Oxidant-induced disruption of vascular K⁺ channel function: implications for diabetic vasculopathy

Abstract

Diabetes in humans a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by hyperglycaemia, it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, disruptions to metabolism and vascular functions. It is also linked to oxidative stress and its complications. Its role in vascular dysfunctions is generally reported without detailed impact on the molecular mechanisms. Potassium ion channel (K⁺ channels) are key regulators of vascular tone, and as membrane proteins, are modifiable by oxidant stress associated with diabetes. This review manuscript examined the impact of oxidant stress on vascular K⁺ channel functions in diabetes, its implication in vascular complications and metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords:

• Diabetes
• hypertension
• potassium ion channel
• oxidants

Acknowledgements

The authors also acknowledge initial background studies by Kabrina Martin and FONDECYT-Chile 1200610 to Javier Palacios.

Author contributions

CN conceived the study and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. JP, VEO, DUO, MN and DM performed literature searches. CN, VUN and NNO revised the manuscript draft. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded in part by The World Academy of Science/UNESCO [13–108 RG/BIO/LA] grant and UWI School of Postgraduate studies Grants to Professor Chukwuemeka Nwokocha.