Cellular and Molecular Pathways in Diabetes-Associated Heart Failure: Emerging Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Opportunities
Nikolaos Ktenopoulos, Lilian Anagnostopoulou, Anastasiοs Apostolos, Panagιotis Iliakis, Paschalis Karakasis, Nikias Milaras, Panagiotis Theofilis, Christos Fragoulis, Maria Drakopoulou, Αndreas Synetos, George Latsios, Konstantinos Tsioufis, Konstantinos G. Toutouzas
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health challenge that contributes to numerous complications. As a chronic metabolic disorder, DM leads to persistent microvascular and macrovascular damage, ultimately impairing the function of multiple organ systems. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart failure (HF), are among the most serious diabetes-related outcomes, accounting for substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Traditionally, diabetic HF has been attributed to coexisting conditions such as hypertensive heart disease or coronary artery disease. However, a high prevalence of HF is observed in individuals with DM even in the absence of these comorbidities. In recent years, the phenomenon of diabetes-induced HF has attracted considerable scientific interest. Gaining insight into the mechanisms by which diabetes elevates HF risk and drives key molecular and cellular alterations is essential for developing effective strategies to prevent or reverse these pathological changes. This review consolidates current evidence and recent advances regarding the cellular and molecular pathways underlying diabetes-related HF.