Metabolic memory phenomenon in diabetes mellitus: Achieving and perspectives

Diabetes mellitus (DM) exhibits raised prevalence worldwide. There is a large body of evidence regarding the incidence of DM closely associates with cardiovascular (CV) complications. In this context, hyperglycaemia, oxidant stress, and inflammation are key factors that contribute in CV events and disease in type1 and type 2 DM, even when metabolic control was optimal and/or intensive glycemic control was implemented. It has been suggested that the effect of poor metabolic control or even transient episodes of hyperglycemia in DM associates in particularly with worsening ability of endogenous vasoreparative systems that are mediated epigenetic changes in several cells (progenitor cells, stem cells, mononuclears, immune cells), and thereby lead to so called “vascular glycemic memory” or “metabolic memory”. Both terms are emphasized the fact that prior glucose control has sustained effects that persist even after return to more usual glycemic control. The mechanisms underlying the cellular “metabolic memory” induced by high glucose remain unclear. The review is discussed pathophysiology and clinical relevance of “metabolic” memory phenomenon in DM. The role of oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetics in DM and its vascular complications are highlighted. The effects of several therapeutic approaches are discussed.