Oxidant-induced disruption of vascular K⁺ channel function: implications for diabetic vasculopathy

Diabetes in humans a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by hyperglycaemia, it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, disruptions to metabolism and vascular functions. It is also linked to oxidative stress and its complications. Its role in vascular dysfunctions is generally reported without detailed impact on the molecular mechanisms. Potassium ion channel (K⁺ channels) are key regulators of vascular tone, and as membrane proteins, are modifiable by oxidant stress associated with diabetes. This review manuscript examined the impact of oxidant stress on vascular K⁺ channel functions in diabetes, its implication in vascular complications and metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.