Expression of Inflammatory Molecules in an Experimental Vascular Remodeling Model

Abstract

Vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, medial calcification, and microangiopathy,are prevalent in patients with diabetes mellitus and are considered as the principal causes of death and disability in these individuals (1). Atherosclerosis occurs earlier in patients with diabetes, frequently with greater severity and more diffuse distribution. Patients with diabetes have an increased prevalence of coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, and, as a result, more morbimortality due to acute myocardial infarct. Microvascular disease also importantly contributes to morbidity. Diabetes and metabolic syndrome is associated with vascular function abnormalities and the ensuing morphologic changes associated with vascular remodeling and atherosclerosis (2, 3). This chapter will review current knowledge regarding the effect of metabolic syndrome on vascular morphology and function.