Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms by Which Diabetes Mellitus Promotes the Development of Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Recent decades have witnessed a significant increase in the incidence of diabetes mellitus primarily driven by population trends toward weight gain and sedentary lifestyles. Diabetes mellitus is a leading cause of blindness, renal failure, lower limb amputation, and an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke. In fact, individuals with diabetes have a two-to fourfold increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke that accounts for over 65% of diabetic mortality. Despite a vast amount of research, the molecular and cellular mechanisms that predispose individuals with diabetes to the development and progression of atherosclerosis are not understood. This chapter summarizes the current state of our knowledge of these conditions as well as some of the animal models that are being used to further increase our understanding. In addition, pathways and mechanisms that may link diabetes, and hyperglycemia in particular, to the development and progression of atherosclerosis are discussed. The continued investigation of identified pathways, linking hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus to atherosclerosis, and the discovery of novel mechanisms and targets will be important to the development of new and effective antiatherosclerotic therapies tailored to individuals with diabetes.

Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of Two Plants Berberis vulgaris and Zygophyllum geslini

“…The past decades are marked by the interest in the development of medicinal plants as a source of bioactive substances including natural and the antioxidant substances in relationship with their therapeutic properties [1]. It is admitted that the oxidative stress is the result of an imbalance between the generation of reactive species oxygens and the antioxidant potential of the organization [2]. This may contribute to the emergence of various pathologies tumor cells, cardiovascular and metabolic even as the diabetes [3].…”

Resveratrol Role in Autoimmune Disease—A Mini-Review

“…Similar to other autoimmune diseases, T1DM occurs due the destruction of beta cells in the islets of Langerhans, by autoantigen-specific cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4 + ) and cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8 + ) T lymphocytes [ 23 , 24 ] and by macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), neutrophils and natural killer T (NKT) cells, which leads inflammation in this tissue [ 25 ]. The destruction of beta cells results in insulin deficiency and in hyperglycemia [ 26 , 27 ].…”