Cardiovascular Disease in T2D: Researchers Identify Potential Therapeutic Target for Underlying Cause

In a groundbreaking development, researchers at the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Building have identified a potential treatment targeting an underlying cause of cardiovascular disease in patientss with Type 2 diabetes. The findings of this research hold promise for revolutionizing treatment approaches and improving outcomes for millions of patients who have challenges with diabetes and cardiovascular complications. 

Connection Between Cardiovascular Disease and T2D 
Individuals with type 2 diabetes face a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular complications compared to those without diabetes. The interplay between these two conditions is bidirectional, as diabetes not only serves as a risk factor for CVD but is also influenced by cardiovascular issues. Elevated blood glucose levels in diabetes contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, which is a condition characterized by the accumulation of plaque in blood vessels that can lead to increased risks of heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, diabetes often coexists with other cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. Managing blood glucose levels, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, and addressing shared risk factors are crucial components of a comprehensive approach to reduce the impact of both type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

Research Findings 
The study focused on unraveling the relationship between Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease on a molecular level, which uncovered a novel therapeutic approach that could mitigate the risk and impact of cardiovascular complications in Type 2 diabetes patients. 

Researchers focused on addressing endothelial dysfunction, a common feature of diabetes that leads to the hardening and inflexibility of blood vessels, contributing to cardiovascular complications. The study found that elevated neuraminidase activity in Type 2 diabetics promotes endothelial dysfunction, linking it to cardiovascular disease progression. By inhibiting neuraminidase using zanamivir, researchers were able to improve endothelial function in diabetic mice. This discovery highlights the importance of targeting neuraminidase as a potential therapeutic strategy to enhance vascular function in individuals with Type 2 diabetes, ultimately aiming to improve their quality of life and longevity. The team’s research was recently published in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology.  

The implications of this research offer a potential breakthrough in the management of cardiovascular disease in Type 2 diabetes patients and if these findings translate successfully into clinical applications, it could pave the way for a targeted and personalized approach to treatment and address the root cause of cardiovascular complications in diabetes. 

References 

Medicine MS of. Our researchers at Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health have discovered a potential treatment for cardiovascular disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes. read how this discovery could improve the lives of many living with the condition. https://t.co/giq6bwlon8. Twitter. February 2024. https://twitter.com/mumedicine/status/1760705011229544743. 

NextGen Precision Health. About | NextGen Precision Health. https://precisionhealth.missouri.edu/about. 

NextGen Precision Health researchers uncover potential treatment for cardiovascular complications from type 2 diabetes. MU School of Medicine. February 2024. https://medicine.missouri.edu/news/nextgen-precision-health-researchers-uncover-potential-treatment-cardiovascular-complications. 

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