Up-regulation of vascular cyclooxygenase-2 in diabetes mellitus.

Journal article

Diabetes mellitus is associated with disturbed regulation in the microcirculation. A low-grade vascular inflammation has been implicated in the development of diabetes-related vascular complications, but the underlying molecular mechanisms has not yet been fully elucidated. It is known that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays a key role in prostaglandin biosynthesis during the development of inflammation. Recent studies revealed that in diabetes increased synthesis of various prostanoids, via up-regulation of COX-2, interferes with the regulation of vasomotor function. In this review, we will summarize the current findings regarding the role of COX-2, and COX-2-derived prostanoids in the regulation of vascular tone, as well as the possible underlying mechanisms leading to COX-2 activation in diabetes mellitus.

Authors: Bagi, Z; Erdei, N; Papp, Z; Edes, I; Koller, A

• Journal: Pharmacological reports : PR
• Volume: 58 Suppl
• Pages: 52-56
• Publication date: 2006-01-01
• ISSN: 1734-1140
• Language: English
• Keywords: Prostaglandins; Humans; Enzyme Activation; Microcirculation; Up-Regulation; Thromboxane A2; Blood Vessels; Cyclooxygenase 2; Endothelium, Vascular; Diabetes Mellitus