The Review of Diabetic Studies

Anti-Inflammatory Properties of C-Peptide

Jaime Haidet
Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes Mellitus, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Vincenza Cifarelli, Massimo Trucco, Patrizia Luppi
Division of Immunogenetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

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 Cpeptide 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 antiinflammatory properties in models of endotoxic shock and type 1 diabetes-associated encephalopathy. Given the antiinflammatory properties of C-peptide, one may speculate dual hormone replacement therapy with both insulin and Cpeptide in patients with type 1 diabetes may be warranted in the future to decrease morbidity and mortality in this population.

Keywords
type 1 diabetes · C-peptide · endothelial dysfunction · inflammation · vascular smooth muscle cells · NF-κB,.

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Editor

Demosthenes Panagiotakos
MD, PhD

Abbreviation Title

Rev Diabet Stud

Frequency

Quarterly