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Exploring aldose reductase inhibitors as promising therapeutic targets for diabetes-linked disabilities

Saheem Ahmad1, Mohammad Faizan Ali Ahmad2, Saif Khan3

  • 1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, 2440, Saudi Arabia.

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|September 21, 2024
PubMed

Insights

This review explores aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs) as a promising treatment for diabetic complications. Developing effective ARIs faces challenges but holds potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce diabetes-related mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Diabetology

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus causes severe complications like neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, and cataracts.
  • The polyol pathway, involving aldose reductase (AR), is a key target for managing these diabetic complications.
  • Aldose reductase (AR) plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of secondary diabetes complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the development of natural and synthetic aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs).
  • To discuss recent advancements in treating diabetic complications through ARIs.
  • To highlight challenges and future directions in ARI development for clinical application.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of natural and synthetic aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs).
  • Analysis of the role of aldose reductase (AR) in the polyol pathway and diabetic complications.
  • Examination of structural features and drug specificity of ARIs.

Main Results:

  • Aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs) show promise in mitigating diabetic complications.
  • New developments in ARI research offer potential therapeutic strategies.
  • Significant challenges remain in translating preclinical ARI success to clinical effectiveness due to disease variability and AR complexity.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted development of specific aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs) is crucial for effective treatment of diabetic complications.
  • Overcoming challenges in ARI specificity and clinical translation could revolutionize diabetes care.
  • Further research into AR structure and function is essential for advancing ARI-based therapies.
Keywords:
Aldose reductase inhibitorDiabetic complicationsDiabetic retinopathy

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