Role of BK(Ca) channels in diabetic vascular complications.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This review focuses on the role of the large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channels in diabetic vascular complications.

DATA SOURCES:

Relevant articles published in English or Chinese from 1981 to present were selected from PubMed. The search terms were "BKCa channels" and "diabetes". Important references from selected articles were also retrieved.

STUDY SELECTION:

Articles regarding the role of BKCa channels in diabetic vascular complications and relevant mechanisms were selected.

RESULTS:

The BKCa channels are abundantly expressed in vascular smooth cells and play an important role in regulation of vascular tone. Multiple studies indicated that the expression and function of BKCa channels are altered by different mechanisms in diabetic vascular diseases such as coronary arterial disease, cerebral arterial disease, and diabetic retinopathy.

CONCLUSION:

BKCa channels may play an important role in diabetic vascular complications and may be an effective therapeutic target for relieving and reducing the burden of diabetic vascular complications.

• Authors: Lingling Qian, Xiaoyu Liu, Ruxing Wang
• Journal: Chinese medical journal (Chin Med J (Engl)) Vol. 127 Issue 9 Pg. 1775-81 ( 2014) ISSN: 2542-5641 [Electronic] China
• PMID: 24791890 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels

Topics

• Cerebral Arterial Diseases (metabolism)
• Coronary Artery Disease
• Diabetic Angiopathies (metabolism)
• Diabetic Retinopathy (metabolism)
• Humans
• Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels (metabolism)