ROLE OF NUCLEAR FACTOR (NF)-kB PROTEIN IN ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND DIABETES: A POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC TARGET

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in all countries. Atherosclerosis, the background for many cardiovascular diseases, is characterized by the accumulation of lipid and fibrotic entities in large arteries and bears many similarities with chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes. Common features include extravasation of blood-derived leukocytes, as well as production of cytokines, chemokines and matrix-degrading enzymes. There are also many shared signaling pathways, including activation of the nuclear factor kB (NF-kB) cascade. In the pathology of atherosclerosis and diabetes NF-kB is essential to the cross-talk between cytokines, adhesion molecules and growth factors, leading to atherosclerotic plaque formation, growth and eventual rupture. The intent of this paper is to gather and summarize information on the role of NF-kB in the pathology of atherosclerosis and diabetes. Thus, it is essential to understand the role of this important signaling cascade in atherosclerosis and diabetes, in a quest for more specific therapeutic targets.