Microfluidic investigation for shear-stress-mediated repair of dysglycemia-induced endothelial cell damage

Abstract

Dysglycemia causes arterial endothelial damage, which is an early critical event in vascular complications for diabetes patients. Physiologically, moderate shear stress (SS) helps maintain endothelial cell health and normal function. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium ions (Ca²⁺) signals are involved in dysglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction and are also implicated in SS-mediated regulation of endothelial cell function. Therefore, it is urgent to establish in vitro models for studying endothelial biomechanics and mechanobiology, aiming to seek interventions that utilize appropriate SS to delay or reverse endothelial dysfunction. Microfluidic technology, as a novel approach, makes it possible to replicate blood glucose environment and accurate pulsatile SS in vitro. Here, we reviewed the progress of microfluidic systems used for SS-mediated repair of dysglycemia-induced endothelial cell damage (ECD), revealing the crucial roles of ROS and Ca²⁺ during the processes. It holds significant implications for finding appropriate mechanical intervention methods, such as exercise training, to prevent and treat cardiovascular complications in diabetes.