Cardiovascular Benefits of GLP-1-BasedTherapies in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2: Effects on Endothelial and Vascular Dysfunction beyond Glycemic Control

Figure 1

Schematic illustration of the central role of visceral adipose tissue in the generation of the atherogenic environment in obese patients. Visceral adipose tissue induces insulin resistance, thereby increasing insulin and proinsulin release from the beta cell. Unphysiological levels of insulin and proinsulin promote atherogenesis through the activation of endothelial MAPK. Preadipocytes secrete numerous adipocytokines involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and inflammation. (MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase, IL-6: interleukin-6, TNFα: tumor necrosis factor α, FFA: free fatty acids).