Serum Paraoxonase (Arylesterase) activity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and diabetic nephropathy

Background: Serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) prevents oxidation of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL- C) delaying the development of atherosclerosis. Increased susceptibility for oxidation of LDL -C has been reported in Diabetes mellitus and nephropathy. This study was undertaken to measure serum PON - arylesterase activity and PON1 phenotype in Diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathy and healthy individuals. Materials and methods: The study group had 90 subjects- non-diabetic healthy controls(n = 30), diabetics without complications (group I, n=30) and diabetics with nephropathy (group II, n = 30) . PON1 activity, fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels were determined. Results: FBS (p<0.001) was significantly increased and PON1 (p<0.001) were significantly decreased in group II patients. In group I patients com- pared with the controls, PON1 activity did not significantly differ. Conclusion: This indicates significant physiologically active functioning of PON1 in these patients, thus protecting them from diabetes related complications.