Reactive species and diabetes: counteracting oxidative stress to improve health

Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2009 Dec;9(6):771-9. doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2009.08.005. Epub 2009 Sep 18.

Abstract

Oxidative stress is at the very core of metabolism. Reactive species behave as true second messengers that control important cellular functions. However, under pathological conditions, abnormally large concentrations of these species may lead to permanent changes in signal transduction and gene expression. Attenuation of oxidative stress as a way to improve several diseases such as diabetes has flourished as one of the main challenges of research. The lack of evidence to prove the benefits from antioxidant compounds has led to boost these strategies. Inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production through the development of inhibitors against NADPH oxidase and mitochondria offers an alternative approach to conventional antioxidant therapies. There is a need to understand oxidative stress process to implement health-disorder approaches.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / metabolism*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / therapy*
  • Health*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • NADPH Oxidases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • NADPH Oxidases / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology
  • Reactive Nitrogen Species / metabolism*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Biomarkers
  • Reactive Nitrogen Species
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • NADPH Oxidases