Aldose reductase inhibition and the diabetic syndrome of limited joint mobility: implications for altered collagen hydration.

Improvement in the range of motion and strength of digital flexion and extension is reported in three diabetic subjects with the syndrome of limited joint mobility. Therapy was accomplished with sorbinil, an inhibitor of the enzyme aldose reductase, which inhibits the polyol pathway. We propose that reduction in collagen hydration secondary to reduced tissue content of polyols may play a role in the clinical response.