The macrophage Ox-LDL receptor, CD36 and its association with type II diabetes mellitus

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common and serious metabolic disorder worldwide. It is the third leading cause of death after cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Over time, diabetes mellitus can lead to different complications like atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and many micro- and macrovascular diseases. CD36 is a class B scavenger receptor whose expression is prevalent in vascular lesions. It has been shown that high plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels become atherogenic when oxidized to modified LDL (Ox-LDL) by inducing foam cell formation via enhanced CD36 expression on macrophages. In addition to Ox-LDL, raised levels of glucose, insulin resistance, low HDL cholesterol, increased levels of free fatty acid (FFA) all result in increased expression of CD36, thereby contributing to T2DM and related atherosclerosis. Adipocytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), adiponectin, leptin, resistin along with peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) are important mediators in glucose homeostasis in association with CD36 and can be used as markers for T2DM and atherosclerosis. Several of these gene variants have shown association with lipid metabolism, T2DM and related complications. An attempt has been made to review the CD36 macrophage receptor and related molecules in association with T2DM.