Aldose-Reductase Inhibitor

Aldose-Reductase Inhibitors (ARIs) are drugs which inhibit the enzyme aldose reductase. This enzyme is responsible for the transformation of glucose into sorbitol, a sugar alcohol which can have a toxic effect on the body, particularly in diabetics. By blocking the action of aldose reductase, ARIs reduce the amount of sorbitol in the body and help protect against the damaging effects of the sugar alcohol. ARIs are used to treat a number of conditions, including diabetic neuropathy, where they help reduce nerve damage caused by high levels of sorbitol. In addition, ARIs may also be used to treat various eye conditions, including cataracts, which can be caused by the accumulation of sorbitol in the lens of the eye. In addition to helping reduce the damaging effects of sorbitol, ARIs may also have other beneficial effects. For instance, some research suggests that ARIs may also help protect against retinopathy, a condition caused by damage to the retina. ARIs may also be beneficial in treating kidney damage caused by diabetes. Overall, ARIs are an important class of drugs which can help protect against the damaging effects of sorbitol, as well as a variety of other conditions.