The present study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of a new, highly purified (purity greater than 91%), ethyl esterification product from natural eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA-E, C20:5 omega 3) in patients with type II diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Hemodynamic changes were assessed at the level of the dorsalis pedis artery using an ultrasonic color Doppler duplex system before and after oral administration of EPA-E at a dose of 1800 mg/day for 48 weeks. The cross-sectional area of the dorsalis pedis artery increased significantly from 2.5 +/- 0.2 to 3.9 +/- 0.4 mm2 (48 weeks, mean +/- SE, p < 0.05). Moreover, EPA-E improved the clinical symptom (coldness, numbness) as well as the vibration perception threshold sense of the lower extremities [from 32.1 +/- 8.5 to 16.1 +/- 4.8 (48 weeks) microns]. A significant decrease of serum triglycerides was also noted by EPA-E administration. Furthermore, significant decrease of the excretion of albumin in urine [from 24.4 +/- 3.3 to 13.9 +/- 1.8 (48 weeks) mg/g.Cr, p < 0.05]. The results of this study suggest that EPA-E has significant beneficial effects on diabetic neuropathy and serum lipids as well as other diabetic complications such as nephropathy and macroangiopathy.

Adult↗

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Analysis of human interleukin-5 gene transcription by T cell clones and hybridomas.

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Cell Line↗

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The search for a potent DNA vaccine against AIDS: the enhancement of immunogenicity by chemical and genetic adjuvants.

DNA vaccination is a new way to generate antigen specific immune responses by inoculating plasmid DNA encoding microbial genes. We believe that the use of immunologic adjuvants together with DNA vaccines is a promising way to enhance and optimize DNA-derived immunity. Various chemical and genetic adjuvants have been explored in our recent study. Data from these studies suggests that adjuvants exert their immunomodulatory properties through several mechanisms such as lymphoid cells recruitment, cytokine induction, and the facilitation of DNA entry into cells. Furthermore, each adjuvant has unique immunomodulatory effects on cell-mediated and humoral immune responses induced by DNA vaccination to human immunodeficiency virus type 1. To optimize the desirable immune response, the choice of adjuvant and decision of immunization route are important considerations. A similar approach may be useful potentiating anticancer immunotherapy as well.

AIDS Vaccines↗

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Restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

BACKGROUND: The effect of glycemic control on the incidence of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) has not been well analysed. METHODS: Out of 1282 consecutive patients who had undergone elective and successful PTCA over 8 years, 86 known to have NIDDM and 117 non-diabetic cases were analysed for restenosis following PTCA. Definition of restenosis is an increase from 50% to 75% diameter stenosis at the same lesion within 1 year after angioplasty. Those with familial hypercholesterolemia, renal failure, unstable angina pectoris, bypass graft surgery within 1 month were excluded. Blood pressure, body mass index, history of smoking, fasting blood glucose, post-prandial glucose, HbA1c, cholesterol, triglycerides, number of stenotic vessels, restenosis rate were studied - 6 months before PTCA and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after PTCA. RESULTS: The frequency of restenosis within 1 year of PTCA was significantly greater in poorly controlled NIDDM (75%) than in well or moderately controlled NIDDM (30-40%) or non-diabetic subjects (33%). Multivariate analysis showed that the degree of control of diabetes was significantly correlated with restenosis. CONCLUSION: Restenosis following elective and successive PTCA was significantly more frequent in poorly controlled NIDDM compared with moderately or well-controlled NIDDM or non-diabetic subjects. Multivariate analysis also showed the significant correlation between restenosis and glycemic control. These findings indicate that control of diabetes plays an important role in reducing restenosis after PTCA.

Aged↗