Oxidative stress and inflammation: Their role in the pathogenesis of peripheral artery disease with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a common vascular disease, has been associated with increased Cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality as well as all-cause death. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) predisposes to PAD development. In T2DM patients, PAD further increases the risk for CV disease and death as well as foot morbidity and microvascular complications. The present narrative review discusses the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathophysiology of PAD with or without the presence of T2DM. The effects of lifestyle measures (i.e. diet, physical activity and smoking cessation) and drug treatment on markers of oxidative stress and inflammation are also considered. Further research should establish the clinical implications of such effects as well as the clinical use of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory drugs in PAD.