The effect of low level-laser irradiation on antioxidant enzymes and mineral levels in serum of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background: The control and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most important way to prevent health consequences of the disease. Oxidative stress derived from diabetes mellitus is an important cause of these symptoms in uncontrolled diabetic patients. The consumption of functional foods containing antioxidants and trace minerals can help prevent these consequences and control diabetes mellitus.Objective: In this study, we examined whether low-level laser therapy could have an effect on levels of antioxidant enzymes and minerals in the serum of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: Thirty individuals with type 2 diabetes and thirty healthy individuals, as controls, were selected as participants for this study. The levels of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase; biochemical parameters, such as glucose and hydrogen peroxide; minerals iron, zinc, magnesium, copper; and selenium binding protein 1 (as an indicator of selenium) were studied before and after low level-laser therapy.Results: The levels of antioxidant enzymes and some minerals significantly increased in control and diabetic patients after low level-laser therapy. The levels of glucose, hydrogen peroxide, and selenium binding protein 1, however, were unchanged after low-level laser therapy.Conclusions: Low level-laser therapy may be an important tool for reducing oxidative stress caused by type 2 diabetes mellitus due to its ability to increase levels of antioxidant enzymes and mineral content.Keywords: Laser Irradiation; Antioxidant; Functional Foods/Bioactive Compounds; Diabetes Mellitus.