Cardiovascular Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes: The Role of MicroRNAs

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major health concern that leads to multiple chronic complications. Among these, cardiovascular dysfunction is a prominent contributor to the morbidity and mortality associated with T2D. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that regulate protein synthesis by activating or suppressing target genes. Recently, their role in the cardiovascular complications of T2D has attracted significant attention. Several miRNAs have emerged as key regulators. In diabetic hearts, miRNAs such as miR-133, miR-1, miR-34a, and miR-21 influence critical processes, including hypertrophy, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and cell death. miR-126, in particular, is one of the most studied miRNAs in the context of vascular function in T2D, playing a crucial role in endothelial function, vascular integrity, and angiogenesis. Evidence to date suggests that altered levels of specific miRNAs contribute to cardiovascular dysfunction in T2D, making them potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating these complications. In this chapter, we aim to discuss the impact of miRNAs on the cardiovascular system in T2D.