Differences in myocardial PTEN expression and Akt signalling in type 2 diabetic and nondiabetic patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery

Abstract

The current results suggest that prosurvival PTEN-Akt signalling is impaired in the diseased diabetic myocardium. Hyperglycaemia and increased oxidative stress may contribute to this phenomenon. These findings strengthen the understanding of the underlying biologic mechanisms of cardiac injury in diabetic patients, which could facilitate development of new treatments to prevent cardiovascular complications in this high-risk population.