Disruption of the dopaminergic system in the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common endocrinopathy with a high incidence and a high number of complications.The aim of this work was to conduct an analytical literature review assessing the state of the problem of dopaminergic dysfunction in diabetes from a pathophysiological perspective.Materials and methods. Searching Cochrane Library, PubMed, eLibrary, Medscape databases and digital libraries using the search words: diabetes mellitus, dopamine, insulin, dopaminergic system, diabetic encephalopathy. A total of 66 sources were selected for the review.Results and discussion. Dopaminergic system dysfunction can be considered an important component of the pathophysiology of diabetes. Hyperactivation of dopamine (DA) production in the setting of diabetes inhibits insulin synthesis, resulting in hyperglycemia. On the other hand, hypoinsulinemia triggers activation of the dopaminergic system, forming a vicious circle. Increased DA production in diabetes plays an important role in the development of secondary central nervous system dysfunction, primarily through the development of cerebral insufficiency. Numerous preclinical studies confirm the dysfunction of the dopaminergic system (its activation) in diabetes. Clinical studies on this issue are scarce and require further investigation.Conclusion. Dysfunction of the dopaminergic system in diabetes is an important area of research into the pathophysiology of symptomatic neurological disorders in this disease. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are pathogenetically different diseases, and therefore impaired DA production may be due to insulin deficiency in patients with type 1 diabetes, different timing of manifestation, with hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. Finding reliable methods to diagnose dysfunction of the dopaminergic system may improve understanding of the ongoing pathological processes in the neuroendocrine system in diabetes, which is important in addressing their correction in addition to pathogenetic therapy.