Abstract 2168 Understanding the Molecular Network of the Diabetic Cardiac Extracellular Matrix

Diabetes has been linked to an onset of cardiovascular pathologies that increase the risk of further complications and death. The high level of glucose leads to the abnormal glycation of macromolecules, resulting in the formation of advanced glycan end products (AGEs) that affect regular cellular processes. In particular, AGEs have been associated to modifying the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM not only gives support to the tissue, but also aids with cell communication, cell growth, and protein expression.