Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by low insulin production/secretion by pancreatic beta cells and/or low responsiveness by insulin target tissues MicroRNAs have been associated with DM, but it is not clear whether this is a cause or an effect of metabolic abnormalities related to DM. In the hyperglycemic environment miRNAs are in involved in multiple stages of cardiovascular disease development and progression. In diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease miRNAs could potentially serve as early biomarkers for diagnosis and as therapeutic agents. The current review focuses on the involvement of miRNAs in molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of DM and its cardiovascular complications.
miRNAS, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease.
University of Chicago Medical Center, Department of Medicine, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637.