Erythrocyte plasma membrane redox system in first degree relatives of type 2 diabetic patients

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus [TDM] is strongly associated with oxidative stress. Human erythrocytes contain a plasma membrane redox system [PMRS] which transfers electrons from intracellular donors [NADH, ascorbate] to extracellular acceptors outside the cell. We show that the activity of erythrocyte PMRS and APR reductase becomes elevated in first degree relatives of type 2 diabetics and in TDM subjects. The increase in PMRS and APR reductase signifies compensatory mechanisms to mitigate increased oxidative stress. These findings show that an impaired redox balance may be a cause the disturbance of homeostasis in type 2 diabetic families, even before the development of the disease