Erythrocyte plasma membrane redox system in first degree relatives of type 2 diabetic patients

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (TDM) is strongly associated with oxidative stress. Human erythrocytes contain a plasma membrane redox system (PMRS) which transfers electrons from intracellular donors (NADH, ascorbate) to extracellular acceptors outside the cell. We show that the activity of erythrocyte PMRS and AFR reductase becomes elevated in first degree relatives of type 2 diabetics and in TDM subjects. The increase in PMRS and AFR reductase signifies compensatory mechanisms to mitigate increased oxidative stress. These findings show that an impaired redox balance may be a cause the disturbance of homeostasis in type 2 diabetic families, even before the development of the disease.