Microvesicles and diabetic complications--novel mediators, potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets

Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2014 Apr;35(4):433-43. doi: 10.1038/aps.2013.188. Epub 2014 Mar 10.

Abstract

Microvesicles (MVs), also known as microparticles, are small membrane vesicles released from different cell types under different conditions. MVs have been detected in the circulation and in organs/tissues in various diseases, including diabetes. Patients with different types of diabetes and complications have different cellular MV patterns. Studies have shown that MVs may mediate vascular thrombosis, vascular inflammation, angiogenesis, and other pathological processes of the disease through their procoagulant, pro-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic, proteolytic, and other properties. Therefore, MVs contribute to the development of diabetic macrovascular and microvascular complications. In addition, clinical studies have indicated that changes in MV number and composition may reflect the pathophysiological conditions of disease, and therefore, may serve as potential biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic use. Understanding MVs' involvement in the pathophysiological conditions may provide insight into disease mechanisms and would also be helpful for the development of novel therapeutic strategies in the future. Here, we review the latest publications from our group and other groups and focus on the involvement of MVs in diabetic complications.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cell-Derived Microparticles / drug effects*
  • Cell-Derived Microparticles / metabolism
  • Cell-Derived Microparticles / pathology
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / drug therapy*
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / metabolism
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / pathology
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / physiopathology
  • Drug Design
  • Endothelial Cells / drug effects*
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Endothelial Cells / pathology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism
  • Endothelium, Vascular / pathology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*
  • Predictive Value of Tests

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cardiovascular Agents