Biology of diabetic neuropathy.
Authors Vincent AM, Calabek B, Roberts L, Feldman EL
Submitted By Eva Feldman on 4/15/2014
Status Published
Journal Handbook of clinical neurology
Year 2013
Date Published
Volume : Pages 115 : 591 - 606
PubMed Reference 23931804
Abstract More than half of all patients with diabetes develop neuropathic disorders
affecting the distal sensory and/or motor nerves, or autonomic or cranial nerve
functions. Glycemic control can decrease the incidence of neuropathy but is not
adequate alone to prevent or treat the disease. This chapter introduces diabetic
neuropathy with a morphological description of the disease then describes our
current understanding of metabolic and molecular mechanisms that contribute to
neurovascular dysfunctions. Key mechanisms include glucose and lipid imbalances
and insulin resistance that are interconnected via oxidative stress,
inflammation, and altered gene expression. These complex interactions should be
considered for the development of new treatment strategies against the onset or
progression of neuropathy. Advances in understanding the combined metabolic
stressors and the novel study of epigenetics suggest new therapeutic targets to
combat this morbid and intractable disease affecting millions of patients with
type 1 or type 2 diabetes.


Investigators with authorship
NameInstitution
Eva FeldmanUniversity of Michigan

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