Understanding Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Cats

Feline red blood cells are particularly sensitive to oxidative stress and microscopic evidence of oxidative damage is often seen in diabetic cats. There is little evidence of why this occurs. Changes in microRNA expression in red blood cells has been associated with increased susceptibility to oxidative damage in people. The fellow will evaluate changes in red blood cells microRNA expression in diabetic cats to understand the reason why these cats are more sensitive than other species.. Findings may provide a better understanding of the feline red blood cell redox mechanisms and provide a valuable insight into complications related to oxidative stress in diabetes, such as diabetic nephropathy or neuropathy..