title: Cellular and physiological effects of C-peptide.
abstract: In recent years, accumulating evidence indicates a biological function for proinsulin C-peptide. These results challenge the traditional view that C-peptide is essentially inert and only useful as a surrogate marker of insulin release. Accordingly, it is now clear that C-peptide binds with high affinity to cell membranes, probably to a pertussis-toxin-sensitive G-protein-coupled receptor. Subsequently, multiple signalling pathways are potently and dose-dependently activated in multiple cell types by C-peptide with the resulting activation of gene transcription and altered cell phenotype. In diabetic animals and Type 1 diabetic patients, short-term studies indicate that C-peptide also enhances glucose disposal and metabolic control. Furthermore, results derived from animal models and clinical studies in Type 1 diabetic patients suggest a salutary effect of C-peptide in the prevention and amelioration of diabetic nephropathy and neuropathy. Therefore a picture of Type 1 diabetes as a dual-hormone-deficiency disease is developing, suggesting that the replacement of C-peptide alongside insulin should be considered in its management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester School of Medicine, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
authors.forename: Claire E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Hills
authors.forename: Nigel J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Brunskill
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D002096:C-Peptide / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000503:physiopathology; D003928:Diabetic Nephropathies / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D002096:C-Peptide