title: Anti-inflammatory properties of C-Peptide.
abstract: C-peptide, historically considered a biologically inactive peptide, has been shown to exert insulin-independent biological effects on a number of cells proving itself as a bioactive peptide with anti-inflammatory properties. Type 1 diabetic patients typically lack C-peptide, and are at increased risk of developing both micro- and macrovascular complications, which account for significant morbidity and mortality in this population. Inflammatory mechanisms play a pivotal role in vascular disease. Inflammation and hyperglycemia are major components in the development of vascular dysfunction in type 1 diabetes. The anti-inflammatory properties of C-peptide discovered to date are at the level of the vascular endothelium, and vascular smooth muscle cells exposed to a variety of insults. Additionally, C-peptide has shown anti-inflammatory properties in models of endotoxic shock and type 1 diabetes-associated encephalopathy. Given the anti-inflammatory properties of C-peptide, one may speculate dual hormone replacement therapy with both insulin and C-peptide in patients with type 1 diabetes may be warranted in the future to decrease morbidity and mortality in this population.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes Mellitus, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Jaime
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Haidet
authors.forename: Vincenza
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Cifarelli
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Trucco
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Luppi