Comparing the Impact of Serum GPER-1 and Oxidant/Antioxidant Levels on Retinopathy in Diabetic Patients and Healthy Individuals: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Aims This research sought to determine the impact of serum G receptor-mediated protein-1 (GPER-1) levels on the development of retinopathy in diabetic patients, comparing them to healthy individuals. Methods Forty patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) (Group 1), 40 patients without DR (NDR) (Group 2) and 40 healthy individuals (Group 3) were included in this study. Serum progesterone, GPER-1, oestradiol, oxidant/antioxidant and thyroid-releasing hormone (TSH) levels were analysed and compared among the groups. Post hoc analysis was performed to compare the sub-groups in which statistically significant differences were found. Results A significant difference was found among all groups in terms of GPER-1, oxidant/antioxidant and oestradiol levels (p < 0.01), but no significant difference was found in terms of TSH or progesterone (p = 0.496, p = 0.220, respectively). In the post hoc analysis of the groups with statistically significant differences, another significant difference was found among all groups for GPER-1 and oxidant/antioxidant levels (p < 0.05). GPER-1 and oxidant levels were positively correlated, while GPER-1 and antioxidant levels were negatively correlated (r = 0.622/p < 0.01, r = 0.453/p < 0.01, r = 0.460/p < 0.01, respectively). The multiple regression analysis showed that increased GPER-1 may help prevent DR. Conclusions GPER-1 levels, which were highest in the DR group, increased as the oxidant/antioxidant balance changed in favour of oxidative stress. This seems to be a defence mechanism for preventing neuronal damage.