Evaluation of neuronal inflammation and oxidative DNA damage in different haptoglobin phenotypes of Nigerian type-2 diabetes mellitus population

Background: Oxidative stress is a major factor in the pathogenesis and progression of the clinical condition type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) related to adverse biochemical/molecular interactions. Aim and Objectives: To determine whether haptoglobin phenotypes predispose DM patients to vascular complications and neuronal damage. Material and Methods: A total of 74 subjects were assessed out of which 31 had treated and untreated diabetes complicated with hypertension, 26 had treated and untreated uncomplicated DM and 17 were apparently healthy subjects who served as controls. Body Mass Index (BMI), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), serum Glucose (GLU), protein S100B and 8-Hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were determined in all subjects alongside the characterization of Haptoglobin (Hp) phenotypes. Results: BMI, SBP, DBP, GLU, protein S100B and 8-OHdG in treated and untreated complicated and uncomplicated DM patients were higher when compared to controls (p < 0.05). Hp 2 allele (Hp 2-1 and Hp2-2) was seen to be associated with poor glucose control, higher blood pressure and increased neuronal damage in both complicated and uncomplicated DM. It was also seen that the possession of Hp 2 gene was associated with a lower response to treatment. Conclusion: The Hp 2 allele could be a predisposing factor in developing diabetes related complications like hypertension and neuronal damage.