione peroxidaseactivities was demonstrated with aging (r= ?.331,P=.228); however, this trend was not found in diabetic subjects(r= .031,P< .820). The results indicate a possibleimbalance in the antioxidant system in erythrocytes of aging adult women, which is even more pronounced in casesof type II diabetes. This study may indicate possible therapeutictreatment or preventive measures to limit oxidativedamage and reduce complications of diabetes.