What
role do pericytes play in diabetic angiogenesis? (See
article by
Tianyou Wang, Guangyao Zang, Lili Zhang, Zhen Sun, Jia Liu, Lina Hou, and
Zhongqun Wang). In the context of diabetes mellitus, various pathological
changes cause tissue ischemia and hypoxia, which can lead to the compensatory
formation of neovascularization. However, disorders of the internal environment
and dysfunctions of various cells contribute to the dysfunction of
neovascularization. Although the problems of tissue ischemia and hypoxia have
been partially solved, neovascularization also causes many negative effects. In
the process of small blood vessel renewal, pericytes are extremely important
for maintaining the normal growth and maturation of neovascularization.
Previously, our understanding of pericytes was very limited, and the function
of pericytes was not yet clear. Recently, multiple new functions of
pericytes have been identified, affecting various processes in angiogenesis and
relating to various diseases. Therefore, the importance of pericytes
has gradually become apparent. This article presents the latest research
progress on the role of pericytes in diabetic angiogenesis, characterizes
pericytes, summarizes various potential therapeutic targets, and highlights
research directions for the future treatment of various diabetes-related
diseases
