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Updated: Jun 28, 2025

Author Spotlight: A Pharmacodissection Approach to Uncover Mechanisms in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Populations
Published on: July 21, 2023
Molecular mechanism and intervention measures of microvascular complications in diabetes
Rui Xu1, Ziming Fang2, Hongyu Wang3
1Hanan Branch of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China.
Objective:
In this article, the epidemiology, molecular mechanism of occurrence and development, risk factors, and treatment of diabetic microvascular complications such as diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy were discussed, providing the theoretical basis for more accurate elucidation of the pathogenesis and treatment of diabetic microvascular complications.
Methods:
The electronic database of PubMed was searched, and retrieved papers were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers. Data were extracted using a standardized data extraction form and the quality of included papers was assessed.
Results:
Thirty-eight articles were included. Diabetes nephropathy, diabetes peripheral neuropathy, and diabetes retinopathy are the most common and serious microvascular complications of diabetes in clinical patients. Renin-angiotensin system blockers, beta drugs, statins, antivascular endothelial growth factor drugs, and antioxidants can inhibit the occurrence of microvascular complications in diabetes.
Conclusions:
However, there has been no breakthrough in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications. Therefore, prevention of diabetic microvascular complications is more important than treatment.
Insights
Preventing diabetic microvascular complications like nephropathy and retinopathy is crucial, as current treatments offer no breakthroughs. Early intervention and risk factor management are key for better patient outcomes in diabetes care.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Diabetology
Background:
- Diabetic microvascular complications, including nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy, significantly impact patient health.
- Understanding the epidemiology and molecular mechanisms is vital for managing diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, and treatments of diabetic microvascular complications.
- To provide a theoretical basis for improved understanding and management of these conditions.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted on the PubMed electronic database.
- Eligibility screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed by independent reviewers.
Main Results:
- Thirty-eight articles were included in the review.
- Diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy are common serious complications.
- Certain drug classes (e.g., RAS blockers, statins, anti-VEGF) show potential in inhibiting complication development.
Conclusions:
- Current treatments for diabetic microvascular complications have not yielded significant breakthroughs.
- Prevention strategies are paramount and more critical than treatment for managing diabetic microvascular complications.
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