Figure 1

Pathogenesis of diabetic complications: Hyperglycemia-induced overproduction of superoxide by the mitochondrial electron-transport chain is supposed to be the key element. By activation of different pathways, the formation of the strong oxidant peroxynitrite is favoured, which in turn is damaging DNA. Through several intermediate steps, acute endothelial dysfunction, contributing to the genesis of diabetic complications, is triggered [13].