Modifications of the biosynthesis of type-I and type-III collagens and fibronectin during diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Results show that diabetes, which is a major risk factor for arterio-atherosclerosis, mimicks an accelerated aging, at least as far as the thickening of basement membranes and fibronectin and collagen biosynthesis are concerned. A similar sequence of events could be demonstrated in human atherosclerotic plaque formation. In conclusion, we could demonstrate a disregulation of extracellular matrix components biosynthesis (type-III collagen and fibronectin) in diabetes and atherosclerosis.