Guest guest Posted January 31, 2010 Report Share Posted January 31, 2010 1. Jan 2010 FDA Patient Safety News Nationwide Recall of AccuSure Insulin Syringes Qualitest Pharmaceuticals is recalling all lots of AccuSure insulin syringes because the syringe needle may detach from the syringe. If that happens, the needle could get stuck in the insulin vial, or get pushed back into the syringe, or even stay in the skin after injection. The recalled AccuSure insulin Syringes were distributed to wholesale and retail pharmacies nationwide between Jan 2002 & Oct 2009. call Qualitest at 1-. 2.%% Office-Based Childhood Measures May Help Predict Future T2DM 1/6/10 The goal of the study was to assess whether pediatric office measures (waist circumference, [bMI], systolic and diastolic BP, and parental DM) and lab measures (glucose, triglyceride, high- density lipoprotein cholesterol, and insulin levels) could help predict T2 risk at ages 19 & 39 years. [1889 subjects 6 -18 yr at entry] The likelihood of T2 at age 39 years was 2% if childhood BMI, systolic and diastolic BP were all lower than the 75th percentile, and this decreased further to 1% if the parents had no DM. The likelihood of T2 at age 19 was 0.2% if childhood BMI, systolic and diastolic BP were all lower than the 75th percentile..Arch Pediatr Adol Med. 2010;164: 3.%% MM Smoking Cessation Linked to Higher Short-Term Risk for T2DM 1/6/10 The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that smoking cessation would increase DM risk in the short term, possibly caused by weight gain related to quitting smoking. [10,892 adults] ..The highest risk for the development of T2 occurred in the first 3 years after quitting (HR, 1.91), but this risk gradually declined to 0 at 12 years. " For smokers at risk for diabetes, smoking cessation should be coupled with strategies for DM prevention and early detection. " 4.%% MW Metformin May Have Higher Failure Rate Than Glyburide for Gestational Diabetes (GDM) 1/7/10 The failure rate of metformin was approximately twice that of glyburide when used in management of GDM .. " Future studies are needed to determine whether there is a benefit in continuing these agents as adjuvant therapies in patients requiring insulin. Obstet Gynecol. 2010;115 5.%% MSU News Researcher links DM [retinopathy], nerve damage in bone marrow 1/6/10 Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a link between DM and bone marrow nerve damage .. The key to better treating retinopathy - damage to blood vessels in the retina that affects up to 80 % of DM patients - lies not in the retina but in damage to the nerves found in bone marrow that leads to the abnormal release of stem cells... " With retinopathy, blood vessels grow abnormally in the retina, distort vision and eventually can cause blindness, " the team leader said.. They found that nerve damage in diabetic bone marrow - where stem cells known as endothelial progenitor cells reside - affects the daily release of those EPCs into the bloodstream. Normally EPCs exit the bone marrow and repair damage done in the vascular system during sleep. Using animal models, the team observed that the pattern of EPC release is faulty in DM bone marrow, creating abnormally low levels of EPCs during sleep, when they are needed most. That decrease in EPC release preceded the development of retinopathy. " When the bone marrow suffers nerve damage in DM patients, it no longer provides a signal for the timely release of these reparative stem cells, " Thisl finding shows a new therapeutic target for treatment of all DM vascular complications, such as retinopathy. " This opens up new avenues to better treatments outside of the retina that focus on stem cells and the causes of the nerve damage in bone marrow, " .. 6.%% FDA,MedWatch Dec 2009 Janumet (sitagliptin /metformin HCl) tablets Safety Labeling Changes There have been postmarketing reports of acute pancreatitis, including fatal & non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, in patients taking Janumet... persistent severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back, which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting, is the hallmark symptom of acute pancreatitis. Patients should be instructed to promptly discontinue Janumet and contact their physician if persistent severe abdominal pain occurs 1/07/2010 7.%% MNTD Claims That Diabetes Triples Risk Of Dementia In Some Older People 1/12/10 A new study claims that some older people with mild memory-loss are 3 times more likely to develop dementia if they also have DM. The research, investigated the connection between mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older people and dementia. [61 subjects] " We already know that T2 is considered to be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, " Further studies should investigate the ability to not only identify those at particular risk but also target treatment programmes aimed at preventing progression to dementia in people with T2 and mild cognitive impairment. " Diabetes UK 8.%% MNTD Study Finds Patients More Likely To Skip Diabetes Medicine While In The 'Doughnut Hole' 1/11/10 Consumers experiencing a gap in their Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage were more likely to forgo DM medications than those who had supplemental drug benefits. The doughnut hole occurs because Medicare covers prescription drug costs up to a certain amount and then consumers must pick up the tab until they've hit another spending threshold. Compared with those who had supplemental drug benefits, people with the doughnut-hole coverage had higher out-of-pocket drug costs and were more likely to skip their diabetes medications, the study found " 9.%% MNTD Book Investigates Leading Scientific Hypotheses To Explain Mysterious Increase In Type 1 Diabetes 1/7/10 The incidence of T1DM is now twice as high among children as it was in the 1980s, and 10-20 times more common than 100 years ago, according to research uncovered in a new book. While rising levels of T2 are well known, the corresponding rise in T1 has rarely been described in the news. medical journalist Dan Hurley has gathered the evidence from studies and investigative reporting in Diabetes Rising: How A Rare Disease Became A Modern Pandemic.. the book examines 5 leading scientific hypotheses that offer an explanation: The " accelerator hypothesis, " -- that the rising weight and height of children over the past century has " accelerated " their tendency to develop T1 by putting the insulin- producing beta cells in their pancreases under stress. The " sunshine hypothesis, " -- that the increased time spent indoors is reducing children's exposure to sunlight, which in turn reduces their level of vitamin D The " hygiene hypothesis, " -- that lack of exposure to once-prevalent pathogens results in autoimmune hypersensitivity, leading to destruction of the body's insulin- producing beta cells by rogue white blood cells. The " cow's milk hypothesis, " exposure to cow's milk in infant formula during the first 6 months of life wreaks havoc on the immune system and increases the risk to later develop T1. " POP hypothesis, " - that exposure to persistent organic pollutants increases the risk of both types of DM..” 10.%% MNTD Leptin-Controlled Gene Can Reverse Diabetes 1/7/10 Leptin is a hormone that controls the activity of a gene known as IGFBP2 in the liver, which has antidiabetic effects in animals and could have similar therapeutic effect in humans. The report confirms leptin's antidiabetic effects are independent of the hormone's well- known ability to reduce body weight. The team looked to see how that very low-level infusion of leptin changes the activity of genes in the animals' livers which led them to IGFBP2. Treatments designed to increase IGFBP2 expression in obese and DM mice reversed their DM. future experiments in mice lacking IGFBP2 altogether are needed to confirm that the protein is required for leptin's antidiabetic influence. 11.%% MNTD New Discovery By Harvard Scientists Aims To Correct Cellular Defects Leading To Diabetes 1/6/10 Researchers identified a protein (G6PD) and its antioxidant product (NAPDH) that both prevent the death and promote the growth of cells which produce and release insulin in the pancreas (beta cells). " Abnormally high levels of oxidants are thought to be a major cause of DM & its complications, [and] many other diseases, " the scientists said. " By understanding the specific defects in processes that either produce too many oxidants or not enough antioxidants, a new era of highly specific, targeted treatments will emerge that very effectively treat or possibly prevent many of these diseases. " The team studied beta cells from humans and mice to determine the effects of increasing sugar on the cells, the G6PD protein, and NADPH antioxidant. . Results showed that increasing the level of sugar causes a decrease in NADPH and increased beta cell death. Increasing the activity of G6PD rescued the beta cells from cell death, leading them to conclude that treatments that directly prevent G6PD decrease or promote G6PD increases could hold great promise in treating diabetes.. 12. MNTD More Evidence On Benefits Of High Blood Pressure Drugs In Diabetic Eye Disease 1/8/10 Scientists are reporting new evidence that certain high BP drugs may be useful in preventing and treating diabetic retinopathy [DR] The study could lead to new ways to prevent or treat the sight -threatening disease. DR is a common complication of diabetes involving damage to blood vessels in the retina. The team identified 65 abnormal proteins in the DM mice Treatment with the medication, candesartan, prevented the abnormal changes in more than 70% of the proteins. 13.%% JH Alerts: Treating Type 2 Diabetes With Lap-Band Surgery 1/14/10 If you are obese and have DM, losing weight can help improve your blood glucose control and lower your risk of complications. A recent report suggests that bariatric surgery may help those patients with diabetes who have not been able to lose weight through diet and exercise. Now a study suggests that laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (lap-band) surgery may be effective for certain patients with DM. [60 patients] After 2years, diabetes remission was achieved in 73% of the lap-band participants compared with 13% of those in the conventional weight loss group. Average weight loss was 21% in the surgery group versus less than 2% in the conventional weight loss group. . all of the subjects had relatively mild cases of DM, so it's still not clear whether obesity surgery is effective for people with advanced diabetes. Jour Amer Med Asso vol 299 14.%% Eye (2010) 24, Diabetic retinopathy and blockade of the renin– angiotensin system: new data from the DIRECT study - 5 years of candesartan treatment in T1 reduced the incidence of retinopathy by 2 or more steps in severity by 18% and reduced the incidence of retinopathy by three-step progression by 35%.. in T2, 5 years of candesartan treatment resulted in 34% regression of retinopathy. Although there is still no absolute proof that these effects were specific to RAS blockade, or just an effect of lower BP, it is reasonable to conclude that candesartan has earned a place in the medical management of diabetic retinopathy, to prevent the problem in T1 and to treat the early stages in T2. 15.%% JH Alerts What Is Non-HDL Cholesterol? ..about half of all heart attacks occur in people with normal LDL levels. So researchers have looked at other measurements that can help identify people at risk for cardiovascular disease [CVD] Non- HDL cholesterol is obtained by subtracting the level of HDL from total cholesterol. The resulting value measures not only LDL cholesterol, but also cholesterol contained in metabolic " remnants " of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), the main carriers of triglycerides. Like LDL, these remnants promote the buildup of plaque in arteries. Studies have shown that non-HDL cholesterol is better than LDL cholesterol alone at predicting CVD, especially in people with elevated triglycerides. People with T2 often have elevated triglyceride levels but relatively normal LDL values, so measuring their non-HDL cholesterol can be useful in assessing their risk and guiding their treatment. According to guidelines from the Nat Cholesterol Ed Program, desirable levels for non-HDL cholesterol are 30 mg/dL above target levels for LDL. Thus, if you have T2, your level of non-HDL cholesterol should be no higher than 130 mg/dL (since the LDL cholesterol target is 100 mg/dL for anyone with DM). If your triglyceride level is above 200 mg/dL, ask your doctor about your non-HDL cholesterol. Heart Health 1/22/10 16.%% MNTD Stress Peptide And Receptor May Have Role In DM 1/22/10 The neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) has its leading role in the stress response..Researchers have found that CRF also plays a part in the pancreas, where it increases insulin secretion and promotes the division of the insulin- producing beta cells. These findings may provide new insights into diabetes, particularly T1DM. The pancreas is both an exocrine gland, producing enzymes that are secreted into the gut to help digest food, and an endocrine gland, secreting hormones, including insulin, which is manufactured by beta cells that reside in endocrine islets within the " sea " of exocrine tissue. In T1, the immune system attacks the beta cells, which then are unable to produce sufficient insulin. In T2 patients have sufficient beta cells, which still secrete insulin, but the body is unable to respond correctly, and plasma glucose remains constantly elevated.. The team discovered that beta cells exposed to CRF can respond in at least two ways. First, they increase their secretion of insulin if they simultaneously encounter high levels of glucose.. & beta cells exposed to CRF also activate the key pathway implicated in beta cell division.. [Resulting] in somewhat more rapid cell devision, which is especially relevant in the context of T1. T1 patients usually have a few beta cells left in their pancreas, so those remaining beta cells may seed a population of regenerating beta cells..being able to stimulate beta cells to divide a little faster may be part of a solution that may , hopefully, allow management of T1. But because it is an autoimmune condition, making the cells divide won't be enough. . researchers are working hard to solve the problem of destruction of beta cells. " 17.%%Siblings Key in Gestational Diabetes [GDM] Risk (Reuters Health) Jan 13 - The risks associated with having a sibling with DM is much higher than having one or even two parents with the disease. [4,566 women]. while having 2 diabetic parents boosted the likelihood of having DM eight-fold, it only doubled the likelihood of GDM. On the other hand, having a DM brother or sister increased GDM risk more than 7-fold, but only slightly upped the risk of T2. The findings suggest that GDM may follow a different pattern of inheritance than T2, which is closely associated with being overweight or obese. 18.%%oxide Improves Glycemic Control in Type 1 Diabetes (Reuters Health) Jan 13 - Daily treatment with diazoxide prompts a decrease in HbA1c in patients with newly diagnosed T1DM. In the current study, the researchers used once-daily treatment with 100 mg, a regimen that's been successful in T2.[41 patients] randomized to 6 months treatment with placebo or diazoxide, given at bedtime. In the active treatment group, mean HbA1c fell to 6.5% at 12 months- a significant improvement over the 8.3%, 7.3% and 7.5% seen in placebo patients. 3 patients dropped out of the study due to treatment-related side effects (dizziness, rash, and sleep disturbance). No others had adverse effects. Diabetes Care 2009. 19.%%Reconstituted HDL: A Therapy for Atherosclerosis and Beyond 1/11/10; Clin Lipidology. 2009;4(6) Abstract - Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in developed countries. As low levels of the cardioprotective particle HDL are associated with cardiovascular disease, raising HDL levels may lead to positive outcomes. (rHDL) Reconstituted HDL therapy in humans has resulted in regression of atheroma volume and plaque remodeling. . improving glucose uptake and insulin levels have also been reported in T2DM. The potent anti-inflammatory properties of rHDL can also be exploited to reduce inflammation is diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. .. 20.%% NIH News 1/17/10 Newly Identified Genes Influence Insulin and Glucose Regulation An international research consortium has found 13 new genetic variants that influence blood glucose regulation, insulin resistance, and the function of insulin-secreting beta cells in populations of European descent. 5 of the newly discovered variants increase the risk of developing T2DM. The results provide important clues about the role of beta cells in development of T2.. About 2.5 million genetic variants were analyzed in 21 genome -wide association studies [ 46,186 subjects]. None of the variants found in this studies were associated with T1DM an autoimmune disease that has been traced mainly to genes that regulate immune function. Beta cell impairment may play a larger role in T2 than previously recognized .. Also, the environment may contribute to insulin resistance more than it does to insulin secretion. The variants were found in populations of European descent, but the researchers expect that some will have similar effects in other populations.This 21.%% MNTD Insulin Pumps Might Have Slight Advantage In Type 1 Diabetes 1/17/10 .. the new review analyzed the results of 23 studies [976 subjects] While participants using the insulin pump had significantly lower HbA1c levels than those using multiple daily injections, no differences existed between the two for non-severe low blood glucose levels. However, there appeared to be a reduction in severe incidents of low blood glucose among those using the pump. " Good evidence is now available to support the use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in the appropriate patient. It is essential to consider adverse events, late complications of DM, mortality and cost when deciding whether [a pump] is appropriate for the patient, " the team leader said. For people who likely have to deal with their condition for the rest of their lives, convenience is another consideration that comes into play. The advantages of using the insulin pump include being able to avoid possibly painful injections several times a day. The downside to pump use includes having to wear it like a pager or cell phone throughout the day, concerns about protecting the tubing that goes into the body - although wireless pumps have recently come on the market - and worries about breaking the pump during rough play or exposure to water.. 22.%% MNTD Obstructive Sleep Apnea May Worsen Diabetes 1/15/10 Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) adversely affects glucose control in patients with T2DM.The study " demonstrates for the first time that there is a clear, graded, inverse relationship between OSA severity and glucose control in patients with T2, " wrote the lead author. The study also confirmed other reports that undiagnosed OSA is very common among T2 patients.. that it is largely unrecognized additional medical risk factor in these patients.[60 patients] The team found that more severe OSA was associated with poorer glucose control.. " Thus effective treatment of OSA may represent a novel non-pharmacologic intervention in the management of T2. 23.%% MNTD Discovery Points Toward Anti- Inflammation Treatment For DM retinopathy 1/15/10 Interleukin-6, known to contribute to the debilitating joint inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis, also helps ignite inflammation of the retina, a first step in a disease that is the leading cause of blindness is working-age adults, The finding has the scientists looking at whether an interleukin-6 antibody, which is showing success in treating rheumatoid arthritis, can halt inflammation in mice with DM retinopathy. Angiotensin II, a powerful constrictor of blood vessels, is typically associated with the kidneys where it plays a vital role in regulating BP. The scientists suspect angiotensin II helps promotes wound healing and regulation of pressure within small blood vessels in the eye. However in DM angiotensin II levels increase in the eye - probably in response to high glucose levels - and help promote inflammation, spurring remodeling of blood vessels and tissue destruction. " Vascular inflammation is one of the first steps to inducing the changes in the retina. " With the help of interleukin-6, angiotensin II induces white blood cells to stick to the endothelial cells lining blood vessels of the retina, which slows blood flow. The WBCs also start producing inflammatory and vascular growth factors that cause blood vessel walls to leak and thicken, further constricting blood flow. Retinal cells start dying from the reduced blood and oxygen supplies that result. In response, the body prompts growth of new blood vessels, presumably to help but instead causing more vision impairment. [in mice] when we knock out interleukin-6, we can block the effects of angiotensin II, " The team wants to see whether the interleukin-6 antibody can be used to prevent damage by giving it shortly after the onset of DM in rodents and as a treatment by using it later in the disease process. 24.%% Calorie, Sodium Intake Linked to Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) Progression in African Americans 1/20/10 — High caloric and sodium intake appear to be associated with the progression of (DR) among African Amer patients with T1DM. [469 subjects] After adjustment for clinical risk factors for DR progression, baseline total caloric intake was significantly associated with a 6-year incidence of vision- threatening DR (either proliferative DR or macular edema [ME]) and of severe hard exudates. High sodium intake at baseline was a significant, independent risk factor for 6-year incidence of ME. 25.%% MedWatch -Nipro GlucoPro Insulin Syringes: Recall Nipro Med Corp and FDA notified healthcare professionals of a voluntary nationwide recall of all GlucoPro Insulin Syringes. These syringes may have needles that detach from the syringe. If the needle becomes detached from the syringe during use, it can become stuck in the insulin vial, push back into the syringe, or remain in the skin after injection. This recall includes all product codes and lot numbers with expiration dates before 2011-11 (November 1, 2011). Product was distributed nationwide, including Puerto Rico. Consumers who have GlucoPro Insulin Syringes should stop using and return them to point of sale for reimbursement. 26.%% Nat Reviews Endocrinology 6, Feb 2010 Diabetes: Self-titration of an insulin analog premix reduces HbA1c levels in patients with T2DM Researchers report evidence that patients with T2 achieve decreased levels of HbA 1c by self-titration of an insulin analog premix (a subcutaneous injection of biphasic insulin aspart 70/30) twice daily, with or without dietary counseling. [4,875 subjects with T2 unresponsive to oral hypoglycemic agents.] “The initial dose was self-adjusted [by the patient] using a titration algorithm based on the average self-measured blood glucose value of the preceding 3 days,” write the authors. Patients were randomly assigned to attend none, 1 or 3 dietary counseling sessions in addition to primary care visits. The mean baseline HbA1c level decreased similarly in patients from all 3 groups. However, patients who attended 3 dietary sessions had significantly lower rates of hypoglycemia than those individuals who received no counseling. Notably, the ADA glycemic target (HbA1c <7.0%) was achieved by ~41% of individuals in each group.. 27.%% Nat Rev Endo 6, Feb 2010 Diabetic angiopathy, the complement system and the tumor necrosis factor superfamily Abstract - Among the most serious consequences of diabetes mellitus is the development of diabetic angiopathy [disease of blood vessels], of which the clinical features are cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, nephropathy [kidney disease] and neuropathy. Diabetic kidney problems affect up to one third of all patients with DM and are a major cause of end-stage renal failure. Recent data support the hypothesis that dysregulation of the complement system and of members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily may be involved in the development of diabetic vascular complications. In addition, two components of the TNF superfamily. Several ways of specifically manipulating the complement and TNF superfamily systems already exist, but whether or not these drugs provide new targets for intervention for late diabetic complications is still to be revealed. [note - publication is aimed at health professionals] 28.%% Nat Rev Endo 6,Feb 2010 Metabolic surgery: the role of the gastrointestinal tract in diabetes mellitus Abstract - Several conventional methods of bariatric surgery can induce long-term remission of T2DM; novel gastrointestinal surgical procedures are reported to have similar effects. These procedures also dramatically improve other metabolic conditions, including hyperlipidemia and hypertension, in both obese and nonobese patients. Several studies have provided evidence that these metabolic effects are not simply the results of drastic weight loss and decreased caloric intake but might be attributable, in part, to endocrine changes resulting from surgical manipulation of the gastrointestinal tract. In this Review, we provide an overview of the clinical evidence that demonstrates the effects of such interventions—termed metabolic surgery—on T2 and discuss the implications for future research. we speculate that the gastrointestinal tract might have a role in the pathophysiology of T2DM and obesity. 29.%% MW -1/26/10 — Liraglutide injection (Victoza) was approved yesterday by (FDA) for the treatment of T2DM in adults. Liraglutide is the first once-daily human glucagon-like peptide 1 analog indicated for the treatment of T2DM in conjunction with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with T2 failing first-line therapy. [3900 patients in 3 trials] it significantly reduced hemoglobin A1c levels and was also associated with weight loss. Common adverse reactions noted included headache, nausea, diarrhea, and anti-liraglutide antibody formation. 30.%% MW Risk Factors Identified for Intentional Skipping of Insulin Injections 1/26/10 — Risk factors have been identified associated with intentional omission of insulin injections in patients with T1 and T2. " Intentionally skipping insulin injections may be more common than clinicians think, " the lead author, said. We hope that in the future doctors will work closer with patients to determine their individual needs, so that they can better plan activities to facilitate patients' adherence with their treatment regimens. " [internet survey of 502 US adults using insulin injections for DM] More than half of respondents reported intentional insulin omission, and 20% reported regular omission. Significant risk factors associated with insulin omission were younger age, lower income and educational attainment, T2 rather than T1, poor adherence to a healthy diet, more frequently prescribed daily injections, interference of injections with daily activities, and injection pain and embarrassment. diet nonadherence was more common in T1; age, ed, income, pain, and embarrassment more common in patients with T2.Diabetes Care. 2010;33: 31.%%Blood Glucose and Risk of Incident and Fatal Cancer in the Metabolic Syndrome and Cancer Project ..1/19/10; PLoS Med. 2009;6(12) Prospective studies have indicated that elevated blood glucose levels may be linked with increased cancer risk.[544,000 +- subjects ] Conclusions - Data from our study indicate that abnormal glucose metabolism, independent of BMI, is associated with an increased risk of cancer overall and at several cancer sites. Our data showed stronger associations among women than among men, and for fatal cancer compared to incident cancer. 32. %% MNTD - Switch In Glucose Processing Triggered By Lack Of Cellular Enzyme 25 Jan 2010 A study investigating how a cellular enzyme affects blood glucose levels in mice provides clues to pathways that may be involved in the regulation of longevity and the proliferation of tumor cells. " We found that SIRT6 functions as a master regulator of glucose levels by maintaining the normal processes by which cells convert glucose into energy, " says the study leader. SIRT6 belongs to a family of proteins called sirtuins, which regulate important biological pathways in organisms from bacteria to humans. .., sirtuins in mammals have been shown to have important roles in metabolic regulation, programmed cell death and adaptation to stress. ..since knocking out SIRT6 causes blood sugar to drop, limited SIRT6 inhibition could be a strategy for treating T2. 33.%% MSU News researcher identifies cell mechanism leading to diabetic blindness 1/29/10 Scientists have long known that high blood sugar levels from diabetes damage blood vessels in the eye, but they didn't know why or how. Now a ne Mohr has discovered the process that causes retinal cells to die, which could lead to new treatments that halt the damage. She found the siah-1 protein is produced by the body when blood sugar levels are high and that the siah-1 protein serves as a type of chauffeur for another protein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), shuttling it into the nucleus of Müller cells, special cells that have contact with the blood vessels in the eye. When GAPDH accumulates in their nuclei, the Müller cells die, which leads to the vascular damage associated with diabetic retinopathy.. This research also found that lowering levels of siah-1 proteins stopped GAPDH from moving into the nuclei of Müller cells, which stopped them from dying. " This is very exciting, " she said. " We know that we can't regulate production of GAPDH because it's necessary for producing energy throughout the body. But since siah-1 is produced only when glucose levels are high, regulating it doesn't cause any problems. If we can figure out how to stop siah-1 production, it may lead to new treatments for diabetic retinopathy. " " Our next step is to figure out if both the GAPHD and the siah-1 proteins have to be together in a complex to cause cell death. " http://news.msu.edu/story/7390/ research is funded by NIH MSU News - Michigan State University - Abbreviations: DM - diabetes Mellitus;T1DM - type 1 diabetes mellitus T2DM - type 2; DME - diabetic macular edema; GDM gestational diabetes; FPG - fasting plasma glucose BP - blood pressure; CV - cardio-vascular; MI -myocardial infarction or heart attack ;HTN - hypertension or high BP; OCT - optical coherence tomography; VA - visual acuity -ADA - Amer Diabetes Ass; FDA - Federal Drug Administration; JH - s Hopkins Alerts ; MW Medscape Web MD; NIH - National Institutes of Health; MNTD- Medical News Today Definitions - Medical dictionaries Google. Disclaimer, I am a BSN RN but not a diabetic or diabetic educator. Reports are excerpted unless otherwise noted. This project is done as a courtesy to the blind/visually impaired and diabetic communities. Dawn Wilcox BSN RN Coordinator The Health Library at Vista Center contact above e-mail or thl@... s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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