Preface [HotTopic: Cytokine Therapies for Diabetic Microvascular Complications (Executive Editor: J.L. Wilkinson-Berka)]

This issue of Current Pharmaceutical Design, for which I have the great pleasure to be Executive Guest Editor, addresses topical issues relating to the pathogenesis and treatment of the diabetic microvascular complications, retinopathy and nephropathy. Wilkinson-Berka and Fletcher [1] discuss the role of the renin-angiotensin and kallikrein-kinin systems in vascular and neuroglial dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy. Evidence from both experimental and clinical studies indicates that these systems are disturbed in diabetic retinopathy and may be potential therapeutic targets. Wilkinson-Berka [2] then explores the importance of the vasoactive factors, vascular endothelial growth factor, cyclooxygenase-2 and nitric oxide in diabetic retinopathy, and how these factors may interact to stimulate pathology in ischemic-induced retinopathies. Stitt et al. [3] then addresses the importance of advanced glycation end-products in the development of diabetic retinopathy. The mode of action of these agents and the implications for their inhibition as a treatment strategy is reviewed. Forbes et al. [4] extends the discussion of advanced glycation end-products to review the role of these agents in diabetic nephropathy. The efficacy of various types of inhibitors is explored and their interactions with the renin-angiotensin system. Kelly et al. [5] continues with the theme of diabetic nephropathy and discusses the important role of vasoactive factors. It is well established that blockade of angiotensin II is renoprotective, however, other novel factors such as urotensin may also be pathogenic. Flyvbjerg et al. [6] examines experimental and clinical evidence that growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor are causative factors in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. The interplay between each system is discussed and well-known and potential therapeutic strategies targeting these systems. Jenkins et al. [7] reviews evidence that dyslipoproteinaemia contributes to the development of diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy. Lipoprotein metabolism in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is reviewed, and the recognition and treatment of lipoprotein-related risk factors as a treatment strategy for the high complication risk diabetic patient. Given the excellence of reviews contained in this issue, I hope that the readers of Current Pharmaceutical Design will find this issue useful for updating their knowledge on the interactions between the many factors involved in the progression of diabetic microvascular complications. The reviews identify the potential for the development of new and improved drugs for the prevention and treatment of both diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy.