THE ROLE OF OXIDATION AND GLYCATION IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF DIABETIC ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Diabetes carries an increased risk of atherosclerotic disease that is not fully explained by known cardiovascular risk factors. There is acc umulating evidence that advanced glycation of structural proteins, and oxidation and glycation of circullating lipoproteins, are implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic atherosclerosis. Antioxidants can inhi bit oxidation and advanced glycation in vitro, and antioxidant therapy can prevent cardiovascular disease in nondiabetic individuals. Large- scale clinical studies are required to determine the therapeutic role of antioxidants and specific antiglycation agents in diabetic vascular disease.