Open AccessReactive oxygen‐derived free radicals are key to the endothelial dysfunction of diabetes
Author(s) -
SHI Yi,
VANHOUTTE Paul Michel
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of diabetes
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.949
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1753-0407
pISSN - 1753-0393
DOI - 10.1111/j.1753-0407.2009.00030.x
Subject(s) - endothelial dysfunction , diabetes mellitus , endothelium , nitric oxide , medicine , radical , oxygen , reactive oxygen species , vasodilation , endocrinology , cardiology , chemistry , biochemistry , organic chemistry
Vascular complications are an important pathological issue in diabetes that lead to the further functional deterioration of several organs. The balance between endothelium‐dependent relaxing factors and endothelium‐dependent contracting factors (EDCFs) is crucial in controlling local vascular tone and function under normal conditions. Diabetic endothelial dysfunction is characterized by reduced endothelium‐dependent relaxations and/or enhanced endothelium‐dependent contractions. Elevated levels of oxygen‐derived free radicals are the initial source of endothelial dysfunction in diabetes. Oxygen‐derived free radicals not only reduce nitric oxide bioavailability, but also facilitate the production and/or action of EDCFs. Thus, the endothelial balance tips towards vasoconstrictor responses over the course of diabetes.