BACKGROUNDDiabetes mellitus is a state of increased free radical activity and increased oxidative stress plays a major role in the development of diabetic complications. The present study was conducted to find the role of oxidative stress in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus without complications. MATERIALS AND METHODSThe descriptive comparative study group of 150 subjects was divided into 3 groups based on glycosylated haemoglobin values, which included type 2 diabetic patients with poor metabolic control, good metabolic control and normal age matched controls. Measured parameters were serum malondialdehyde level as an indicator of lipid peroxidation, glycosylated haemoglobin, lipid parameters like triglycerides and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL). Mean differences between the groups were analysed using ANOVA (Analysis Of Variance). Correlation coefficient was calculated to find out whether there was any significant association between two variables. RESULTSThere was significant elevation of serum MDA and Triglycerides in type 2 diabetic patients with poor metabolic control when compared to patients with good metabolic control. Highly significant positive correlation was obtained between serum malondialdehyde and glycosylated haemoglobin, malondialdehyde and triglyceride. Negative correlation was found between Malondialdehyde and HDL cholesterol. CONCLUSIONEarly detection of the imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant equilibrium can prevent the risk of developing serious complications of diabetes mellitus by supplementation of antioxidant vitamins along with anti-diabetic agents. BACKGROUNDIndia with its dubious distinction of being called "The Diabetic Capital of World" is presently estimated to have over 40 million individuals affected by this deadly disease. Diabetes mellitus is a state of increased free radical activity and increased oxidative stress plays a major role in the development of diabetic complications. A currently favoured hypothesis is that oxidative stress through a single unifying mechanism of superoxide production is the common pathogenic factor underlying the development of insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction in type 2 Diabetes mellitus 1 and progression of long-term diabetic complications.Cells continuously produce free radicals and reactive oxygen species as part of metabolic process. Free radicals derived from molecular oxygen are highly reactive metabolites and are called reactive oxygen species. In the body, reactive oxygen species cause various types of damage like lipid peroxidation and cellular damage.

Background: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy specific disorder characterised by vasospasm and endothelial dysfunction. One of the most favoured hypotheses is the endothelial dysfunction secondary to the peroxidation of membrane lipids resulting in altered vascular reactivity, loss of vascular integrity and activation of the coagulation cascade. Elevated circulating homocysteine is a risk factor for endothelial dysfunction and vascular diseases and is found to be associated with preeclampsia. Hyperhomocysteinemia increases the risk of atherosclerosis through a mechanism involving oxidative damage. Malondialdehyde, (MDA) a metabolite of lipid peroxides detectable in plasma is used as an indicator of lipid peroxidation.Methods: The present study was undertaken to find out the alterations in the circulating levels of serum homocysteine and malondialdehyde (MDA) in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia when compared to normal nonpregnant women. The case control study was conducted by taking a statistical sample size of 30 subjects (18- 35 years) in each group. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. Significance level was fixed at p<0.05.Results: The mean serum levels of homocysteine were higher in preeclampsia patients than normal pregnant women. The mean serum levels of MDA in preeclampsia patients were higher than that of normal pregnant women.Conclusions: The increased homocysteine levels in preeclampsia results in endothelial dysfunction and vasospasm. Also oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Thus identifying the risk factors and aggressive management may prove to be beneficial in these women.