Abstract

The role of reactive oxidative species in insulin resistance-associated cardiovascular disease

Author(s): Noman Ali, Mark T Kearney & Richard M Cubbon

Due to an alarming growth in prevalence, diabetes mellitus (DM) has attained the status of a global epidemic. Most deaths linked to DM are attributable to cardiovascular disease, and the elevation in cardiovascular risk in DM is thought to be underpinned by resistance to the vascular and metabolic effects of insulin. One of the characteristics of insulin-resistant states is the excessive production of reactive oxygen species. Recent studies have highlighted this to be a crucial contributor to the relationship between insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease, leading to research investigating the potential therapeutic implications of manipulating reactive oxygen species levels in the context of insulin resistance. This review summarizes our current understanding and future direction in this emerging field.