Association between DNA Damage and Glycemic Control in Iraqi Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is defined as the chronic disorder associated with metabolic issues, having hyperglycemia and insulin resistance as the main drivers. It appears that oxidative stress and damage to DNA may contribute significantly to the emergence of diabetes and its complications. The present study aims to analyze the interrelation between the markers of DNA damage and glycemic control in Iraqi individuals suffering from T2DM.

Objectives: The aim of the research is to reveal the existence of any interrelationship between DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG] and parameters obtained from comet assay) and glycemic control (HbA1c levels) among the individuals suffering from T2DM in Iraq.

Methods: This research is based on the data collected about 180 diabetes patients and 60 healthy individuals. The measurements of fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, 8-OHdG, and DNA damage were taken. The assessment of DNA damage was performed using comet assay and statistical procedure.

Results: Diabetes patients demonstrated a higher level of 8-OHdG in comparison with healthy individuals (p < 0.001) and show an increase in DNA damage. DNA damage has exhibited a positive correlation with HbA1c (r = 0.742, p < 0.001) and FBG (r = 0.698, p < 0.001). Multiple regression showed that an independent predictor of DNA damage was HbA1c (β = 0.521, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: The findings indicate that there exists a close association between glycemic control and DNA damage in patients in Iraq. Low glycemic control influences the increase in oxidative and DNA damage stressing the necessity of intensive glycemic control in diabetes treatment.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, DNA damage, glycemic control, 8-OHdG, comet assay, oxidative stress, HbA1c, Iraq