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OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress has been found to be associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. Exhaled breath condansate (EBC) is a method based on air cooling and condensation. This study aims to investigate a possible association between oxidative markers (8-isoprostane, Nitric Oxide (NO), Leukotriene E4 (LTE4)) in exhaled breath and microalbuminuria in diabetic patients and determine the effects of diabetes on respiratory functions.
MATERIAL and METHODS: Forty-seven patients with type 2 DM were enrolled. Group 1 consisted of 25 patients without microalbuminuria (F/M:17/8) and Group 2 of 22 with microalbuminuria (F/M:14/8). Twenty-five healthy volunteers (F/M:18/7) were also included. Respiratory function tests and 24h urine microalbumin measurements were performed in all groups. NO was measured with colorimetry, 8-isoprostane and LTE4 levels were determined with EIA in EBC samples.
RESULTS: Oxidative marker levels were similar among the patient groups and healthy controls. No correlation was observed between microalbuminuria and oxidative markers. Respiratory functions were significantly lower in Group 2.
CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in oxidative markers measured with EBC for diabetic patients with or without microalbuminuria. We attributed these results to small sample size and possible factors effecting EBC. Comprehensive studies using EBC with larger sample size might reveal a possible relation between oxidative stress and diabetic nephropathy.