A Review on Mechanistic and Pharmacological Findings of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy including Pharmacotherapy

Abstract

Background: Chronic hyperglycemia and related complications involving peripheral nerves in diabetes are one of the most severe microvascular complications with an average prevalence of 50-60%. Diabetic neuropathy is among the vascular disorders of diabetes, the most debilitating and crippled, lethal condition impacting patients's quality of life.

Methods: In the present review article, several hypotheses associated with the pathogenesis of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) have been introduced, among them metabolic pathways associated with polyol pathway, oxidative stress, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) amplified under chronic hyperglycemic conditions and activation of transcription factor Nuclear factor-κB (NF- κB). The review article also possesses pathogenetic and pharmacologic treatments along with others, including acupressure, lidocaine, and capsaicin for DPN.

Conclusion: It may be concluded that we can combat the pathogenesis of DPN with different suggested treatments.

Keywords: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy; available treatments; herbal treatments; pathogenesis of DPN; pathogenetic treatments; supporting literatures; symptomatic treatments.