Activation of AKT by O-linked N-acetylglucosamine induces vascular calcification in diabetes mellitus.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Vascular calcification is a serious cardiovascular complication that contributes to the increased morbidity and mortality of patients with diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycemia, a hallmark of diabetes mellitus, is associated with increased vascular calcification and increased modification of proteins by O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAcylation).

Objective

We sought to determine the role of protein O-GlcNAcylation in regulating vascular calcification and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods and results

Low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice exhibited increased aortic O-GlcNAcylation and vascular calcification, which was also associated with impaired aortic compliance in mice. Elevation of O-GlcNAcylation by administration of Thiamet-G, a potent inhibitor

SUBMITTER: Heath JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4030422 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature