ISPUB.COM The Internet Journal of Nutrition and Wellness Volume 7 Number 2 1 of 6 Effect Of Vitamin On Malondialdehyde And Glutathione Levels In Type 2 Diabetic Nigerians I Nweke, O Ohaeri, C Ezeala Citation I Nweke, O Ohaeri, C Ezeala. Effect Of Vitamin On Malondialdehyde And Glutathione Levels In Type 2 Diabetic Nigerians. The Internet Journal of Nutrition and Wellness. 2008 Volume 7 Number 2. Abstract The effect of modest supplementation of vitamin E (α-tocopherol) on lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced glutathione (GSH), was investigated in type 2 diabetic Nigerian patients. Written and informed consent to participate in this study was obtained from 80 type 2 diabetic patients. 50 randomly selected type 2 diabetic patients were supplemented with vitamin E capsule orally (1000 i.u / day ) and 30 age-matched patients to placebo for 2 months. Fasting blood was collected from each patient before and after vitamin E or placebo supplementation. Levels of Reduced glutathione (GSH ) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Hyperglycemia correlated with reduced blood GSH and increased malondialdehyde levels in type 2 diabetes. Vitamin E supplementation significantly increased GSH levels ( P<0.05 ) and lowered MDA levels ( p<0.05 ) which are markers of oxidative stress and this may reduce the risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus. INTRODUCTION Elevated lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH ) levels have been implicated in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus. An exaggerated oxidative stress has been postulated as the link between hyperglycaemia and clinical complications such as cardiovascular diseases 1 . The depletion of defensive endogenous substances (antioxidants) is thought to increase the risk of complications in type 2 diabetes. These antioxidants include enzymes like superoxide dismutase , catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, minerals such as selenium, manganese, copper and zinc, vitamins such as vitamins A, C and E and other compounds such as glutathione, uric acid and flavonoids. 2 These antioxidants either protect, prevent or reduce the extent of oxidative destruction of cellular tissues. Increased free-radical production is said to mediate tissue injury in a wide range of diseases including diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases 34 . Elevated levels of lipid peroxidation products and the simultaneous decline of antioxidant defense mechanism has been suggested to be harmful due to its disruption of membrane lipid and damage of cellular organelles resulting in oxidative stress. Many studies have reported the antioxidant status in type 2 diabetes 5 , but reports on the effect of antioxidant vitamins on oxidative stress indices such as malondialdehyde ( MDA ) and glutathione ( GSH ) in type 2 diabetic patients are scarce. In this study, we report the results of the effect of vitamin E on markers of oxidative stress such as glutathione and malondialdehyde in type 2 diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS PATIENTS The study was conducted on patients who are members of the Rivers State Chapter of Diabetes Association of Nigeria ( DAN ) after informed and written consent was obtained from them and was approved by the Ethical Clearance Committee of the Institution. The study group consisted of eighty (80) adult type 2 diabetic patients, on diet and various hypoglycemic agents. Fifty (50) subjects (36 males and 14 females), were supplemented with α-tocopherol, while the remaining thirty (20 males and 10 females) were supplemented with placebo. The age range was between 44 – 70 yrs. Exclusion criteria included those with history of allergy to the study medication and existence of other illnesses requiring administration of other drugs. Neither diet nor hypoglycemic agent was changed in dose throughout the study. At baseline, their clinical and biochemical characteristics were evaluated. All patients were randomly