Examining the role of insulin in the regulation of cardiovascular health

A substantial body of evidence has reported that insulin has direct actions on the cardiovascular system independent of its systemic effects on plasma glucose or lipids. In particular, insulin regulates endothelial synthesis of the vasoactive mediators nitric oxide and endothelin-1, yet the importance of this in the maintenance of cardiovascular health remains poorly understood. Recent studies using animals with targeted downregulation of insulin signaling in vascular tissues are improving our understanding of the role of insulin in vascular health. This article focuses on the direct actions of insulin in cardiovascular tissues, with particular emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of insulin action on endothelial function. The potential contribution of impaired vascular insulin action to the cardiovascular complications of diabetes will also be discussed.