Impact of fluorosis on molecular predictors in pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes associated microvascular complications

Aim

This review presents specific insights on the molecular underpinnings of the connection between fluorosis, type 2 diabetes, and microvascular complications, along with the novel biomarkers that are available for early detection.

Summary

Fluoride is an essential trace element for the mineralization of teeth and bones in humans. Exposure to higher concentrations of fluoride has harmful effects that significantly outweigh its advantageous ones. Dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis are the common side effects of exposure to fluoride, which affect millions of individuals globally. Alongside, it also causes non-skeletal fluorosis, which affects the population suffering from non-communicable diseases like diabetes by impacting the soft tissues and causing diabetic microvascular complications. Previous studies reported the prevalence range of these diabetic complications of neuropathy (3–65 %), nephropathy (1–63 %), and retinopathy (2–33 %). Fluoride contributes to the development of these complications by causing oxidative stress, cellular damage, degrading the functioning capability of mitochondria, and thickening the retinal vein basement.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis is a prompt way of prevention, and for that, biomarkers have emerged as an innovative and useful technique. This allows healthcare practitioners and policymakers in endemic areas to comprehend the molecular complexities involved in the advancement of diabetic microvascular problems in the context of high fluoride exposure.