Abstract
Background. Experimental research indicates that oxidative stress is implicated in aging and in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. This evidence is limited in elderly patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes, in which age- and disease-related production of reactive oxygen species might exert synergistic damaging effects on tissues and organs. Methods. Plasma levels of lipid-soluble compounds with antioxidant properties including vitamin A, vitamin E and carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, α- and β-carotene) were measured by HPLC in 72 elderly patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes (75.7 ± 0.8 years, 40 F, 32 M) and in 75 age-matched controls (77.2 ± 1.2 years, 48 F, 27 M). Results. All compounds measured were significantly lower in plasma from diabetic patients as compared to controls (p <0.0001). Plasma levels of vitamins A and E and of carotenoids did not significantly correlate with dietary intake and lipid profile in both groups. In patients, significant inverse correlations were found between age and levels of vitamin E, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and β-carotene. Conclusions. We conclude that patients of very old age with Type 2 diabetes show a poor plasma status of vitamins A and E and carotenoids, which negatively correlates with age. Further studies are needed to explore the possible therapeutic role of lipid-soluble vitamin supplements in elderly diabetic subjects. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 15-19 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 1 |
Publication status | Published - Jan 2000 |
Keywords
- Aging
- Carotenoids
- Diabetes
- Oxidative stress
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism