Novel molecular markers of cardiovascular disease risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes represents the leading risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Chronic hyperglycemia and/or acute post-prandial changes in blood glucose determine an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play a fundamental role in endothelial dysfunction and in the nuclear transport of proatherogenic transcription factors that activate the inflammasome. In addition, the glycemic alteration favors the formation and stabilization of atherosclerotic plaque through the mechanism of non-enzymatic glycation of different molecules, with the establishment of the so-called advanced glycosylation end products (AGE). Laboratory information provided by the level of biomarkers could make a quantitative and qualitative contribution to the clinical process of screening, prediction, prevention, diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of cardiovascular (CV) risk linked to diabetes. This review describes the importance of specific biomarkers, with particular focus on novel ones, for stratifying and management of diabetes CV risk.

Automated summary

Diabetes is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, with high blood glucose leading to increased reactive oxygen species and affecting endothelial function and atherosclerotic plaque formation. Biomarkers play a crucial role in screening, prediction, diagnosis, and monitoring of cardiovascular risks associated with diabetes.