HMOX1 and Hyperglycemia: Among the pharmacological and chemical stimuli known to induce HO-1, there is heme itself [a byproduct of HO-1 action), heavy metals (e.g., cobalt], inflammatory cytokines, ultraviolet radiation, bacterial membrane component lipopolysaccharide (LPS), hyperglycemia, H2O2, cell growth factors, NO, and CO (Ryter et al., 2006).