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Biomedical subjects

M Hill

Publications and source records attributed to M Hill.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

[Hormones and quality of life in aging men].

BACKGROUND: Aging men suffer from a decrease of androgen-anabolic steroids known as "Partial Androgen Decline in the Aging Male" (PADAM) that is sometimes compensated by the use of androgen replacement therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: To decide whether androgen therapy should be considered, hormonal serum levels are commonly tested. In addition, the St. Louis questionnaire is used as and indication. Accordingly, serum levels of testosterone, androstendione, dihydrotestosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, its sulphate, epimers of 7-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone, epitestosterone, lutropin, follitropin, prolactin and sex hormone binding globulin were measured in 216 men over 50 years of age. Further, the Sr. Louis questionnaire was applied and the extent of the relations among the data was evaluated. RIA and IRMA kits from Immunotech and Orion-Diagnostica were used for measurement of the hormones except epitestosterone and 7-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone epimers, which were determined using specific radioimmunoassays. CONCLUSIONS: The decline in the index of free testosterone, given by the increase of SHBG levels, as well as the decrease in the levels of DHEA and its derivates were the most prominent. No correlation was found between the levels of hormones and the individual items of the questionnaire or with the total score calculated from the questionnaire data. In conclusion, the University of Saint Louis questionnaire did not give a reliable indication of an androgen deficit. However, the found values and their changes can still be helpful during the decision process concerning indication and initiation of hormone replacement.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

[Metformin has a positive effect on disorders of carbohydrate metabolism in long-term care with low doses of prednisone].

BACKGROUND: The influence of long-term, low doses of prednison administration (< 0.3 mg/kg/day) on glucoregulation and glucose tolerance was studied in 20 female patients (15-20 yrs), including verification of possibility to correct the impairment of glucose tolerance (IGT) by metformin (M). METHODS AND RESULTS: During prednison treatment, we found typical signs of insulin resistance manifestation: HOMAIR 3.55 (5.13), blood insulin/glucose ratio 3.8 (5.84), QUICKI 0.61 (0.124). These were associated with higher Langerhans (L.) islets hormone secretion detected under basal conditions as well as after bolus of 5 g arginine chloride. However, detailed analysis of hormone secretion ratios revealed distinct signs of L. islets function impairment and subcompensation. Specifically, low ratio C peptide/proinsulin and C peptide/glucagon were characteristicaly observed. Six months of M. administration (1000 mg/day) had a beneficial effect on glucose metabolisms deviations as indicated by the following: insulin resistance decreased (HOMAIR 1.96 (1.60), insulin/glucose ratio 2.34 (1.52), QUICKI increased at 0.699 (0.238)). At the same time we found a decrease in the basal levels of insulin, proinsulin, glucagon, C peptide and amyline, and AUC proinsulin and glucagon as well. HOMAsecretion decreased from an initial value of 389 (376) to 207 (119). CONCLUSIONS: Judging by the new hormonal secretion ratios, the L. islets' function following M. treatment substantially improved. From the clinical point of view, it is important to note that M. was tolerated very well. No patient interrupted the follow up because of M. intolerance. IGT in the whole group normalised, in spite of the fact that no accent was put on the regime, diet including. The 90% of lactate values did not exceed 1.7 mmol/l. Based on the results, we may conclude that M. has a beneficial effect on long-term, low doses of glucocorticoid-related (induced) glucose metabolism impairment, and therefore, M. administration could be recommended, particularly in the situations with higher levels of glycosylated hemoglobin.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

[Role of the steroids, SHBG, IGF-1, IGF BP-3 and growth hormone in glucose metabolism disorders during long-term treatment with low doses of glucocorticoids].

BACKGROUND: The relationships between selected steroids, SHBG, growth hormone, IGF-1, IGF BP-3 and indicators of glucose metabolism were studied in the group of 20 female patients (15-20 yrs) on long-term treatment with low prednisone doses (< 0.3 mg/kg/day) (baseline phase) and after adding 1000 mg of metformin per day for following 6 months to improve impaired glucose metabolism (control phase). METHODS AND RESULTS: Lower basal DHEAS and DHEA (DHEA/S) levels were found as compared with reference values. Only DHEAS level returned into the reference range after the treatment with metformin. Decrease of DHEA/S depended on the doses (DHEAS -0.7621, DHEA -0.7685). Positive correlations between DHEA/S and of the results insulin tolerance were found as at the baseline (+0.4452, resp. +0.4455) as well as in the control period after the metformin administration (+0.7549, resp. +0.6073). Testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone(DHT) values were within the reference range during the whole study. Due to very low SHBG levels higher free androgen index (FAI) was recorded in more than half of the patients. Significant relationships were revealed between former gonadal androgens and indicators of glucose metabolism deterioration at the control phase: T correlated: with fasting insulin (+0.6005), with HOMAIR (+0.5380), with insulin/glucose (+0.5261), with fasting glucose (+0.9268), with AUC glucose (+0.6792), FAI: with fasting insulin (+0.5560), with HOMAIR (+0.5269), with fasting glucose (+0.9025), with AUC glucose (+0.7143), DHT: with fasting C peptide (+0.7921), with AUC C peptide (+0.7143). SHBG correlated: with fasting glucose (-0.6519), and with AUC glucose (-0.5868). The tendency of GH to lower, and IGF-1, IGF BP-3 to higher values at the baseline changed at the control phase: fasting and AUC value of GH increased (signif.), while were IGF-1 (nonsignif.) and IGF BP-3 (signif.) levels decreased. Surprisingly, no correlation was observed between GH and parameters of glucose metabolism. Contrary to GH, baseline IGFBP-3 values correlated: with HOMAIR (+0.5002), with insulin/glucose (+0.4860). The same relationships were found between AUC IGF BP-3 (+0.5676, +0.5559), IGF-1 (HOMAIR only +0.5412), IGF-1/IGF BP-3 (+0.5059, +0.5716) and parameters of insulin sensitivity (HOMAIR, insulin/glucose) in the control period. For the first time negative correlations between IGF-1, IGF-1 AUC, IGF BP-3, IGF-1/IGF BP-3 and somatostatin blood levels were discovered at the control phase. CONCLUSIONS: The study brought a number of new information about the importance of the "non-classical" glucoregulatory hormones in impairment of glucose metabolism, during long-term administration of low prednisone doses. The results suggest, that without normalisation of low DHEA/S, SHBG and high FAI levels it would not be possible to correct glucose metabolism properly in patients with long-term glucocorticoid therapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Long-term modulation of the intrinsic cardiac nervous system by spinal cord neurons in normal and ischaemic hearts.

Electrical excitation of the dorsal aspect of the rostral thoracic spinal cord imparts long-term therapeutic benefits to patients with angina pectoris. Such spinal cord stimulation also induces short-term suppressor effects on the intrinsic cardiac nervous system. The purpose of this study was to determine whether spinal cord stimulation (SCS) induces long-term effects on the intrinsic nervous system, particularly in the presence of myocardial ischaemia. The activity generated by right atrial neurons was recorded in 10 anesthetized dogs during basal states, during prolonged (15 min) occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery, and during the subsequent reperfusion phase. Neuronal activity and cardiovascular indices were also monitored when the dorsal T1-T4 segments of the spinal cord were stimulated electrically (50 Hz; 0.2 ms) at an intensity 90% of motor threshold (mean 0.32 mA) for 17 min. SCS was performed before, during and after 15-min periods of regional ventricular ischaemia. Occlusion of a major coronary artery, one that did not perfuse investigated neurons, resulted in their excitation. Ischaemia-induced neuronal excitatory effects were suppressed (-76% from baseline) by SCS. SCS suppression of intrinsic cardiac neuronal activity persisted during the subsequent reperfusion period; after terminating 17 min of SCS, at least 20 min elapsed before intrinsic cardiac neuronal activity returned to baseline values. It is concluded that populations of intrinsic cardiac neurons are activated by inputs arising from the ischaemic myocardium. Ischaemia-induced activation of these neurons is nullified by SCS. The neuronal suppressor effects that SCS induces persist not only during reperfusion, but also for an extended period of time thereafter. These long-term effects may account, in part, for the fact that SCS imparts clinical benefit to patients with angina of cardiac origin not only during its application, but also for a time thereafter.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed2002

Autoimmune thyroiditis in non-obese subjects with initial diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Autoimmune thyroiditis is often associated with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). In non-obese adult-onset diabetes diagnosed initially as Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), there is a proportion of cases with so far undiagnosed T1DM. The objective of this study was to estimate the frequency of autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) among non-obese (BMI <30.0 kg/m2) patients with T2DM and to compare the frequency of AT in subgroups of patients according to the presence of glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies (GADA), insulin requirement, and post-breakfast C-peptide levels. The study included 118 adult patients (55 men and 63 women) with the initial diagnosis of T2DM and age at the onset of diabetes > 35 yr. Median of age was 66 yr (range 39-82), and median duration of diabetes was 9 (range 1-27) yr. AT was diagnosed using thyroid peroxidase antibodies, TG-antibodies, US and TSH levels. Nineteen per cent of the subjects were found to have AT, and the frequency of AT did not significantly differ between the groups of GADA+ and GADA- subjects. There was no difference in the frequency of AT between the group treated with hypoglycemic agents and/or diet and the group requiring insulin. The frequency of AT was higher in the group with post-breakfast C-peptide levels < or = 0.8 nmol/l compared to the group with post-breakfast C-peptide levels > 0.8 nmol/l (37% vs 16%), however the group with post-breakfast C-peptide levels < or = 0.8 nmol/l had longer duration of diabetes.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

The estrogen receptor alpha gene determines serum androstenedione levels in postmenopausal women.

Estrogen receptors (ER) are expressed not only in the reproductive system and ovaries but also in some other tissues, including the adrenal gland. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between the estrogen receptor (ER) alpha gene polymorphisms XbaI and PvuII and circulating levels of androstenedione, a precursor of sex-steroids synthetized in the ovary and adrenal. After adjustment for years since menopause, body mass, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels, a highly significant relationship was demonstrated between androstenedione and XbaI or PvuII polymorphisms, the highest levels of the hormone being found in the xx and pp genotypes (P<0.05 as compared to XX or PP, ANCOVA followed by least significant difference (LSD) multiple comparisons). This suggests that the ER genotype may determine the function of the sex-steroid system not only at the receptor level but also at the level of hormone synthesis. The pathogenetic role of this association in diseases related to menopause, such as osteoporosis, remains to be determined.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Neuroactive steroids, their precursors and polar conjugates during parturition and postpartum in maternal and umbilical blood: 3.3beta-hydroxy-5-ene steroids.

Five 3beta-hydroxy-5-ene steroids involved in the metabolic route from pregnenolone sulfate to dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate, of which three are known allosteric modulators of neurotransmitter receptors, were monitored in the serum of 20 women around parturition. In addition, their levels in maternal and umbilical serum were compared at delivery. On the basis of these data, a scheme of steroid biosynthesis in maternal organism during the critical stages around parturition is proposed. In maternal serum, all the steroids except dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate decreased during labor and even first day after delivery, although their changes were less distinct the more distant from pregnenolone sulfate (PregS) in the metabolic pathway. Calculation of product/immediate precursor ratios in maternal serum over all stages around parturition enabled identification of the respective changes in the activities of the relevant enzymes. The ratio of 17-hydroxypregnenolone/pregnenolone did not change significantly, while that of dehydroepiandrosterone/17-hydroxypregnenolone grew, indicating increased C17,20 side chain cleavage on the account of C17-hydroxylation both catalyzed by C17-hydroxylase-C17,20-lyase. As was shown by factor analysis, the changes in the maternal steroids were associated with a single common factor, which strongly correlated with all the steroids except dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. The lack of change in the pregnenolone sulfate/pregnenolone ratio and a marked increase of the ratio dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate to unconjugated dehydroepiandrosterone indicate a different means of formation of both steroid sulfates. On the basis of these data, a scheme of steroid biosynthesis in maternal organism during the critical stages around parturition is proposed.

Female↗
PubMed2002

Meat, cancer and dietary advice to the public.

BACKGROUND: It has been claimed for many decades that meat is a risk factor for colorectal cancer, and that it has no compensating benefits in terms of cancer risk. The evidence for this has been critically reassessed. METHODS: The epidemiological evidence, particularly that produced in recent years, has been re-examined to determine whether it is sufficiently consistent to warrant giving firm advice to the general public. RESULTS: Far from being supportive, the epidemiological data does not justify this claim. A large mass of evidence is presented from case-control studies and prospective studies, in which the data from Europe are not consistent with those from the United States. This is because of the different contexts (in terms of meal composition) within which meat is consumed in different countries. In fact the epidemiological data are much more consistent with there being a protective role for fruit, vegetables and whole grain cereals and no role for meat in colorectal cancer, and a protective role in gastric cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Meat is a good source of protein, readily available iron, calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc and a range of B vitamins. Since the evidence for any role in colon carcinogenesis is so weak, and since such a high proportion of women of child-bearing age are iron deficient, the consumption of meat, as part of a balanced and varied diet, should be actively encouraged.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Dehydroepiandrosterone status in postmenopausal women is determined by the gene for the vitamin D receptor.

Data documenting the indirect interaction of vitamin D and bone metabolism via hormonal systems are rare. The authors analysed the predictive role of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene for circulating sex steroids and their precursors in postmenopausal women. Using the PCR technique, the polymorphic FokI, ApaI, TaqI and BsmI sites of the VDR gene were determined in relation to serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), androstenedione (AD), testosterone, and estradiol levels. After adjustment to body mass and years since menopause, circulating DHEAS was higher in the Ff genotype than in ff (p < 0.001) and FF genotypes (p < 0.05, ANCOVA followed by least significant difference multiple comparison tests). The Ff genotype also contributed to the highest BMD at the hip (p < 0.01 as compared to ff genotype) and at the spine (p < 0.05). No significant associations were found between ApaI, TaqI and BsmI polymorphisms and serum DHEAS or between FokI, ApaI, TaqI or BsmI and serum androstenedione, testosterone or estradiol. The study shows that the VDR gene predicts synthesis and/or metabolism of sexual steroid preursor DHEA in parallel with bone mineral density (BMD). The results indicate that DHEA production and bone mass share a common genetic control through VDR.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Homocysteine and steroids levels in metformin treated women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

UNLABELLED: Risk for atherosclerosis is increased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Homocysteine (Hcy) is one of the independent risk factors for ischemic heart disease. We examined the effect of metformin (M) treatment on Hcy levels, steroids and glycide tolerance in PCOS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 9 women with PCOS (defined as hyperandrogenemia and chronic anovulation); age 20 +/- 3.8 yrs, BMI 28.1 +/- 6.5 kg/m(2); examined in the follicular phase of spontaneous menstrual cycle before and after 27 +/- 4 weeks of treatment with M 1000 mg/day. The plasma concentrations of Hcy, DHEA, DHEA-S, cortisol (F), allopregnanolone (HPO), 17OHpregnenolone (17OHPl), insulin (I) and blood glucose (G) before and after the course of M were measured. RESULTS: After the course of M, Hcy significantly increased (10.1 +/- 2.6 to 13.4 +/- 5.1 micromol/l, p < 0.05.). There was no significant change in levels of I, HPO, F, DHEA-S and 17OHPl. DHEA levels increased significantly (from 26.9 +/- 15.7 to 44.4 +/- 24.6 nmol/l, p < 0.05). A borderline significant trend towards reduction in waist-hip ratio was seen (from 0.986 +/- 0.042 to 0.951 +/- 0.085; p < 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with metformin in women with PCOS can lead to the increase in homocysteine levels--a risk factor for atherosclerosis.

17-alpha-Hydroxypregnenolone↗
PubMed2002

A multicentre, randomised phase III trial comparing protracted venous infusion (PVI) 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with PVI 5-FU plus mitomycin C in patients with inoperable oesophago-gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: This randomised study compared protracted venous infusion (PVI) fluorouracil (5-FU) with PVI 5-FU plus mitomycin C (MMC) in patients with advanced oesophago-gastric cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-four patients with adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or undifferentiated carcinoma involving the oesophagus, oesophago-gastric junction or the stomach were randomised. The major end points were tumour response, survival, toxicity and quality of life. RESULTS: The median age of patients treated was 72 years and the two arms were well-balanced for baseline demographic factors. The overall response rate was 16.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 9.5% to 22.7%] in patients treated with PVI 5-FU alone compared with 19.1% (95% CI 12.0% to 26.0%) for those treated with PVI 5-FU plus MMC (P = 0.555). Median time to treatment failure was 3.9 months for PVI 5-FU and 3.8 months for PVI 5-FU plus MMC (P = 0.195). Median survival was 6.3 months for PVI 5-FU and 5.3 months for PVI 5-FU plus MMC (P = 1.0). Toxicity was mild for both treatments. Symptomatic benefit measured by improvement in pain control, weight loss, dysphagia and oesophageal reflux was observed in over 64% of patients in each arm. Quality of life scores were comparable in each arm. CONCLUSIONS: PVI 5-FU is a safe, effective form of palliation for patients with advanced oesophago-gastric cancer although the addition of MMC adds little extra benefit.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Insulin sensitivity in non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome during treatment with oral contraceptives containing low-androgenic progestin.

BACKGROUND: Combined oral contraceptives (COC) effectively suppress hyperandrogenism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), though deterioration of insulin sensitivity during treatment is assumed. The study aim was to investigate insulin action and androgen production during treatment with COC containing low-androgenic progestin. METHODS: A total of 13 PCOS women and nine controls was enrolled into the study. Only non-obese women with a body mass index (BMI) <or=30 kg/m(2) were included. Hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp techniques were performed before and after 6 months of treatment with a monophasic COC containing norgestimate. RESULTS: Anthropometric parameters [BMI, waist:hip ratio (WHR)] remained unaltered during the study in both groups. No deterioration in glucose disposal rate (M), insulin sensitivity index (ISI) or metabolic clearance rate of glucose (MCRG) was observed during treatment in PCOS subjects. Fasting glucose decreased significantly (P < 0.01), but fasting insulin remained unchanged. Significant decreases in concentrations of testosterone (P < 0.001), androstenedione (P < 0.01) and dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (P < 0.001), a decrease in the free androgen index, and an increase in concentrations of sex hormone-binding globulin were found in PCOS subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The norgestimate-containing COC significantly decreased androgen production and concentrations of free androgens, without reducing insulin sensitivity in non-obese PCOS subjects.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

The conformation of the mature dimeric human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RNA genome requires packaging of pol protein.

The packaging of a mature dimeric RNA genome is an essential step in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication. We have previously shown that overexpression of a protease (PR)-inactive HIV-1 Gag-Pro-Pol precursor protein generates noninfectious virions that contain mainly monomeric RNA (M. Shehu-Xhilaga, S. M. Crowe, and J. Mak, J. Virol. 75:1834-1841, 2001). To further define the contribution of HIV-1 Gag and Gag-Pro-Pol to RNA maturation, we analyzed virion RNA dimers derived from Gag particles in the absence of Gag-Pro-Pol. Compared to wild-type (WT) dimeric RNAs, these RNA dimers have altered mobility and low stability under electrophoresis conditions, suggesting that the HIV-1 Gag precursor protein alone is not sufficient to stabilize the dimeric virion RNA structure. The inclusion of an active viral PR, without reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase (IN), rescued the stability of the virion RNA dimers in the Gag particles but did not restore the mobility of the RNAs, suggesting that RT and IN are also required for virion RNA dimer maturation. Thin-section electron microscopy showed that viral particles deficient in RT and IN contain empty cone-shaped cores. The abnormal core structure indicates a requirement for Gag-Pro-Pol packaging during core maturation. Supplementing viral particles with either RT or IN via Vpr-RT or Vpr-IN alone did not correct the conformation of the dimer RNAs, whereas expression of both RT and IN in trans as a Vpr-RT-IN fusion restored RNA dimer conformation to that of the WT virus and also restored the electron-dense, cone-shaped virion core characteristic of WT virus. Our data suggest a role for RT-IN in RNA dimer conformation and the formation of the electron-dense viral core.

Cell Line↗
PubMed2002

Prediction of the effect of metformin treatment in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

The objective of the study was to find predictors of a successful therapy with metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome. 24 women with polycystic ovary syndrome were examined (oral glucose tolerance test and gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue test) before and after a 6-month course of metformin (1 g/day). In 58% of the women, a significant improvement in the menstrual cycle pattern was observed. After a treatment course, a significant reduction in gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue stimulated levels of testosterone (p < 0.05), free testosterone index (p < 0.01), luteinizing hormone (p < 0.05), and estradiol (p < 0.01) was found. The best prediction of the improvement in menstrual cyclicity after metformin was achieved with a combination of basal values of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, and androstenedione. These variables correctly classified 86.7% of the responders. The best predictor of changes in the index of free testosterone after metformin treatment was the combination of estradiol and androstenedione in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue test, with basal testosterone correctly classifying 91.7% of the subjects.

Female↗
PubMed2002

Prediction of insulin sensitivity in nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

UNLABELLED: Insulin resistance is a frequent (although not constant) abnormality in both obese and nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It plays a key role in the predisposition to type 2 diabetes, which is the most important health consequence of the syndrome. Identification of patients with insulin resistance is significant both for follow-up and for therapeutic reasons. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationships between insulin sensitivity, measured by euglycemic clamp, and both endocrine and metabolic indices and to identify the best model for predicting insulin sensitivity. A total of 41 nonobese women fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for PCOS were enrolled in the study. None of the androgens correlated with the insulin sensitivity index. All clamp parameters correlated with SHBG, triglycerides, and body mass index, although no correlation was found with waist to hip ratio or waist circumference. The close relationship between insulin sensitivity and SHBG was documented by factor analysis and by its presence in all prediction models as the most significant (or even the single) predictor of the insulin sensitivity index. IN CONCLUSION: 1) a decreased level of SHBG can be used as a single reliable parameter in the prediction of insulin sensitivity in nonobese women with PCOS; and 2) waist to hip ratio, waist circumference, and androgen concentrations have no predictive value.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[C-peptide as the decisive factor for classification of type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus].

OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to seek, based on defined groups of diabetics, C-peptide levels on fasting and after stimulation which would help to differentiate diabetes mellitus type 1 from diabetes mellitus type 2 in patients with manifestation of diabetes in adult age. GROUPS: Group A comprised 65 non-obese diabetics type 2 with failure of PAD treatment. Group B included 304 newly manifested diabetics type 1 and 2 aged 31-65 years. Group C was formed by 424 patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2 with different duration of diabetes. RESULTS: Group A: mean C-peptide levels on fasting 0.32 and after stimulation with a standard breakfast 0.59 pmol/ml suggest absolute insulin deficiency in type 2 diabetics with failure of PAD treatment. Group B: 29.2% diabetics type 1 had already during manifestation of diabetes C-peptide levels on fasting < 0.43 pmol/ml and 47.9% C-peptide of < 0.6 after a meal. There were 1.9 and 4.9% subjects among type 2 diabetics with such low C-peptide levels. After a six-year follow up the mean C-peptide levels on fasting declined in type 1 diabetics from 0.49 to 0.16 pmol/ml and in patients originally with type 2 diabetes reclassified to type 1 the levels dropped from 0.56 to 0.26 pmol/ml. Group C served as the basic group for statistically (linear regression method) detected discrimination values of C-peptide differentiating diabetes mellitus type 1 and diabetes mellitus type 2--the liminal value being 0.59 pmol/ml on fasting and 1.0 pmol/ml after a meal. CONCLUSION: In clinical practice it is not possible to assess reliably slowly manifesting diabetes type 1 (LADA by age, BMI and compensation of diabetes. Positivity of antiGAD antibodies does not rule out diabetes mellitus type 1. In unequivocal cases the decisive factor is therefore the C-peptide level on fasting and after a meal.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Cannabinoids reduce levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease: a pilot study.

The lateral segment of the globus pallidus (GPl) is thought to be overactive in levodopa-induced dyskinesia in PD. Stimulation of cannabinoid receptors in the GPl reduces gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) reuptake and enhances GABA transmission and may thus alleviate dyskinesia. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial (n = 7), the authors demonstrate that the cannabinoid receptor agonist nabilone significantly reduces levodopa-induced dyskinesia in PD.

Aged↗