New concepts about the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in diabetes mellitus.

New concepts about the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in diabetes mellitus are presented. Emphasis is given to alterations of endothelial function, as indicated by von Willebrand factor activity, prostacyclin release, and fibrinolytic activity in diabetes mellitus. Previous work on platelet aggregation and arachidonic acid metabolism is updated and recent findings are emphasized. The atherogenic mix of elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is noted. The lipid hypothesis is extended by consideration of very low-density lipoprotein and intermediate-density lipoprotein metabolism in diabetes. Lipoprotein-cell interactions that may contribute to atherosclerosis are reviewed and suggestions are made for future research in order to clarify the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in diabetes mellitus.