Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026
11:05
Analysis of Oxidative Stress in Zebrafish Embryos
Published on: July 7, 2014
Oxidative stress and diabetic complications.
Ferdinando Giacco1, Michael Brownlee
1Diabetes Research Center, Departments of Medicine/Endocrinology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, New York 10461-1602, USA.
Circulation Research
|October 30, 2010
Summary
Oxidative stress from diabetes drives complications by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Reducing ROS in diabetic mice prevented major complications, highlighting a key therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Diabetes complications, including microvascular and cardiovascular issues, are significantly influenced by oxidative stress.
- Metabolic dysfunction in diabetes leads to increased mitochondrial superoxide production in various cell types, including endothelial cells and the myocardium.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advances in understanding the role of metabolite-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications.
- To highlight the mechanisms by which ROS contribute to diabetes-related vascular and cardiac damage.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on oxidative stress and diabetic complications.
- Discussion of key molecular pathways activated by ROS, such as the polyol pathway, AGEs formation, PKC activation, and hexosamine pathway.
- Examination of the impact of ROS on endothelial function and epigenetic modifications.
Main Results:
- Increased ROS activates five major pathways implicated in diabetic complications and inactivates key antiatherosclerotic enzymes.
- ROS contribute to defective angiogenesis, inflammation, and persistent proinflammatory gene expression ('hyperglycemic memory').
- Inhibition of ROS, demonstrated by superoxide dismutase overexpression in mice, prevented diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and cardiomyopathy.
Conclusions:
- Metabolite-generated ROS are central to the development of microvascular and cardiovascular complications in diabetes.
- Targeting ROS pathways presents a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing or mitigating diabetic complications.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Complications of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency, resistance, or both. Prolonged hyperglycemia disrupts metabolic homeostasis and leads to acute and chronic complications.Acute ComplicationsAcute complications result from sudden metabolic imbalance.Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) mainly appears in type 1 diabetes but may also develop in type 2 diabetes, particularly under extreme stress. It arises from severe insulin deficiency,...
01:24Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.
01:22Diabetic Neuropathy
DefinitionDiabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by long-standing diabetes mellitus. It results directly from prolonged high blood sugar levels.PathophysiologyThe pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy involves both metabolic and vascular disturbances triggered by chronic hyperglycemia.Metabolic injury: Elevated glucose levels activate the polyol pathway within nerve cells, leading to the accumulation of sorbitol and fructose. This increases oxidative stress, disrupts normal nerve...
01:27Diabetic Retinopathy
DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...
01:28Diabetic Nephropathy
Definition Diabetic nephropathy is a chronic kidney complication that results from prolonged hyperglycemia.Prevalence It is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide, affecting up to half of individuals with diabetes.Pathophysiology • Sustained hyperglycemia triggers multiple hemodynamic and metabolic changes in the kidney. • Early in the disease, increased renal blood flow and glomerular hyperfiltration occur due to afferent arteriolar...
01:19Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...