Dhruv K Singh
Lister Hospital,
Stevenage, SG1 4AB
United Kingdom
Review Article
Vascular Calcification in Type 2 Diabetes: A Role for Allopurinol?
Author(s): Dhruv K Singh and Ken FarringtonDhruv K Singh and Ken Farrington
Vascular calcification contributes significantly to the vascular damage burden in type 2 diabetes. Chronic hyperglycaemia is the driver of initiation and progression of vascular damage in these subjects. Enhanced oxidative stress is widespread in these subjects due to complex metabolic, cytokine, inflammatory and ageing factors, on the background of chronic hyperglycaemia. All these factors together contribute to an increased risk of vascular damage leading to atherosclerosis and vascular calcification. The xanthine oxidase system is a major contributor to the development of enhanced oxidative stress through generation of excessive free radicals. Current standard therapy is focused on controlling hyperglycaemia and screening/treatment of known co-morbidities. However, these therapies do not target oxidative stress. Allopurinol, a potent xanthine oxidase inhibitor has .. View More»
