Values of markers of early and advanced glycation and lipoxidation in serum proteins of children with diabetes mellitus.

Background: Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) have been established as one of the major factors responsible for the multi-organ damage seen in diabetes. AGEs and lipoxidation products, as e.g. MDA, and their adducts with proteins appear to be formed together in serum and tissues. A link between AGEs formation and increased lipoxidation at tissue damage is under investigation.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine fructosamine (FAM), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) AGEs-specific fluorescence and MDA-protein adducts specific fluorescence in diabetic and in healthy children, with statistical evaluation of the relationship between the parameters assessed.

Subjects And Methods: Values of FAM and HbA1c (spectrophotometry) and of AGEs-specific fluorescence and MDA-protein adducts specific fluorescence were investigated in serum proteins of 17 children with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus (age range 9 to 18 years). Eight healthy children (age range 7 to 17 years) served as controls.

Results: In the diabetic group, all the parameters evaluated were significantly higher than in the control group. Furthermore, MDA-linked specific fluorescence of MDA-protein adducts (a biomarker of oxidative stress) was correlated with AGEs-specific fluorescence. In patients this correlation was extremely significant (r = 0.8176, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: The increased oxidative stress in children with type 1 diabetes may not be attributed to complications, though it could contribute to the development of complications. (Tab. 2, Fig. 7, Ref. 30.)