Bone marrow microenvironment: a newly recognized target for diabetes-induced cellular damage

Diabetes mellitus is considered a cardiovascular disease owing to its prevalent association with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular events are not only more frequent but also complicated with more severe outcomes in diabetic patients as compared with non-diabetic patients. One mechanism accounting for this difference consists of the impairment of the regenerative cellular machinery, which contributes to tissue healing. Recent evidence indicates the contribution of resident progenitor cells in post-ischemic tissue remodeling. In addition, a wide spectrum of cells from distant sources, including the bone marrow, is attracted and home to the healing tissue. Diabetes affects the process of mobilization and recruitment as well as intrinsic functional properties of bone marrow-derived progenitor cells. This review highlights current evidence for diabetes-induced damage of bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor cells in the endosteal and vascular niches.