Abstract:

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes, whose pathogenesis is mostly related to metabolism pathway and growth factors. Metabolism pathway includes activation of polyol pathway, hexosamine pathway and protein kinase C pathway and production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Oxidative stress may indirectly harm the neurons and axons through the pathways mentioned above, and can directly injure the nerve cells as well. Growth factors are mainly associated with the synthesis and apoptosis of Schwann cells. Surgical treatment may yield favorable outcomes for DPN, and early diagnosis and treatment may effectively hinder the deterioration and development of DPN and reduce the rates of infection and amputation for affected limbs. This paper introduces the pathogenesis of DPN on the basis of metabolism pathway and growth factors.

Key words: diabetic peripheral neuropathy, pathogenesis, metabolism, growth factor