Endothelial integrity, soluble adhesion molecules and platelet markers in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Recent developments in cell biology have identified new areas of direct relevance to the pathogenesis of Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus and its complications. Endothelial damage is well recognized in diabetes--endothelial cell markers von Willebrand factor, soluble E-selectin, and soluble thrombomodulin are providing further evidence of the relationship between activation and damage to the vasculature and clinical disease in this condition. Cell surface bound adhesion molecules may also have a role in the development of atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes but the importance of the soluble forms of these molecules, such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1, is unclear. Evidence of platelet dysfunction has long been acknowledged in diabetes and new data are discussed. It is likely that a greater appreciation of the intimate interactions between endothelial integrity, adhesion molecules and platelets in Type 1 diabetes mellitus will provide a greater understanding of the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke in patients with this disorder.