The Role of Glucose in Modulating Cell Function in the Cardiovascular System
Sponsored by the APS Cardiovascular Section

Historically the primary impact of glucose on cardiac function has been considered to be its contribution to cellular energy production via glycolysis and glucose oxidation.   However, in recent years studies have increasingly shown that in the heart, the contribution of glucose to total energy production is relatively small.  At the same time there has been increasing evidence to show that alterations in glucose metabolism have profound effects on cellular function, such as excitation-contraction coupling, regulation of cell survival and cell growth and tolerance to stress.

Therefore, the goal of this symposium is to examine the impact of glucose and glucose metabolism on the function of the cardiovascular system beyond the realm of energy metabolism.  The impact glucose metabolism via the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway on cardiomyocyte function will be explored, specifically in the context of calcium regulation and post-translational protein modifications. In addition, mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of hyperglycemia on excitation contraction coupling will be discussed.  The consequences of altered expression of GLUT1 and GLUT4 on cardiac and vascular function will be addressed.  The role of hyperglycemia in accelerating atherosclerosis by it effects on vascular smooth muscle cell and macrophage function will be discussed.

At the end of the symposium it is anticipated that the attendees will have a better understanding of the importance of glucose in regulating cellular function and an appreciation of the diverse mechanisms by which glucose and hyperglycemia can affect the cardiovascular system.