Homocysteine as a non-classical risk factor for atherosclerosis in relation to pharmacotherapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Aims: The aim of our study was to evaluate which of the pharmacotherapeutic methods that are frequently used to treat type 2 diabetes is associated with the most beneficial profile in relation to pro-atherogenic homocysteine levels.

Patients And Methods: We measured the serum homocysteine level in 182 patients with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin (89), treated with insulin in combination with metformin (31), receiving sulfonylureas (31) and treated conventionally with insulin (31). The total homocysteine levels in the serum were assayed.

The Impact of Pharmacotherapy of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 Secretion.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of pharmacotherapy of diabetes on atherosclerosis, as reflected in interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 serum levels.

Methods: We studied patients with type 2 diabetes, treated with metformin, insulin combined with metformin and conventional insulin. IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 serum levels were assayed using BD™ Cytometric Bead Array.

Alpha-lipoic acid modifies circulating angiogenic factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Aims: In recent years interest has been focused on angiogenesis as a process involved in coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetic distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN). Recent studies have demonstrated the possible angiogenesis-modulating potential of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) for DSPN and CAD. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of ALA on serum angiogenic factors in patients with DM-2 (type 2 diabetes) with CAD and DSPN.

Increased circulating RANTES in type 2 diabetes.

Aim: The pro-atherogenic role of RANTES, a chemokine expressing pleiotropic activities, in the course of type 2 diabetes-related atherosclerosis has been well documented. However, it is not known which of the diabetes-related factors primarily influence serum RANTES levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Our aim was to investigate relationships between several factors known to be related to an increased risk of atherosclerosis and serum RANTES levels in type 2 diabetic patients.

Circulating monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and angiogenin in type 2 diabetic patients treated with statins in low doses.

Statins are known as agents promoting a biphasic dose-dependent effect on angiogenesis under experimental conditions. Dysregulation of angiogenesis plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis and it may be affected by metabolic factors. The aim of this research was to explain how low doses of statins modify serum concentrations of pro-angiogenic factors MCP-1 and angiogenin in type 2 diabetic patients.

Statins in low doses reduce VEGF and bFGF serum levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background/aims: Recent experimental research revealed that statins at low doses induce angiogenesis, which in turn may be related to the course of atherosclerosis. There are no clinical studies evaluating the effect of 'low-dose' statins on serum levels of angiogenesis regulators in diabetic subjects. We aimed to explain how low doses of statins modify the serum concentrations of two potent proangiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), in patients with type 2 diabetes.