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Updated: Aug 29, 2025

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Published on: May 2, 2025
The role of protein kinase C in diabetic microvascular complications
Deng Pan1,2,3, Lin Xu4, Ming Guo1,2
1Xiyuan hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of serine/threonine protein kinases, the activation of which plays an important role in the development of diabetic microvascular complications. The activation of PKC under high-glucose conditions stimulates redox reactions and leads to an accumulation of redox stress. As a result, various types of cells in the microvasculature are influenced, leading to changes in blood flow, microvascular permeability, extracellular matrix accumulation, basement thickening and angiogenesis. Structural and functional disorders further exacerbate diabetic microvascular complications. Here, we review the roles of PKC in the development of diabetic microvascular complications, presenting evidence from experiments and clinical trials.
Insights
Protein kinase C (PKC) activation contributes to diabetic microvascular complications by increasing oxidative stress. This review details PKC
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Diabetic microvascular complications are a major cause of morbidity.
- Protein kinase C (PKC) activation is implicated in these complications.
- High glucose conditions activate PKC, leading to oxidative stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of PKC in diabetic microvascular complications.
- To present experimental and clinical evidence linking PKC to disease development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental studies.
- Analysis of clinical trial data.
- Focus on PKC signaling pathways in microvasculature.
Main Results:
- PKC activation under hyperglycemia stimulates redox reactions and oxidative stress.
- This leads to microvascular dysfunction, including altered blood flow, permeability, and structural changes.
- Evidence supports PKC's role in angiogenesis and extracellular matrix accumulation.
Conclusions:
- PKC is a key mediator in the pathogenesis of diabetic microvascular complications.
- Targeting PKC may offer therapeutic strategies for managing diabetes-related vascular damage.
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