THE CORRELATION BETWEEN NITRIC OXIDE RADICALS AND IL-1Β PROTEIN IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2

Throughout life, the human body encounters numerous environmental and metabolic factors that generate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). These reactive molecules can cause significant oxidative damage to cellular components. To maintain physiological balance, the body employs sophisticated endogenous antioxidant defense systems that neutralize these harmful free radicals and protect cellular integrity. This investigation sought to 1) examine the fundamental mechanisms of oxidative stress (OS) in diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM); 2) analyze the relationship between nitric oxide (NO) radicals and IL-1β protein levels in recently diagnosed T2DM cases; and 3) compare the OS biomarkers between newly diagnosed and long-standing T2DM. The study enrolled 62 patients stratified into the long-standing T2DM group (n=42; disease duration >5 years) and the newly diagnosed T2DM group (n=20; diagnosis within the past year). All results were compared with healthy control subjects (n=33). Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) protein concentrations were significantly elevated in newly diagnosed T2DM compared to controls (p < 0.001) and long-standing T2DM (p < 0.001). NO levels showed marked increases in recent-onset diabetics relative to the controls (p < 0.001) and long-standing diabetes patients (p < 0.001). The study reveals that OS markers and inflammatory cytokines are already substantially elevated at the time of diabetes diagnosis. The pathophysiological processes underlying diabetes begin well before clinical manifestation. The concept of glycemic memory may explain these early biochemical changes. The OS biomarkers could serve as valuable early detection tools for prediabetic states. These findings highlight the importance of early OS-monitoring in at-risk populations and potential therapeutic interventions targeting inflammatory pathways.