Metabolomics and oxidative stress assessment in diabetic patients

Metabolomics has emerged as a powerful tool in biomedical research, offering comprehensive insights into metabolic alterations associated with various diseases, including diabetes. One of the key aspects of diabetes pathophysiology is oxidative stress, which results from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defense mechanisms. This imbalance contributes significantly to insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction, and the progression of microvascular and macrovascular complications.

This review explores the integration of metabolomics in assessing oxidative stress in diabetic patients, emphasizing the identification of metabolic biomarkers and their implications for early diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies. Key oxidative stress biomarkers, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and F2-isoprostanes, have been identified through metabolomic studies, reflecting increased lipid, protein, and DNA oxidation. Furthermore, metabolic pathway alterations, including branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) dysregulation, polyol pathway activation, and lipid peroxidation, have been linked to diabetes onset and progression.

Beyond biomarker identification, metabolomics provides a foundation for targeted therapeutic interventions, such as modulation of metabolic pathways, dietary interventions, and antioxidant-based therapies aimed at restoring redox homeostasis. Future advancements in high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and artificial intelligence-driven data analysis promise to enhance the precision of metabolomic applications in diabetes research.

By integrating metabolomics into clinical practice, we can achieve a more refined understanding of oxidative stress-related metabolic disruptions, paving the way for improved diagnostic tools, patient-specific treatment strategies, and novel preventive approaches for diabetes management