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A thirty year journey in the polyol pathway
1National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Experimental Eye Research
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Aldose reductase (AR) inhibitors prevent sugar cataracts, demonstrating AR
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Diabetic Complications Research
- Enzyme Function
Background:
- The polyol theory links high glucose to diabetic complications.
- Aldose reductase (AR) is implicated in polyol pathway activity.
- Early research identified polyols in sugar cataracts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To trace the historical development of the aldose reductase concept in diabetic complications.
- To review evidence supporting AR's role in sugar cataracts and other diabetic issues.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of scientific literature.
- Analysis of early findings on polyols and cataracts.
- Examination of aldose reductase inhibitor studies in animal models.
Main Results:
- The polyol theory explains sugar cataract formation.
- Aldose reductase inhibitors effectively prevent sugar cataracts in experimental models.
- Animal studies show AR inhibitors can prevent diabetic nerve and retinal damage.
Conclusions:
- Aldose reductase plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of sugar-induced cataracts.
- Evidence suggests aldose reductase may also contribute to other diabetic complications, such as nerve and retinal damage.
- Further research into aldose reductase inhibitors is warranted for managing diabetic complications.
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