What is the role of oxidative stress in the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy?

Abstract

Background/aim: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a clinical entity affecting approximately half of the patients with diabetes, impairing the quality of life. Patients usually do not receive full welfare despite medical treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between DPN and oxidative stress. Methods: A single-center, clinical study was conducted on 80 patients with type 2 diabetes with and without peripheral neuropathy. Glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total oxidant capacity (status) (TOS), and total antioxidant capacity (status) (TAS) levels were assessed from blood samples collected from these individuals. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated by the division of TOS to TAS. Results: TAS levels were within the normal range while TOS and OSI levels were higher compared to individuals without diabetes in both groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of TOS (P=0.26), TAS (P=0.85), and OSI (P=0.32) levels. Conclusion: In our study, no relationship was found between DPN and oxidative stress. Further studies involving a larger number of diabetic patients with and without DPN are required to clarify the role of oxidative stress in the development of DPN.