RESUMEN
AIMS: Antioxidant selenium (Se) properties and, its protective role against oxidative damage play an important role in diabetic complications. Our objective was to gain further insight on a link between selenium status and diabetic nephropathy. METHODS: We assessed glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Se in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with microalbuminuria (MA) (group 1), without microalbuminuria (group 2), and in control subjects (group 3). Glucose, urea, creatinine and glycated hemoglobin tests were tested in sera. A complete clinical record was elaborated. RESULTS: For diabetic patients both, the time from diagnosis and plasma glucose concentration were higher in group 1 as compared to group 2. Control group showed higher serum Se concentrations as compared to the diabetic groups. The two groups of diabetic patients showed similar serum Se levels. Serum concentration of GPx was significantly lower in group 1 as compared to groups 2 and 3. Microalbuminuria (MA) test showed a positive correlation with glucose, and a negative relationship with serum Se and GPx. Multiple regression revealed an inverse relationship between selenium or GPx in serum and the results of the MA test. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that lower Se and GPx levels in diabetic patients may be implicated in the diabetic nephropathy.