Endothelial dysfunction and its role in diabetic vascular disease.
When normal endothelial function is shifted to a pathological degree, the foundation is laid for possibly following diseases. This endothelial dysfunction is characterized by a proinflammatory state, reduced vasodilation, and a prothrombotic state. In the continuation this dysfunction is strongly associated cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Endothelial dysfunction is markedly enhanced in type 2 diabetes providing a major pathophysiological cause for the massively increased cardiovascular risk of diabetic patients. Subsequently future therapeutic approaches for the treatment of diabetic cardiovascular disease should target the dysfunctional endothelium first.
Hartge
Martin M
MM
Center for Cardiovascular Research, Institute for Pharmacology, Charité Berlin, Hessische Strasse 3-4, 10115 Berlin, Germany.
Kintscher
Ulrich
U
Unger
Thomas
T
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D045162:Thiazolidinediones / Q000627:therapeutic use
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D045162:Thiazolidinediones; D009569:Nitric Oxide; C089946:2,4-thiazolidinedione