Endothelial dysfunction in diabetes

Abstract

Endothelial dysfunction is a proceeding abnormality in the development of atherosclerosis. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity has the central role in the endothelial function. Since insulin regulates the eNOS activity through the phosphorylation by AKT, insulin resistance is one of major factors associating with the endothelial dysfunction in obesity and diabetes. In addition, several lines of evidence suggests that hyperglycemia induces PKC activation, oxidative stress and increased hexosamine metabolism, and these abnormalities are reported to impair the eNOS activity. Thus, several abnormalities are suggested to be involved in the endothelial dysfunction found in diabetes. This article focuses the mechanisms how the hyperglycemia or insulin resistance causes abnormalities in endothelial function.