RESUMO
This study aimed at the delineation of the role possibly played by the two antioxidant synergists, namely vitamin E and selenium in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Serum analysis for vitamin E [by a colorimetric reaction] and selenium [using atomic absorption spectrophotometer techniques] was studied in insulin dependent [n = 14] with [n = 7] and without [n = 7] retinopathy [fundus], non insulin dependent diabetics [n = 45] with [n = 14] and without [n = 31] retinopathy matched to 16 control subjects. Serum selenium was significantly lower [P < 0.01] in NIDD patients [6.05 ug/dl] compared to IDD [10.96] and controls [10.67]. Vitamin E serum levels [mg/l] were significantly lower in NIDD patients [46.04] and IDD [38.41] compared to controls [57.71]. Vitamin E was significantly lower [P < 0.01] in IDD patients with retinopathy [27.17 mg/l] in relation to those without [49.64].A significant correlation was found between serum selenium and vitamin E in IDD patients [P < 0. 05] especially those with retinopathy [P <0.01] with a significant decrease of vitamin E in such patients. It can be concluded that age may have a role in decreased serum selenium in diabetic patients while decreased serum tocopherol may be related to diabetes and may have a role in the pathogenesis of retinopathy in IDD patients