Current molecular aspects in the development and treatment of diabetes
Samuel Álvarez-Almazán1,2, Jessica Georgina Filisola-Villaseñor3, Diana Alemán-González-Duhart4
1Laboratorio de Biofísica y Biocatálisis, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Salvador Díaz Mirón s/n, Casco de Santo Tomás, 11340, Ciudad de México, México.
Abstract:
Diabetes mellitus (DM) leads to microvascular, macrovascular, and neurological complications. Less is understood about the mechanisms of this disease that give rise to weak bones. The many molecular mechanisms proposed to explain the damage caused by chronic hyperglycemia are organ and tissue dependent. Since all the different treatments for DM involve therapeutic activity combined with side effects and each patient represents a unique condition, there is no generalized therapy. The alterations stemming from hyperglycemia affect metabolism, osmotic pressure, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In part, hemodynamic modifications are linked to the osmotic potential of the excess of carbohydrates implicated in the disease. The change in osmotic balance increases as the disease progresses because hyperglycemia becomes chronic. The aim of the current contribution is to provide an updated overview of the molecular mechanisms that participate in the development and treatment of diabetes.
Insights
Diabetes mellitus causes complications, including weak bones, through molecular mechanisms like oxidative stress and inflammation. Understanding these pathways is key to developing effective, individualized diabetes treatments.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with microvascular, macrovascular, and neurological complications.
- The molecular mechanisms underlying bone weakness in DM are not fully understood.
- Hyperglycemia-induced damage is organ- and tissue-dependent, necessitating individualized treatment approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated overview of the molecular mechanisms involved in diabetes development.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms contributing to bone fragility in diabetes.
- To review current and potential treatment strategies for diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of molecular mechanisms in diabetes.
- Analysis of studies on hyperglycemia's effects on metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
- Examination of research on hemodynamic and osmotic alterations in diabetes.
Main Results:
- Chronic hyperglycemia alters metabolism, osmotic pressure, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
- Hemodynamic changes are linked to osmotic imbalances caused by excess carbohydrates.
- The progressive nature of hyperglycemia exacerbates osmotic balance disruption.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of molecular mechanisms is crucial for diabetes management.
- Targeting hyperglycemia-induced molecular pathways may offer therapeutic benefits.
- Personalized treatment strategies are essential due to the complexity and varied manifestations of diabetes.
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