Although many risk factors can trigger the development of insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), it is likely that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a central role in β-cell death and disease progression. This review will focus on the role of antioxidant defense systems in the susceptibility to IDDM and on ROS as cellular messengers that regulate the expression of genes leading to β-cell death. Accumulating evidence indicates that increased antioxidant defense systems reduce the susceptibility to IDDM in animal models or in human study. It is suggested that pancreas-specific ROS productions play a critical role in signaling the cellular autoimmune/inflammatory response by activating the transcription factor, NFκB. Various diabetogenic factors may lead to an increase in ROS production, which activates the redox-sensltive NFκB. This may be the initial event for the expression of cytokines and chemotactlc agents involved in the autoimmune/inflammatory response. It is believed that this cascade results in a cyclic amplification of ROS and eventually leads to apoptosls and/or necrosis of β cells. The specificity of antioxidants to inhibit NFκB activation and the hyperglycemic response emphasizes the importance of selectivity in antioxidant therapy. Research in this area will contribute significantly to our understanding of the cellular and mechanistic role of ROS in the etiology of IDDM and will lead to the development of better prevention strategies.
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