C-peptide revisited--new physiological effects and therapeutic implications.
Recent studies have demonstrated that replacement of C-peptide to normal physiological concentrations in insulin-dependent diabetic (IDDM) patients on a short-term basis (1-3 h) results in decreased glomerular hyperfiltration, augmented glucose utilization and improved autonomic nervous function. More prolonged administration (1-3 months) of C-peptide to IDDM patients is accompanied by improvements in both renal and autonomic nervous function. Moreover, both in-vitro and in-vivo studies indicate that C-peptide may have a role in the regulation of insulin secretion. The effects of C-peptide may in part be explained by its ability to stimulate Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity. In conclusion, the combined findings indicate that C-peptide is a biologically active hormone. The possibility that C-peptide therapy in IDDM patients may be beneficial should be considered.
Wahren
J
J
Department of Surgical Sciences, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Johansson
B L
BL
Wallberg-Henriksson
H
H
Linde
B
B
Fernqvist-Forbes
E
E
Zierath
J R
JR
D000818:Animals; D002096:C-Peptide / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000503:physiopathology; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000502:physiology; D007668:Kidney / Q000503:physiopathology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism
D002096:C-Peptide; D005947:Glucose