urinary alpha- and pi-glutathione s-transferases in adult patients with type 1 diabetes

Background/Aims: Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are cytosolic enzymes excreted from renal tubules following tubular damage. α-GST primarily originates from proximal tubules, while π-GST from distal tubules and collecting ducts. We investigated if GST levels are associated with renal function in patients with type 1 diabetes. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study including 189 Caucasian patients with type 1 diabetes and 16 nondiabetic controls. α- and π-GST were measured by ELISA and reported as GST/urinary creatinine excretion (μg/mmol). Results: The subjects were 53 ± 14 years old, 66 (35%) were female and the estimated glomerular filtration rate was 85 ± 29 ml/min/1.73 m2. Normo- (Conclusion: α- and π-GST/creatinine ratios were similar among controls and patients with type 1 diabetes. In addition, we did not find associations with albuminuria degree or level of renal function. The significance of increased or decreased excretion of α- and π-GST among patients with diabetes needs to be clarified.