Role of protein kinase C in diabetic complications

King G. L., Das-Evcimen N.

Expert Review of Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol.5, no.1, pp.77-88, 2010 (Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 5 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2010
  • Doi Number: 10.1586/eem.09.74
  • Journal Name: Expert Review of Endocrinology and Metabolism
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.77-88
  • Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Diabetic complications, LY333531, PKC isoforms, Protein kinase C, Ruboxistaurin
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Hyperglycemia is an important factor in the development of macrovascular and microvascular complications in all diabetic patients. Several hypotheses have been postulated to explain the adverse effect of hyperglycemia on the vasculature; and one of these hypotheses is the activation of specific isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC) by diabetes. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms of PKC activation and its relationship to diabetic complications. PKC activity regulates vascular permeability, contractility, extracellular matrix synthesis, hormone receptor turnover and proliferation, cell growth, angiogenesis, cytokine activation and leukocyte adhesion. All of these properties are abnormal in diabetes and are correlated with increased diacylglycerol-PKC pathway and PKCα, 1/2 and isoforms activation in the retina, aorta, heart and renal glomeruli. © 2010 Expert Reviews Ltd.