Antioxidant enzyme activities in type II diabetes mellitus and protective role of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol

Abstract

Purpose:In this study, we determined erythrocyte superoxide dismutase(SOD) and catalase activities in type II diabetes mellitus patients. In addition, the protective role of vitamin C and vitamin E combined therapy on SOD and catalase activities were investigated. Methods:Control group included 11 healthy volunteers served as the first group. The second group, the treatment group, included 9 type II diabetes mellitus patients. Catalase and SOD activities were measured in the treatment group both before and after the vitamin combination therapy. These will be referred to as the pre- treatment and post-treatment levels. The treatment group was given vitamin E (600 mg/day) and vitamin C(1 g/day) for a duration of 60 days. Results:Erythrocyte SOD (p