Study on microalbuminuria and oxidativestress in diabetics.

Background Diabetic nephropathy accounts for about 40% of ESRD. In early stages of diabetic nephropathy there are no clinical signs & symptoms of glomerular changes. The earliest indication of nephropathy is microalbuminuria1(American diabetes Association). Advanced Glycation Endproducts in diabetes favorers the Oxidative stress which is implicated in etiology of human diseases. The present study was undertaken to asses the role of oxidative stress in causing diabetic nephropathy2 (Josephine M Forbe etal). Materials & Methods 50 cases of diagnosed diabetic subjects were selected for the present study. Aged 30 – 60 years , both the males & females were included. Blood samples were collected in fluoride test tubes for estimation of FBS & PPBS. EDTA & heparin blood samples for glutathione & glutathione peroxidase respectively. A fasting urine sample was collected in a sterile container for microalbumin estimation. Results Significant increase in the levels of urine microalbumin (P<0.01) & Glutathione peroxidase (P<0.002) were observed in diabetics compare to healthy controls. Glutathione values were decreased (P<0.00). Conclusion Lowered glutathione values and elevated glutathione peroxidase values were consistently observed in all the cases indicating the association of oxidative stress in all diabetic patients. Microalbuminuria is observed in all the patients irrespective of the duration of the illness indicating sub clinical damage of microvasculature probably due to oxidative stress.