Polyol pathway

Polyol Pathway

The Polyol Pathway (pronunciation: /ˈpɒliɒl ˈpæθweɪ/) is a two-step metabolic process in which glucose is converted into fructose. This pathway is active when the glucose concentration in cells is high, particularly in individuals with diabetes.

Etymology

The term "Polyol" is derived from the Greek words "poly", meaning many, and "ol", referring to alcohol. This is due to the fact that polyols are types of sugar alcohols. The term "pathway" is used in biology to refer to a series of chemical reactions in a cell.

Process

The Polyol Pathway begins with the reduction of glucose to sorbitol, a type of sugar alcohol, by the enzyme aldose reductase. This reaction requires the coenzyme NADPH. Sorbitol is then converted to fructose by the enzyme sorbitol dehydrogenase, with NAD+ acting as a coenzyme.

Clinical Significance

The Polyol Pathway plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. High glucose levels in diabetic patients lead to an increased flux through this pathway, resulting in the accumulation of sorbitol and fructose. This can cause osmotic stress and oxidative stress, leading to cell damage in various tissues, including the retina, kidneys, and peripheral nerves.

Related Terms

• Glucose
• Fructose
• Sorbitol
• Aldose reductase
• Sorbitol dehydrogenase
• NADPH
• NAD+
• Diabetes mellitus
• Retina
• Kidney
• Peripheral nerves

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Polyol pathway
• Wikipedia's article - Polyol pathway

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