Reactive oxygen species and insulin secretion: an improbable but a necessary association

At low doses, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are physiological signals that are necessary for the harmonious function of beta cells. Hyperglycemia is responsible for oxidative stress, which is not the only cause of the abnormalities of insulin secretion. NADPH oxidase (NOX) contributes to ROS production, and negatively regulates insulin secretion in beta cells.