In DM subjects the mRNA expression of Nrf2 (0.43-fold, p < 0.02) (Fig. 2C), SOD (0.85-fold, p < 0.01) (Fig. 3A), HO-1 (0.78-fold, p < 0.01) (Fig. 3B), GPx (0.45, p < 0.004) (Fig. 3C) and CAT (0.31-fold, p < 0.03) (Fig. 3D) showed low levels with respect to control subjects. The gene discussed is HMOX1; the disease is diabetes mellitus.