ERK1/2 gene expression and hypomethylation of Alu and LINE1 elements in patients with type 2 diabetes with and without cataract: Impact of hyperglycemia‐induced oxidative stress

AimsThis study aimed to delineate the effect of hyperglycemia on the Alu/LINE‐1 hypomethylation and in ERK1/2 genes expression in type 2 diabetes with and without cataract.MethodsThis study included 58 diabetic patients without cataracts, 50 diabetic patients with cataracts, and 36 healthy controls. After DNA extraction and bisulfite treatment, LINE‐1 and Alu methylation levels were assessed using Real‐time MSP. ERK1/2 gene expression was analyzed through real‐time PCR. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were measured using colorimetric methods. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS23, setting the significance level at P ResultsThe TAC levels were significantly lower for cataract and diabetic groups than controls (259.31 ± 122.99, 312.43 ± 145.46, 372.58 ± 132.95 nanomole of Trolox equivalent) with a significant correlation between FPG and TAC levels in both the cataract and diabetic groups (P P ConclusionsOur findings indicate that hyperglycemia‐induced oxidative stress may alter ERK1/2 gene expression patterns and induce aberrant hypomethylation in Alu and LINE‐1 sequences. These aberrant changes may play a contributing role in diabetic complications such as cataracts.