Sorbinil, an Aldose Reductase Inhibitor, in Fighting Against Diabetic Complications

BACKGROUND: Aldose reductase (AR) is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes, which is one of the major threats to global public health. OBJECTIVE: In this review article, we have discussed the role of sorbinil, an AR inhibitor (ARI), in preventing diabetic complications. RESULTS: AR contributes in diabetes by generating excess intracellular superoxide and other mediators of oxidative stress through polyol pathway. Inhibition of AR activity thus might be a potential approach for the management of diabetic complications. Experimental evidences indicated that sorbinil can decrease AR activity and inhibit polyol pathway. Both in vitro and animal model studies reported the efficacy of sorbinil in controlling the progression of diabetes. Moreover, Sorbinil has been found to be comparatively safer than other ARIs for human use. But, it is still in earlyphase testing for the treatment of diabetic complications clinically. CONCLUSION: Sorbinil is an effective ARI, which could play therapeutic role in treating diabetes and diabetic complications. However, advanced clinical trials are required for sorbinil so that it could be applied with the lowest efficacious dose in humans.