Genotoxic markers in patients with diabetes mellitus (Literature review)

This paper considers studies aimed at identifying markers of genotoxicity (chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei, and DNA damage assessed by the DNA comet assay) in patients with both gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and diabetes type 1 and 2 (T1DM and T2DM, respectively), as well as possible changes in the levels of these genotoxic markers under the influence of medicines and nutritions. Patients with T2DM are characterized by an increased level of genotoxicity markers. The results of genotoxicity markers in patients with T1DM and GDM studies are contradictory, however, they indicate the presence of an increased genotoxic load rather than its absence. The levels of genotoxic damage in diabetic patients may be reduced by physical exercises, diet, and/or hypoglycemic drugs. Metformin, Afobazole and Noopept are recommended for experimental and clinical studies as possible drug candidates that reduce the levels of genotoxic biomarkers in diabetic patients.