Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Reactive oxygen-derived free radicals are key to the endothelial dysfunction of diabetes
Yi Shi1, Paul Michel Vanhoutte
1Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Vascular complications are an important pathological issue in diabetes that lead to the further functional deterioration of several organs. The balance between endothelium-dependent relaxing factors and endothelium-dependent contracting factors (EDCFs) is crucial in controlling local vascular tone and function under normal conditions. Diabetic endothelial dysfunction is characterized by reduced endothelium-dependent relaxations and/or enhanced endothelium-dependent contractions. Elevated levels of oxygen-derived free radicals are the initial source of endothelial dysfunction in diabetes. Oxygen-derived free radicals not only reduce nitric oxide bioavailability, but also facilitate the production and/or action of EDCFs. Thus, the endothelial balance tips towards vasoconstrictor responses over the course of diabetes.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic Nephropathy
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Diabetic Foot Ulcer