The role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of highly prevalent endocrinopathies of childhood. This disorder is characterized by a high incidence of acute and chronic complications. Although the autoimmune nature of type 1 DM has been established, searches are continuing for new pathophysiological mechanisms underlying both the disease itself and its complications. Oxidative stress (OS) is considered an important pathogenetic component of the development of numerous disorders, including type 1 and 2 DM. OS is a pathological state, in which free radicals are generated at a rate that overwhelms the capacity of the antioxidant defense with resultant toxic damage to cells. OS may be involved in the pathogenesis of type 1 DM by damaging pancreatic β-cells. OS plays an important role in the development of diabetic complications by triggering glucose autoxidation, impairing nitric oxide production, and decreasing antioxidant enzyme activity. Possible OS markers include malonic dialdehyde, 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. The earliest possible detection of OS in children with type 1 DM may help not only to diagnose timely diabetic complications but also to achieve important goals of prevention. Timely detection of OS in children and adolescents with type 1 DM may also improve therapeutic outcomes.