NADPH Oxidase Inhibition: Preclinical and Clinical Studies in Diabetic Complications

Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the development and progression of serious micro- and macrovascular complications of diabetes. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX)-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly contribute to oxidative stress-associated inflammatory pathways that lead to tissue damage of different organs, including the kidneys, retina, brain, nerves, and the cardiovascular system. Preclinical studies, including genetic-modified mouse models or cell culture models, have revealed the role of specific NOX isoforms in different diabetic complications, and suggested them as a promising target for the treatment of these diseases. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of ROS and oxidative stress in macrovascular complications, such as stroke, myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and peripheral vascular disease that are all mainly driven by atherosclerosis, as well as microvascular complications, such as diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. We summarize conducted genetic deletion studies of different Nox isoforms as well as pharmacological intervention studies using NOX inhibitors in the context of preclinical as well as clinical research on diabetic complications. We outline the isoforms that are most promising for future clinical trials in the context of micro- and macrovascular complications of diabetes.