Diabetes, Endothelial Dysfunction, and Vascular Repair: What Should a Diabetologist Keep His Eye on?

Abstract

Cardiovascular complications are the most common complications of diabetes mellitus. A prominent attribute of diabetic cardiovascular complications is accelerated atherosclerosis, considered as a still incurable disease, at least at more advanced stages. The discovery of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), able to replace old and injured mature endothelial cells and capable of differentiating into healthy and functional endothelial cells, has offered the prospect of merging the traditional theories on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis with evolving concepts of vascular biology. The literature supports the notion that EPC alterations are involved in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases in diabetics, but at present many questions remain unanswered. In this review the aspects linking endothelial progenitor cells to the altered vascular biology in diabetes mellitus are discussed.

The role of miR-126 in embryonic angiogenesis, adult vascular homeostasis, and vascular repair and its alterations in atherosclerotic disease

“…In vascular pathology such as atherosclerosis, the arterial endothelium is functionally impaired or dysfunctional due to the deleterious effects of cardiometabolic risk factors. The atherogenic risk factors induce numerous alterations in endothelial function and disturb or prevent vascular repair that cause irreversible changes in the vessel wall and promote plaque progression [4]. Loss of the proper regulation of endothelial function critically contributes to these pathophysiological changes.…”

Far-infrared protects vascular endothelial cells from advanced glycation end products-induced injury via PLZF-mediated autophagy in diabetic mice

“…Vascular complications are the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients, and mainly result from endothelial dysfunction and vascular inflammation12. DM-associated endothelial dysfunction further accelerates atherosclerosis and induces structural changes of arteries with tissue hypoperfusion and hypoxia3.…”

Genetic Modification of Stem Cells in Diabetes and Obesity

“…Chronic hyperglycemia, associated with both type I and type II diabetes mellitus, leads to endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease (CVD) [16]. A hyperglycemic state damages the endothelium and impairs EPC number and function.…”

“…In addition, the EPCs also lose their ability to migrate to damaged areas [16]. In order to prevent that scenario, researchers have looked into modifying the EPC genes themselves.…”