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Insulin-induced hypoglycemia and stress oxidative state in healthy people

Gholamreza Yousefzade1, Akram Nakhaee

  • 1Kerman Physiology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Kerman, Iran. ghyousefzadeh@yahoo.com

Acta Diabetologica
|October 11, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Insulin-induced hypoglycemia significantly increases oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde and decreases antioxidant capacity, total thiol groups, and superoxide dismutase activity in healthy young men.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Human Physiology
  • Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

  • Oxidative stress plays a role in various physiological and pathological processes.
  • Understanding the impact of acute metabolic changes on antioxidant systems is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the immediate effects of insulin-induced hypoglycemia on key oxidative stress biomarkers.
  • To assess changes in superoxide dismutase activity, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, and thiol groups.

Main Methods:

  • A clinical trial involving 16 healthy adult males.
  • Hypoglycemia was induced via intravenous insulin administration (0.1 U/kg).
  • Measurements included superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) via TBARS assay, total thiol concentration (HPLC), and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP).

Main Results:

  • Insulin-induced hypoglycemia significantly increased TBARS levels (MDA).
  • A significant decrease was observed in antioxidant power (FRAP value), total thiol concentration, and SOD enzyme activity.
  • P-values < 0.001 for TBARS, FRAP, and SOD; P = 0.001 for total thiol concentration.

Conclusions:

  • Acute hypoglycemia acutely impairs the body's antioxidant defense mechanisms.
  • These findings highlight the pro-oxidative state induced by rapid glucose reduction.

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