This study investigated the level of plasma hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and cytochrome c (CytoC) in correlation with C-reactive protein, dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance, and prognostic factors in Type 2 diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia. Reduced level of HIF-1α and non-significant increased level of CytoC correlated negatively with these prognostic factors. These results pointed to a possible pathogenetic implication for HIF-1α.

Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) employs electrons obtained from cytochrome c to reduce oxygen to water. Recently, we proposed that electrons travel from cytochrome c to CuA of COX, by a hydrogen/hydride ion relay. Now, on the basis of a similar computer study, we conclude that this hydride/hydrogen ion mechanism is common to other oxidases.