Endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor and diabetes

• DOI: 10.4330/wjc.v3.i1.25
• Publication Date: 2011-01-26T05:25:29Z
• Authors: Xue Gao
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 03 medical and health sciences; 3. Good health

In addition to its role as a barrier between blood and tissues, the vascular endothelium is responsible for the synthesis and released of a number of vasodilators including prostaglandins, nitric oxide and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). As one of these vasodilators, the specific nature of EDHF has not been fully elucidated, although a number of roles have been proposed. Importantly, many conditions, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart failure, ischemia-reperfusion and diabetes mellitus comprise vascular endothelial dysfunction with EDHF dysregulation. This article reviews reports on the role of EDHF in diabetes-related endothelial dysfunction.