Insulin treatment decreases the antioxidant defense mechanism in experimental diabetes.

Abstract

Diabetes results in oxidative stress, which in turn enhances the activity of antioxidant enzymes. This increase in enzyme activity inhibits the subcellular remodeling processes, thus also inhibiting concomitant cardiac hypertrophy. Insulin treatment decreases the activity of the antioxidant system and can enhance the function of other localized tissue-specific growth factors. These changes may contribute to the early onset of cardiovascular damage detected in diabetic patients.