Seigo Usuki
Diabetic neuropathy is a well-known complication of diabetes mellitus. The mechanism for progression of diabetic neuropathy is unclear, but many risk factors, such as abnormalities of glucose metabolism and oxidative stress, have been given much attention for their contributory role in the loss or degeneration of neurons. Homocysteine is a risk factor of cardiovascular disease and diabetes/metabolic disease. Homocysteine metabolism is dependent on vitamin B12 the deficiency of which induces peripheral neuropathy. On the other hand, the examination of generative pathology showed the potential involvement of many growth factors in neuroprotection and regeneration. This review implicates Insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) as playing a crucial role in pancreatic β-cell functions and homocysteine-induced oxidative stress. A defense mechanism against diabetic neuropathy via homocysteine-induced oxidative stress due to a protective effect of β-cell-specific IGF-1 will be discussed.
