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DNA and oxidative damages decrease after ingestion of folic acid in patients with type 2 diabetes
Blanca Patricia Lazalde-Ramos1, Ana Lourdes Zamora-Perez, Martha Sosa-Macías
1Unidad Académica de Medicina Humana, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico.
Archives of Medical Research
|September 12, 2012
Summary
Folic acid supplementation significantly reduced DNA and oxidative damage in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. This suggests folic acid may help prevent T2DM complications by acting as an antioxidant.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is linked to increased oxidative stress and DNA damage.
- Reactive oxygen species, a byproduct of sugar autoxidation in T2DM, contribute to cellular damage.
- This damage plays a key role in the development of long-term T2DM complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of folic acid on DNA and oxidative damage in patients with T2DM.
- To assess the potential of folic acid as a therapeutic agent against T2DM-related cellular damage.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 30 T2DM patients and 30 controls.
- T2DM patients received 5 mg of folic acid orally three times daily for one month.
- DNA damage was assessed via micronucleus tests, and oxidative stress was measured by quantifying 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and lipid peroxides.
Main Results:
- T2DM patients exhibited higher levels of DNA damage (micronuclei) and oxidative stress markers (8-OHdG, lipid peroxides) compared to controls (p=0.001).
- Folic acid treatment led to a significant decrease in micronuclei count, 8-OHdG, and lipid peroxide levels over 30 days.
- These findings demonstrate a clear reduction in oxidative and DNA damage markers following folic acid supplementation.
Conclusions:
- A strong correlation exists between oxidative stress and DNA damage in T2DM.
- Folic acid, as an antioxidant, is recommended for T2DM therapy.
- Supplementation with folic acid may help delay T2DM complications by mitigating oxidative stress and DNA damage.
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