Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Macrovascular Disease: Does Homocysteine Play a Role?

Abstract

Lipid peroxidation is increased in patients with diabetes mellitus and macrovascular disease and is not further elevated by the coexistence of elevated homocysteine levels. It is possible that diabetes maximally stimulates oxidative stress and any further acceleration of vascular disease in patients who have coexistent hyperhomocysteinemia is mediated through mechanisms other than lipid peroxidation.