Determination of Reduced Glutathione in Red Blood Cells.
- Author:
Eun Ah CHANG
;
Sung Won KIM
;
Seok Lae CHAE
;
Young Joo CHA
- Publication Type:Original Article
- MeSH:
Antioxidants;
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2;
Diabetic Retinopathy;
Erythrocytes*;
Glutathione Peroxidase;
Glutathione*;
Humans;
Insulin;
Metabolism;
Oxidative Stress;
Superoxide Dismutase;
Superoxides
- From:Korean Journal of Clinical Pathology
1997;17(2):238-244
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The product of oxygen-free radicals inf1ict oxidative injuries on healthy cells. Antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase(SOD), glutathione peroxidase, and reduced glutathione(GSH) are present in almost all cells and play important roles in metabolism, transport, and cellular protection. We measured blood GSH levels in healthy controls and patients with non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus(NIDDM) for evaluation of the clinical usefulness of GSH. METHODS: Erythrocyte GSH levels were measured in fifty healthy controls and thirty NIDDM patients with diabetic retinopathies by Beutler's method. We also tested within-run precision, between-run precision, linearity and recovery rate to evaluate this method measuring erythrocyte GSH levels. RESULTS: The GSH levels (mean +/-SD) of NIDDM patients (5.03+/-0.67mumo1/Hb) were significantly lower than those of healthy control group (6.46+/-0.85mumo1/Hb)(P<0.001). The results of within-run precision and between-run precision when stored at 4degrees Cwere excellent (coefficient of variation were 2.79% and 2.42%, respectively), however, when stored at the room temperature the GSH levels were sharply declined. The linearity and recovery rate were acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: The prescision, linearity, and recovery rate of GSH measurement were excellent. The GSH levels in NIDDM patient group were reduced, and this probably contributes to the defective defense mechanism against increased oxidative stress. Additional measurement of other antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione Peroxidase may be required to clarify the pathologic significance of glutathione metabolism in various diseases.
