Polyol pathway



Also called the polyol pathway appears to be implicated in diabetic complications, especially in microvascular damage to the retina, kidney and nerves.

The Pathway

Cells use mass balance ultimately favors the production of sorbitol.

Activation of the collagen, and the products of these glycations are referred-to as AGEs - advanced glycation endproducts. AGEs are thought to cause disease in the human body, one effect of which is mediated by receptor mediators cytokines effects (?) and the inflammatory responses induced, and these are seen in the hemoglobin A1C tests performed on known diabetics to assess their levels of glucose control.

Pathology

While most cells require the action of concentrations.

In a osmotic stresses on cells by drawing water in. Fructose does essentially the same thing. The amount of sorbitol that accumulates, however, may not be sufficient to cause osmotic influx of water.

The reactive oxygen species from damaging cells.

Excessive activation of the polyol pathway damages microvasculature.

References

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v414/n6865/abs/414813a.html

  1. ^ Brownlee M (2001). "Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology of Diabetic Complications". Nature 414 (6865): 813-820. PMID: 11742414 Full text.
 
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