Related Experiment Videos
Diabetes mellitus and vascular lesions
D Hayoz1, T Ziegler, H R Brunner
1Division of Hypertension and Vascular Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental
|December 29, 1998
Summary
Early detection of vascular dysfunction in diabetes is crucial for preventing severe cardiovascular complications. Intervening in early pathogenic mechanisms offers the best chance to halt diabetic vasculopathy progression.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Cardiovascular complications are the most severe manifestations of diabetes mellitus.
- Current treatments may be ineffective if initiated after clinical evidence of vascular lesions.
- Identifying early vascular dysfunctions is key to intervening in pathogenic mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss mechanisms altering hemodynamic and metabolic homeostasis in diabetes mellitus.
- To highlight the role of endothelial function, nitric oxide, oxidative stress, advanced glycation end products, and the renin-angiotensin system.
- To review new pharmacological agents and emphasize current treatment cornerstones.
Main Methods:
- Review of mechanisms contributing to diabetic vasculopathy.
- Discussion of endothelial function, nitric oxide, oxidative stress, AGEs, and RAS.
- Mention of ongoing clinical trials for new pharmacological agents.
Main Results:
- Diabetes mellitus significantly impacts hemodynamic and metabolic homeostasis.
- Endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, AGEs, and the renin-angiotensin system are key players in diabetic vasculopathy.
- New therapeutic agents are under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Early identification of vascular dysfunction in diabetes is critical.
- Targeting early pathogenic mechanisms offers the best therapeutic opportunity.
- Tight control of plasma glucose and cardiovascular risk factors remains fundamental for slowing vascular disease progression.