Abstract
Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a condition characterized by ventricular dysfunction in diabetic patients that is not caused by other cardiac ailments. It is associated with factors such as left ventricular hypertrophy, metabolic disturbances, and oxidative stress. Tight junctions, which form a barrier between cells, play a role in the vascular complications of diabetes. Proteins such as claudins and occludens are important for the structure and function of tight junctions. Zona occludens (ZO) proteins are also involved in tight junctions and their expression may be affected by diabetes. The review discusses the impact of diabetes on the tight junctions and the role of ZO proteins in diabetic cardiovascular dysfunction.