Serum anti-collagen type IV IgM antibodies and development of diabetic nephropathy in diabetics with essential hypertension.

Introduction And Aims: Arterial hypertension and diabetic vascular complications are connected with an elevated degradation of elastic tissue. This process leads to an increased production of antibodies to collagen type IV (ACIV Abs). In the present investigation we studied whether the serum levels of antibodies (IgG, IgM and IgA) to collagen are related with microvascular complications.

Abnormal levels of age-elastin derived peptides in sera of diabetic patients with arterial hypertension.

Introduction: An important factor in vascular wall alterations is degradation of elastic fiber major protein - elastin. As a result, elastin derived peptides (EDP) are found in circulation. Advanced glycation might also involve elastin, because it is a protein with slow metabolism.