The role of oxidation and glycation in the pathogenesis of diabetic atherosclerosis.

Diabetes carries an increased risk of atherosclerotic disease that is not fully explained by known cardiovascular risk factors. There is accumulating evidence that advanced glycation of structural proteins, and oxidation and glycation of circulating lipoproteins, are implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic atherosclerosis. Antioxidants can inhibit oxidation and advanced glycation in vitro, and antioxidant therapy can prevent cardiovascular disease in nondiabetic individuals. Large-scale clinical studies are required to determine the therapeutic role of antioxidants and specific antiglycation agents in diabetic vascular disease.