Lipid droplets beyond storage: Cellular metabolic modulator in the diabetic heart (Review)

International Journal of Molecular Medicine 2026 Open access

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Authors: Yongchun Liang, Xinbiao Fan, Xiaofei Geng, Yunfeng Jia, Wenyu Shang, Xitong Sun, Junbo Ge, Guijun Ye, Boyu Zhu, Zheng Zhang, Yuxin Kang, Xiaoyu Shan
+1 more Junping Zhang
DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2026.5753
Cited by: 3
References: 230

Abstract

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a significant complication in patients with diabetes, but its pathogenesis is not fully understood. In recent years, dynamic regulation of lipid droplets (LDs) balance has gradually become a new therapeutic direction with great potential. LDs regulate lipid storage, energy supply and interconnected drivers; for instance, oxidative damage, inflammation, autophagy, ferroptosis, affect the function and cellular homeostasis of cardiomyocytes, macrophages and fibroblasts, and thus participate in DCM. The present review discusses the multiple functions of LDs in regulating DCM by affecting cell homeostasis and summarizes the research progress of therapies targeting LDs and related metabolic pathways, which may inform novel strategies for preventing and treating DCM.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Lipid metabolism and biosynthesis Adipose Tissue and Metabolism Diabetes Cardiovascular Risks and Lipoproteins

Publication details

Journal / source
International Journal of Molecular Medicine
Publisher
Spandidos Publications
Volume
57
Issue
4
Pages
1–23
Publication date
3 February 2026
Language
EN