New insights on non-enzymatic glycosylation may lead to therapeutic approaches for the prevention of diabetic complications.
It is generally accepted that chronic hyperglycaemia is responsible for most of the long-term complications of diabetes. Several studies suggest that accelerated non-enzymatic glycosylation may be the underlying mechanism by which hyperglycaemia causes complications. More recently, glucose auto-oxidation has been linked to non-enzymatic glycosylation, and glycosylated proteins have been shown to be a source of free radicals. These findings suggest the possibility that oxidative stress may be related to the development of diabetic complications. Anti-oxidants such as vitamins C and E have recently been demonstrated to reduce protein glycosylation both in vivo and in vitro. In addition they also act as scavengers of free radicals generated by non-enzymatic glycosylation of protein. These findings may lead to new therapeutic approaches for the prevention of complications by limiting the damage caused by non-enzymatic glycosylation and oxidant stress. Such therapies may also be useful in complementing existing treatment in those with the long-term complications of diabetes.
Ceriello
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Istituto di Scienze Mediche, Facoltà di Medicina, Università di Udine, Italy.
Quatraro
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Giugliano
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D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D006031:Glycosylation; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000150:complications*
D000975:Antioxidants; D006023:Glycoproteins