title: [C-peptide and its role in the physiology and chosen endocrinopathies].
abstract: C-peptide is cleaved from the proinsulin chains A and B during insulin synthesis. The views on its role in human physiology has changed in recent years. Soon after discovery of C-peptide it was believed that this protein is inactive by-product of insulin synthesis, and its role is limited to role in conformational changes of insulin and indicator of exocrine function of the pancreas. At present, it is known that C-peptide is bioactive compound, with multiple functions, and it acts probably through membrane receptor. The known physiological actions of C-peptide are related mainly to kidneys, circulatory and nervous systems function. In kidney, it changes the glomerular filtration and proteinuria. In blood vessels, C-peptide is able to act as a vasodilator. It is also able to improve the neurotransmission rate. The newest data indicates possible involvement of C-peptide in etiopathology of diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome. The possible role of C-peptide in these disorders is very interesting and requires further studies.
authors.affiliation: Uniwersytet Medyczny w Poznaniu, Katedra i Klinika Endokrynologii Ginekologicznej, kierownik Katedry i Kliniki.
authors.forename: Marzena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maciejewska-Jeske
authors.forename: Arleta
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Szczesna
authors.forename: Błazej
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Meczekalski
mesh_terms: D002096:C-Peptide / Q000378:metabolism*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000378:metabolism; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000096:biosynthesis; D010179:Pancreas / Q000378:metabolism; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism; D011384:Proinsulin / Q000378:metabolism; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D002096:C-Peptide; D007328:Insulin; D011384:Proinsulin