Restoration of angiogenesis: A promising therapeutic strategy in diabetic cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Diabetic cardiomyopathy involves vascular endothelial cell dysfunction with structural abnormalities related to hyperglycemia and insulin resistance leading to cardiac complications. The cardiac disorder in diabetic condition is characterized by alteration in myocardial vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor expression levels, which are well-known regulators of angiogenesis. Hence, promoting angiogenesis in heart can be of therapeutic importance to increase blood fl ow and reduce vasoconstriction to prevent tissue ischemia and myocyte necrosis. Apart from VEGF, fi broblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and placental growth factor may be involved in defective intracellular signaling in diabetes. Therefore, targeting disturbed intracellular signaling with various strategies to restore angiogenesis using small molecules may be a promising strategy in the management of diabetic cardiomyopathy.