title: Abdominal aortic aneurysms and diabetes mellitus.
abstract: There is accumulating evidence that risk profiles differ between coronary artery disease and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). However, diabetes mellitus (DM) appears to be negatively associated with AAA formation. The underlying mechanisms for this negative relationship are far from defined, but may include: increased arterial wall matrix formation via advanced glycation end products; suppression of plasmin and reduction of levels and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and 9; diminished aortic wall macrophage infiltration, elastolysis and neovascularization. In addition, the effect of pharmacological agents used for the treatment of patients with DM on AAA formation has been studied with rather controversial results. Statins, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, fenofibrate, antibiotics and some hypoglycemic agents are beginning to be appreciated for a potential modest protection from AAAs, but further studies are needed.
authors.affiliation: Diabetes Clinic, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
authors.forename: Kalliopi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pafili
authors.affiliation: Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
authors.forename: Ioanna
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gouni-Berthold
authors.affiliation: Diabetes Clinic, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece. Electronic address: papanasnikos@yahoo.gr.
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Papanas
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Biochemistry (Vascular Disease Prevention Clinics), Royal Free Hospital campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London NW3 2QG, UK.
authors.forename: Dimitri P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Mikhailidis
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D060467:Disease Resistance / Q000187:drug effects; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents
keywords: Aorta; Aortic aneurysm; Atherosclerosis; Diabetes mellitus; Pathogenesis