RESUMO
To evaluate the activity of antioxidant enzymes in diabetic patients and also to determine the correlation between hyperglycemia and lipid peroxidation. Thirty patients with type 2 diabetes and 30 healthy individuals [control group] participated in this case-control study. The patients were referred to Sina Hospital, Hamadan, Iran from April to June 2006. Glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] was measured as a marker of hyperglycemia using the chromatography method [Biosystem] and malondialdehyde [MDA] was determined using the colorimetric method. Glutathione peroxidase [GPx] and superoxide dismutase [SOD] activity were assessed using the UV-Vis spectrophotometric technique [Randox kit]. The mean of HbA1c was higher in diabetic patients compared to the healthy group, and the difference was statistically significant [p<0.001]. Serum MDA in diabetics was higher compared to those of healthy subjects [p<0.001]. There were significant differences in activities of SOD and GPx between the 2 studied groups indicating lower activity in diabetic patients [p<0.001]. There was a significant relationship between MDA and HbA1c in diabetic and healthy subjects. The data showed an increase in lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in diabetes and also indicated a positive correlation between the degree of hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Evaluation of oxidative status and choosing the appropriate treatment may help to support antioxidant defense in these patients