Diabetes and Blood Vessel Dysfunction: A time-Dependent Effect
Table of Contents
The study highlights a correlation between the duration of type 2 diabetes and the progress of damaging effects of red blood cells on blood vessel function, with significant changes occurring after several years of disease progression. This contrasts with findings in newly diagnosed patients, where red blood cells do not exhibit the same harmful properties. Karolinska Institutet news
MicroRNA-210 and Blood Vessel Function
MicroRNA-210 levels within red blood cells appear to play a crucial role in mediating the observed vascular damage in long-term diabetes. Restoring these levels in affected red blood cells has been shown to improve blood vessel function. Karolinska Institutet News
Definition / Direct Answer: MicroRNA-210 is a small non-coding RNA molecule that regulates gene expression, and its levels in red blood cells are altered in long-standing type 2 diabetes, contributing to blood vessel dysfunction.
Detail: The research indicates that a decrease in microRNA-210 within red blood cells is associated with the development of damaging properties. This suggests a potential mechanism by wich chronic hyperglycemia impacts vascular health. The study used both animal models (mice) and human subjects to demonstrate this effect.
Example or Evidence: In the study, restoring microRNA-210 levels in red blood cells from both diabetic mice and patients improved blood vessel function, demonstrating a causal link between microRNA-210 and vascular health. Karolinska Institutet News
Karolinska Institutet Research Team
The research was led by Zhichao Zhou, associate professor at the Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, and Eftychia Kontidou, a doctoral student from the same group. Karolinska Institutet News
Definition / Direct Answer: Zhichao Zhou and Eftychia Kontidou led the research team at the Karolinska Institutet that investigated the link between diabetes duration, red blood cell function, and vascular damage.
Detail: The team conducted studies on both animal models and human patients with type 2 diabetes to understand the effects of the disease on red blood cell function and its impact on blood vessels. Their findings emphasize the importance of disease duration in the development of these complications.
Example or Evidence: Zhichao Zhou stated, “what really stands out in our study is that it is indeed not only the presence of type 2 diabetes that matters, but how long you have had the disease. It is only after several years that red blood cells develop a harmful effect on blood vessels.” Karolinska Institutet News
Potential Biomarker for Cardiovascular Risk
The study suggests that microRNA-210 levels in red blood cells could serve as a biomarker for early detection of cardiovascular risk in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Karolinska Institutet News
Definition / Direct Answer: MicroRNA-210 in red blood cells is being investigated as a potential biomarker to identify individuals with type 2 diabetes who are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications.
Detail: Early identification of at-risk patients could allow for proactive interventions to prevent or delay the onset of vascular damage. Researchers are planning larger population studies to validate the use of microRNA-210 as a clinical biomarker.
Example or Evidence: Eftychia Kontidou noted, “If we can identify which patients are at greatest risk before vascular damage has already occurred, we can also become better at preventing complications.” Karolinska Institutet News
Breaking News Check (2026/01/23 00:29:58): A search on Karolinska Institutet’s news page and PubMed for updates on this research as of the current date did not reveal any significant new developments or retractions. The findings remain current as of this date.
