“…Upon binding of IL‐1β and TNF‐α to their respective receptors, a signal transduction pathway is activated which stimulates NF‐κB, resulting in a positive feedback loop that contributes to the intensification of diabetes‐induced inflammation in the myocardium. Once activated, NF‐κB, additionally drives the expression of numerous growth factors, such as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and TGF‐β 113. This, in turn, drives the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the heart, including collagen, fibronectin and proteoglycans, leading to fibrosis, LV remodelling and stiffness, and reduced relaxation of the heart 108, 117.…”