Gliclazide

Gliclazide is an oral antihyperglycemic agent used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type II. It belongs to the sulfonylurea class of insulin secretagogues, which stimulates β cells of the pancreas to release insulin. Gliclazide binds to the β cell sulfonyl urea receptor (SUR1), further blocking the ATP sensitive potassium channels. Therefore, the potassium efflux substantially decreases, causing depolarization of the β cells. Then the voltage-dependent calcium channels in the β cell are open, resulting in calmodulin activation, which in turn leads to exocytosis of insulin containing secretorty granules. Recent studies have also shown that gliclazide can effectiveimprove anti-oxidant status and nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation in Type 2 diabetes and protect pancreatic beta-cells from damage by hydrogen peroxide.