New Insights on Non‐enzymatic Glycosylation May Lead to Therapeutic Approaches for the Prevention of Diabetic Complications

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Abstract
It is generally accepted that chronic hyperglycaemia is responsible for most of the long‐term complications of diabetes. Several studies suggest that accelerated non‐enzymatic glycosylation may be the underlying mechanism by which hyperglycaemia causes complications. More recently, glucose auto‐oxidation has been linked to non‐enzymatic glycosylation, and glycosylated proteins have been shown to be a source of free radicals. These findings suggest the possibility that oxidative stress may be related to the development of diabetic complications. Anti‐oxidants such as vitamins C and E have recently been demonstrated to reduce protein glycosylation both in vivo and in vitro. In addition they also act as scavengers of free radicals generated by non‐enzymatic glycosylation of protein. These findings may lead to new therapeutic approaches for the prevention of complications by limiting the damage caused by non‐enzymatic glycosylation and oxidant stress. Such therapies may also be useful in complementing existing treatment in those with the long‐term complications of diabetes.