Is concomitant type 2 diabetes associated with increased NF-κB expression and valve calcification in patients with aortic stenosis?
Type 2 diabetes enhances inflammation and NF-κB expression in stenotic aortic valves, suggesting that strict glycemic control may be necessary to slow aortic stenosis progression in these patients.
Type 2 diabetes enhances in loco inflammation and coagulation activation within stenotic valve leaflets. Increased valvular expression of NF-κB in diabetic individuals is associated not only with serum HbA1c and fructosamine levels but also with AVA and transvalvular gradient, indicating that strict long-term glycaemic control is needed in AS patients with concomitant type 2 diabetes. This study suggests that maintaining these variables within the normal range may slow the rate of AS progression.
Kopytek et al. (Tue,) studied this question.