Regenerative therapies for diabetic microangiopathy

Exp Diabetes Res. 2012:2012:916560. doi: 10.1155/2012/916560. Epub 2012 Mar 29.

Abstract

Hyperglycaemia occurring in diabetes is responsible for accelerated arterial remodeling and atherosclerosis, affecting the macro- and the microcirculatory system. Vessel injury is mainly related to deregulation of glucose homeostasis and insulin/insulin-precursors production, generation of advanced glycation end-products, reduction in nitric oxide synthesis, and oxidative and reductive stress. It occurs both at extracellular level with increased calcium and matrix proteins deposition and at intracellular level, with abnormalities of intracellular pathways and increased cell death. Peripheral arterial disease, coronary heart disease, and ischemic stroke are the main causes of morbidity/mortality in diabetic patients representing a major clinical and economic issue. Pharmacological therapies, administration of growth factors, and stem cellular strategies are the most effective approaches and will be discussed in depth in this comprehensive review covering the regenerative therapies of diabetic microangiopathy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / drug therapy
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / surgery
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Insulin / therapeutic use*
  • Islets of Langerhans Transplantation*
  • Stem Cell Transplantation*

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Insulin