Palmitate induces VSMC apoptosis via toll like receptor (TLR)4/ROS/p53 pathway.

Background And Aims: Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has been implicated in vascular inflammation, as well as in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and diabetes. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis has been shown to induce plaque vulnerability in atherosclerosis. Previous studies reported that palmitate induced apoptosis in VSMCs; however, the role of TLR4 in palmitate-induced apoptosis in VSMCs has not yet been defined.

The Association Between Endocan Levels and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Background: Proinflammatory conditions induced by circulating factors in diabetes play a pivotal role in endothelial dysfunction and related vascular complications. Endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 or endocan is a dermatan sulfate proteoglycan secreted primarily by the vascular endothelium. Although endocan has been shown to be a potential biomarker in coronary heart disease, its role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS) in diabetes remains unclear.

Reduced serum milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) concentrations are associated with an increased risk of microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Background: The association between serum milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) concentrations and vascular complications in T2DM remains unclear.

Methods: A total of 149 patients with T2DM were included. The serum concentrations of MFG-E8, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured.