Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1--a major contributor to the inflammatory process associated with diabetes

There is evidence that strongly suggests that inflammation plays an important role in diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The high glucose-induced inflammatory process is characterised by the cooperation of a complex network of inflammatory molecules such as cytokines, adhesion molecules, growth factors, and chemokines. Among the chemokine family, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) is a potent chemotactic factor, which is upregulated at sites of inflammation being in control of leukocytes trafficking. Here, we review the current knowledge on MCP-1 and its regulation by high glucose level in vascular cells involved in diabetes-induced accelerated atherosclerosis. The signalling pathways involved in MCP-1 modulation by high glucose, the proximal signalling events that stimulate downstream effects and the role of this chemokine in the pathophysiology of diabetes and its complications, are discussed.