Diagnostic potential of oxidative stress markers in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Objectives: To validate the diagnostic utility of oxidative stress markers in the evaluation of young type 1 diabetics, as suggested elsewhere. Design: Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured in sera from diabetics, their siblings and controls, with diagnostic potential evaluated by ROC analysis, and related to diabetes clinical parameters. Results: In diabetics AOPP and TBARS were elevated, TAS decreased. Similar alterations were observed for AOPP and TAS in their siblings. AOPP and TAS were good indicators of diabetes. AOPP and TBARS correlated with HbA1C (independent predictor), but were poor markers of non-adequate glycemic control. The cardiovascular disease risk factors were independent predictors of TBARS concentrations. Conclusions: AOPP accumulation and TAS reduction seem to precede diabetes and might be considered as susceptibility indicators in relatives, but not as diabetes markers in general population (no diabetes specificity has been shown). Application in monitoring of metabolic control is not validated.