The IL-1 Pathway in Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Complications

Epidemiological studies showed activation of the IL-1 system more than a decade before the onset of T2D and CVD. The rising concentration of IL-1Ra probably reflects a futile attempt to counteract IL-1. Multiple factors induce IL-1 activity in patients with a metabolic syndrome including glucose, lipids, TLR-2 and -4 ligands, endocannabinoids, ER and oxidative stress, angiotensin II, and, in islets, amyloid polypeptide. Clinical studies have...