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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
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

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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