Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic syndrome that manifests a low grade of systemic inflammation that contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). DM is a predominant risk factor for CVDs inducing structural changes in the heart, infiltration of fibrosis, apoptosis, and cardiac remodeling, all leading to myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), and sudden cardiac death. Furthermore, more than 80% of diabetic patients usually die from heart diseases or diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Currently, HF is one of the main causes of mortality in the world despite advances in drug treatments. According to literature, a strong association exists between chronic inflammation and the development of DCM. In order to have a better appreciation of the effect of diabetes and inflammation on the cardiovascular system (CVS), it is of paramount importance to have a better understanding of diabetes, the physiology of the CVS, and the pathophysiology of DM. Thus, the present review highlights the role of chronic inflammation in the complex interplay between the development of DM and DCM. Our understanding of the process is critical in the discovery of new targeted therapies for DCM and other forms of HF.

Highlights

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death in the world [1, 2]

  • This review describes the relevant data about inflammation induced by several risk factors leading to the onset of CVDs

  • These results demonstrate that insulin resistance (IR) is directly linked to biochemical changes in the heart, thereby contributing to the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM)

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Summary

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death in the world [1, 2]. The rising incidence of such cardiovascular risk factors as unhealthy life styles (especially eating and physical inactivity), obesity, diabetes and hypertension can underlie an increase in CVDs especially coronary artery disease (CAD). The burden of chronic diseases, including CVDs, obesity, diabetes and cancers, is rapidly increasing worldwide. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with the development of various CVDs including hypertension, arrhythmias, CAD and HF. Recent data showed that the prevalence of macro-vascular complications including coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral artery disease (PAD) and stroke is two to four times more common in people with diabetes than healthy subjects [8]. In order to have a better appreciation of the effect of CVDs on the increased morbidity and mortality rate, it is helpful to have a brief understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system

Cardiovascular system physiology and pathophysiology
Inflammation
Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases
Hypertension and ischaemic heart disease
Findings
Conclusion

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