Aldose reductase inhibitors
Aldose Reductase Inhibitors
Aldose reductase inhibitors (pronunciation: al-dose re-dukt-ase in-hi-bit-ors) are a class of medications used primarily in the management of complications of diabetes mellitus, particularly diabetic neuropathy.
Etymology
The term "Aldose reductase inhibitors" is derived from the name of the enzyme they inhibit, aldose reductase. Aldose reductase is an enzyme involved in the polyol pathway, a metabolic pathway implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. The term "inhibitor" refers to the action of these drugs in inhibiting the activity of this enzyme.
Mechanism of Action
Aldose reductase inhibitors work by blocking the action of the enzyme aldose reductase. This prevents the conversion of glucose to sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that can accumulate in cells and cause damage. This is particularly important in the context of diabetes, where high blood glucose levels can lead to an overactivity of the polyol pathway and subsequent cellular damage.
Examples
Examples of aldose reductase inhibitors include Epalrestat and Ranirestat. These drugs are not widely used due to their limited efficacy and potential side effects.
Related Terms
See Also
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