The Role of Oxidative Stress in Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a common disease affecting about 5% of the general population after the age of 50. Causes of PN are numerous and include genetic, diabetes, alcohol, vitamin deficiencies, and gluten sensitivity among others. This systematic review aimed to study the association between oxidative stress and PN in an attempt to better understand PN pathogenesis. A computer-based, systematic search was conducted on the PubMed database, and ensuing data from included articles was analyzed and discussed in this review. Sixty-nine papers were eligible and were used for this review. Peripheral neuropathy is associated with an increase of reactive oxygen species and a decrease in endogenous antioxidants. Genetic predisposition to oxidative damage may be a factor. Antioxidant treatment is promising regarding treatment. Though further research is necessary to better understand the underlying mechanism, it is evident that oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of - or is at least systematically present in - PN.