Possible role for HIF-1β/ARNT in the regulation of vascular function in diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. In fact, almost 80% of deaths in diabetics are caused by cardiac complications. Because of the high rate of obesity and sedentary lifestyles inthe United States, the prevalence of diabetes has doubled over the past 30 years. Diabetes is one of the major risk factors that lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact, from the perspective of cardiovascular medicine, it may be appropriate to say, “Diabetes is a cardiovascular disease.” However, it is still not clear how diabetes promotes cardiac dysfunction