Aldose reductase inhibitor

Aldose Reductase Inhibitors are a class of drugs that are used to slow the progression of complications in patients with diabetes mellitus. They work by inhibiting the action of the enzyme aldose reductase, which is involved in the conversion of glucose to sorbitol.

Mechanism of Action

Aldose reductase is an enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of a variety of aldehydes, including glucose, to their corresponding alcohols. This enzyme is part of the polyol pathway, which is an alternate route for glucose metabolism. In individuals with diabetes mellitus, the activity of aldose reductase is increased, leading to an accumulation of sorbitol within cells. This accumulation can lead to various complications, including diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic nephropathy. Aldose reductase inhibitors work by blocking the action of aldose reductase, thereby reducing the accumulation of sorbitol.

Clinical Use

Aldose reductase inhibitors are used in the management of chronic complications of diabetes mellitus. They have been shown to slow the progression of diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic nephropathy. However, their use is not without controversy, as some studies have suggested that they may not be as effective as initially thought.

Examples

Examples of aldose reductase inhibitors include Epalrestat and Ranirestat. Epalrestat is the only aldose reductase inhibitor that is currently available for clinical use. Ranirestat is still under investigation in clinical trials.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of aldose reductase inhibitors include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Less common side effects include dizziness, headache, and rash.

See Also

• Diabetes mellitus
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Diabetic nephropathy