Understanding Diabetic Neuropathy: Focus on Oxidative Stress

Figure 1

Components of oxidative stress and working mechanism of antioxidative system. (a) Oxidative stress consists of two components as the free radicals and the antioxidative system. The term of oxidative stress describes a condition when the generation of free radicals and the antioxidative system is imbalanced. Free radicals can be the radicals with or without reactivity of oxygen. Antioxidative system consist of antioxidants, that are derived either endogenous or exogenous, and antioxidative enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase/peroxidise, and catalase. (b) Antioxidative system works through mechanisms suppressing and scavenging not only free radicals but also de novo antioxidant. Superoxide (O₂^•−) is the major ROS produced in the mitochondria with increased oxidative stress. However, conversion of O₂^•− to H₂O by coupled reactions of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione reductase/peroxidise is accompanied by the formation of GSH and elimination of the detrimental effect of O₂^•− on damage the cells.

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