Functions of Aldose Reductase

Although aldose reductase is a widely distributed enzyme system, its general physiological role remains to be convincingly proven. Its only experimentally documented role is its participation in the generation of diabetic complications. 

The participation of aldose reductase in the development of diabetic complications is assumed to be based on a triad of tissue effects sorbitol accumulation, myo-inositol depletion and decreased activity of Na/K-ATPase. These alterations, first described in the ocular lens, also occur in other tissues like the renal glomerulus, peripheral nerves and the retina. The enhanced activity of aldose reductase may therefore be involved in the development of diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy, although it may not be the sole factor underlying these complications. 

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