Skin autofluorescence provides additional information to the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) risk score for the estimation of cardiovascular prognosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) risk engine has become a standard for cardiovascular risk assessment in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Skin autofluorescence was recently introduced as an alternative tool for cardiovascular risk assessment in diabetes. We investigated the prognostic value of skin autofluorescence for cardiovascular events in combination with the UKPDS risk engine in a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes managed in primary care.

METHODS

Clinical, UKPDS risk engine and skin autofluorescence data were obtained at baseline in 2001-2002 in the type 2 diabetes group (n = 973). Follow-up data concerning fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events (primary endpoint) were obtained till 2005. Patients were classified as 'low risk' when their 10 year UKPDS risk score for fatal cardiovascular events was <10%, and 'high risk' if >10%. Skin autofluorescence was measured non-invasively with an autofluorescence reader. Skin autofluorescence was classified by the median (i.e. low risk < median, high risk > median).

RESULTS

The incidence of cardiovascular events was 119 (44 fatal, 75 non-fatal). In multivariate analysis, skin autofluorescence, age, sex and diabetes duration were predictors for the primary endpoint. Addition of skin autofluorescence information to that from the UKPDS risk engine resulted in re-classification of 55 of 203 patients from the low-risk to the high-risk group. The 10 year cardiovascular event rate was higher in patients with a UKPDS score >10% when skin autofluorescence was above the median (55.8% vs 38.9%).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Skin autofluorescence provides additional information to the UKPDS risk engine which can result in risk re-classification of a substantial number of patients. It furthermore identifies patients who have a particularly high risk for developing cardiovascular events.

[Relatively poor regulation of blood pressure in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus in the primary care setting and specialists' practice in the Netherlands]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the degree to which the goals for adequate blood-pressure control in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are met in Dutch specialists' practice and in the primary-care setting.

DESIGN

Cross sectional.

METHOD

Data were collected from all consecutive patients with DM type 2 visiting the outpatient clinic of two physicians specialised in diabetes care, in Zwolle, the Netherlands, in the period 1 November 1999-30 April 2000. The target value for blood pressure was < or = 150/85 mmHg. In addition, baseline data were collected on patients in the primary-care setting who participated in a transmural project in Zwolle in the period 1 February 1997-31 January 1998. In 1998, the target blood pressure in the primary-care setting was < or = 160/90 mmHg. Patients who met the goals for adequate blood-pressure control were compared with patients who did not.

RESULTS

A total of 502 patients from specialists' practice and 1084 patients from the primary-care setting were included. The prevalence of hypertension in specialists' practice was 89% (n = 377); of these patients, 140 (37%) had a good regulation of their blood pressure. The patients who had an adequate blood-pressure control and those who did not were comparable. Both groups were prescribed an average of 2.2 kinds of antihypertensive agent per patient. The prevalence of hypertension in the primary care was 69% (n = 733). The goal for adequate blood-pressure control, i.e. a blood pressure of < or = 160/90 mmHg, was achieved in 44% (n = 324). In the primary-care setting, an average of 1.1 kinds of antihypertensive agent was prescribed, 1.6 in patients who achieved the target value and 0.8 in those who did not (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Regulation of blood pressure in patients with type 2 DM and hypertension was far from optimal: 37% of patients in specialists' practice and 44% of those in the primary-care setting achieved the target values.

[Chromium and insulin resistance]

Since as early as the 50s of the last century, it has been known that chromium is essential for normal glucose metabolism. Too little chromium in the diet may lead to insulin resistance. However, there is still no standard against which chromium deficiency can be established. Nevertheless, chromium supplements are becoming increasingly popular. Various systematic reviews have been unable to demonstrate any effects of chromium on glycaemic regulation (possibly due partly to the low dosages used), but there is a slight reduction in body weight averaging 1 kg. In a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial in a Chinese population with type-2 diabetes mellitus, supplementation with 1000 micrograms of chromium led to a fall in the glycosylated haemoglobin level (HbA1c) by 2%. Toxic effects of chromium are seldom seen; recently, however, the safety of one of the dosage forms of chromium, chromium picolinate, has been questioned. One should be aware that individual patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus may have an increased risk of hypoglycaemic episodes when taking chromium supplements as self-medication.

Genetic polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin system and complications of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) have a high risk of developing diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy and cardiovascular diseases. The contribution of gene polymorphisms of the renin angiotensin system to these complications is controversial and may differ among populations.

METHODS

In 257 Dutch IDDM patients (188 with urinary albumin excretion (UAE) <30 mg/24 h), logistic regression analysis was used to study the relationships among, on the one hand, the insertion/deletion gene polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene (ACE-ID), the M235T gene polymorphism of the angiotensinogen gene (AGT-M235T), and the A1166C gene polymorphism of the angiotensin type 1 receptor gene (AT1-A1166C), and, on the other hand, UAE, retinopathy, hypertension, and coronary heart disease.

RESULTS

The T-allele of the AGT-M235T polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of an elevated UAE (odds ratio (OR) 3.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-8.61), but only when interaction with the D-allele of the ACE-ID polymorphism was considered. A previously described positive interaction between the T-allele of the AGT-M235T polymorphism and the D-allele of the ACE-ID polymorphism could not be confirmed. The T-allele was also associated with an increased risk of retinopathy (OR 3.89, 95% CI 1.79-8.47). The CC-genotype of the AT1-A1166C polymorphism was associated with hypertension (OR 3.58; 95% CI 1. 23-10.37).

CONCLUSIONS

In a Dutch IDDM population, including 69 patients with (incipient) diabetic nephropathy, the T-allele of the AGT-M235T polymorphism is associated with an elevated UAE and diabetic retinopathy and the CC-genotype of the AT1-A1166C polymorphism is associated with hypertension. A previously described interaction between the AGT-M235T and the ACE-ID polymorphisms could not be confirmed. Since the number of nephropathic patients in this study is small, these conclusions must be interpreted with caution.

Diabetes nephropathy in the Netherlands: a cost effectiveness analysis of national clinical guidelines

BACKGROUND

In the Netherlands a program on quality assurance in medical care has started in 1996. Clinical professionals, patient organizations and health services researchers formulate evidence based guidelines with a concomitant cost-effectiveness analysis.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the cost-effectiveness of guideline recommendations for prevention of nephropathy in diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2.

RESEARCH DESIGN

A semi-Markov compartment model was developed. Data from international publications on epidemiological surveys and randomized trials, together with national data on health care use and costs, were used to feed the model. A cohort of diabetes patients without renal disease enters the model.

MEASURES

Complication (end-stage renal disease) free years, QALY's, and life-time medical costs per patient treated according to guideline recommendations or current anti-diabetic strategy.

RESULTS

Guideline treatment for type 1 diabetes yields 4.2 complication free life years, at a cost-effectiveness ratio of 13 500 (Dutch guilders) NLG per QALY. Type 2 diabetes patients gain 0.2 complication free life years at a cost-effectiveness ratio of 31 000 NLG per QALY.

CONCLUSION

Guideline development for diabetes nephropathy, with concomitant cost-effectiveness calculations, has resulted in a transparent guideline with explicit information on long-term cost and effects. The project has brought health care providers and health services researchers together.

A comparison of repaglinide and glibenclamide in the treatment of type 2 diabetic patients previously treated with sulphonylureas

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of repaglinide, a novel oral prandial glucose regulator, with that of glibenclamide, an oral hypoglycaemic agent, in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

This was a 14-week, double-blind, parallel-group trail in which a total of 195 type 2 diabetic patients treated with oral hypoglycaemic agents were randomized to receive either repaglinide, administered preprandially three times daily, or glibenclamide, given preprandially once or twice daily, as per manufacturer's recommendations.

RESULTS

By the end of the study, the 2-h postprandial blood glucose values were lower in the repaglinide group than in the glibenclamide group, with the difference approaching statistical significance (repaglinide, 8.1 (0.6) mol x l(-1) vs glibenclamide, 9.1 (0.6)mmol x l(-1); P = 0.07). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean blood glucose level at the end of the study between the two groups (repaglinide, 7.1 (0.5) mmol x l(-1) vs glibenclamide, 7.4 (0.5) mmol x l(-1); P = 0.42), and baseline HbA1c values had decreased to the same degree in both the repaglinide [7.8% (0.1%) to 7.5% 0.1%)] and the glibenclamide groups [8.0 (0.1%) to 7.6 (0.1%)]. There are no significant differences between the repaglinide and glibenclamide treatment groups in the levels of fasting blood glucose, fructosamine, fasting C-peptide, insulin and proinsulin. Neither treatment group showed any clinically significant changes in blood lipid profiles. Repaglinide and glibenclamide were both well tolerated. No significant differences were observed between the two treatment groups with respect to adverse events, including hypoglycaemic episodes and weight change. No accumulation of repaglinide was apparent during the maintenance period.

CONCLUSION

Repaglinide is as well tolerated as glibenclamide and is equally effective in the management of type 2 diabetes. Repaglinide may, however, offer an improvement in postprandial blood glucose control compared with glibenclamide, thereby helping to reduce the relative long-term risk of diabetic complications.

Longitudinal study on glycaemic control and quality of life in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus referred for intensified control

AIM

The aim of our study was to describe investigate and association between improved glycaemic control on quality of life (QoL) during 1 year of treatment in a sample of 94 Type 2 diabetic patients referred for insulin therapy to an outpatient department (OPD). Treatment was aimed at achieving acceptable glycaemic control by means of maximizing oral therapy, if necessary switching over to insulin therapy, and information and education provided by a diabetes specialist nurse and dietitian.

METHODS

QoL was measured using a disease-specific (Diabetes Health Profile (DHP)) and a generic questionnaire (RAND-36). After 1 year the medical examination and QoL measurements were repeated. The association between 1-year changes in QoL and achievement of good metabolic control (final glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) < or = 8%), switch to insulin therapy, and presence of hyperglycaemic complaints at baseline was analysed after adjustment for appropriate confounders.

RESULTS

After 1 year, mean HbA1c was reduced from 10.4% to 7.8%. Also QoL improved in the total group. Patients who achieved good glycaemic control after 1 year (61%) improved in a similar manner as the others. Patients switched over to insulin (65%) improved in a similar manner as the others, but at the final examination they experienced more problems with social functioning and pain. Patients with hyperglycaemic complaints at baseline (49%) improved more in QoL than those without, especially in physical functioning, vitality and health change, but at the final examination still scored lower on a majority of the DHP and RAND-36 dimensions.

CONCLUSION

Symptoms of hyperglycaemia predict the strength of an association between improvements of glycaemic control and QoL.

von Willebrand factor (vWf) as a plasma marker of endothelial activation in diabetes: improved reliability with parallel determination of the vWf propeptide (vWf:AgII)

Elevated plasma von Willebrand factor (vWf) levels are found in diabetes and other vasculopathies, and predict cardiovascular mortality. vWf is stored and released from endothelial cell secretory granules, along with equimolar amounts of its propeptide (vWf:AgII). In the present study, we examined plasma propeptide levels as a marker of endothelial secretion in vivo, using an ELISA based on monoclonal antibodies. vWf but not propeptide levels are influenced by blood groups, explaining in part the smaller variation in plasma propeptide levels among normal individuals. In both controls and insulin-dependent diabetic patients, we found a close correlation between propeptide and immunoreactive vWf levels (r2=0.54, p <0.0001). vWf and propeptide were elevated in patient subgroups with microalbuminuria or overt diabetic nephropathy, whereas only the propeptide was significantly elevated in the normoalbuminuric subgroup. This observation suggests that in conjunction with vWf, propeptide measurements may improve the identification of endothelial activation, which occurs frequently even without increased urinary albumin excretion. In 12 NIDDM patients, a 3-week diet enriched in monounsaturated fat (MUFA) resulted in parallel decreases in vWf (-22%, p <0.05) and propeptide (-17%, p <0.05) levels, indicating that the experimental diet affected endothelial secretion rather than vWf catabolism. A carbohydrate-enriched control diet did not significantly influence either marker. Our results suggest that concomitant determinations of plasma vWf and propeptide are useful tools to assess endothelial activation in vivo, and reinforce our previous conclusion that a diet rich in MUFA can improve endothelial function in NIDDM.

Hypertensive patients and diabetes: a high-risk population

Rising worldwide rates of diabetes mellitus heighten the need to maintain adequate metabolic control in diabetic patients and to control for other cardiovascular risk factors, such as lipid profile disturbances, high blood pressure, and smoking habits. This is especially the case in diabetic patients who also present with hypertension, a co-morbid state that is present in at least 50% of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic patients. Cardiovascular disease is present in 75% of all diabetes-related deaths, and the concomitant condition of diabetes and hypertension is believed to act synergistically on elevating the risk for cardiovascular disease. A number of trials have demonstrated a greater incidence of cardiovascular disease end points in diabetic hypertensive patients than in diabetic normotensive patients. Furthermore, hypertension is associated not only with an increased risk for cardiovascular mortality but also for microvascular complications in patients with diabetes. Adequate treatment of high blood pressure is imperative in these patients. The effectiveness of antihypertensive treatment can be measured not only by the degree of reduction in blood pressure but also by assessment of the effects on urinary albumin excretion rate. It is assumed that the greater the reduction in urinary albumin excretion rate, the greater the renoprotective effect. Treatment choices should be evidence-based, i.e., physicians should concentrate not only on the treatment of hypertension but also on improving glycemic control and lipid profile disorders, when necessary. When viewed in this regard, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, low-dose diuretics, and in some cases beta-blockers, should be considered agents of choice in hypertensive diabetic patients.

[Differences between diabetes mellitus type 2 patients switched and not switched over to insulin treatment after specialist consultation]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the characteristics of patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 who were referred to an outpatient department for insulin therapy.

SETTING

Hospital De Weezenlanden, Department of Internal Medicine, Zwolle, the Netherlands.

DESIGN

Descriptive.

METHOD

Referred patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 visited a diabetes team consisting of internist, diabetes specialist nurse, dietician, and ophthalmologist. After maximizing oral therapy according to the dosage scheme of the national guidelines of the Dutch College of General Practitioners, patients were switched over to insulin therapy if glycaemic regulation remained poor. After improvement and stabilisation of glucose values, patients were discharged to their general practitioners. Initial baseline characteristics of those who were switched over to insulin therapy within 6 months and those who were not were compared.

RESULTS

Forty-eight men and 51 women were included. Mean age was 61.2 years (SD: 10.9) (range: 31-84) with a mean duration of diabetes of 8.9 years (SD: 8.3). Oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA) had been used for 6.7 years (SD: 5.4). Mean glycohaemoglobin content was 10.4% (SD: 2.7) and 47 patients had hyperglycaemic complaints at baseline. Patients switched over to insulin within six months (n = 60; 61%) differed significantly from the non-insulin group (n = 38) in glycohaemoglobin (10.9% (SD: 2.5) versus 9.6% (SD: 3.0)), duration OHA use (7.7 years (SD: 5.6) versus 5.0 years (SD: 4.5)), and body mass index (26.5 kg/m2 (SD: 3.9) versus 29.1 kg/m2 (SD: 5.6)). In women, only the body mass index was significantly different. Main reasons for not switching over to insulin were achieving acceptable control by optimizing OHA, education by diabetes specialist nurse and dietician, treatment of underlying disease or acceptable glycohaemoglobin percentage at baseline. Within six months 62 patients (63%) were discharged to their general practitioners.

CONCLUSION

Referral to secondary care led to improved glycaemic control through maximizing oral therapy, education by the diabetes specialist nurse and dietician, switching over to insulin and diagnosis and treatment of underlying disease.

The renal response to exogenous insulin in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in relation to blood pressure and cardiovascular hormonal status

BACKGROUND

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is characterized by insulin resistance hyperinsulinaemia and a high frequency of hypertension. It has recently been shown that insulin exerts a sodium-retaining effect, which is preserved in NIDDM: We sought to determine whether insulin affected renal sodium handling differently in hypertensive and normotensive NIDDM patients.

METHODS

After a baseline period of 2 h, eight normotensive (N-) NIDDM patients and eight NIDDM patients with hypertension (H-) underwent a euglycaemic clamp with infusion of two sequential doses of insulin (50 and 500 mU/kg/h) or vehicle (time control) during 2-h periods each. Fractional clearances of sodium and lithium were determined according to standard methods. Fractional lithium clearance was used to assess segmental tubular sodium handling.

RESULTS

Insulin induced similar decrements in fractional sodium excretion (N-NIDDM: 43+/-5.9 and 57+/-9.1%,H-N IDDM: 48+/-16.4 and 62+/-12.5%, low and high insulin dose respectively). Distal tubular sodium absorption increased simultaneously. A fall in fractional proximal sodium reabsorption was observed in N-NIDDM (4.4+/-2.7 and 29.8+/-5.1%, low and high insulin dose respectively), which was attenuated in H-NIDDM (-5.0+/-7.3 and -2.1+/-13.9% respectively). The latter appeared to be related to a defective atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and renal cyclic GMP response. A modest decrease in blood pressure occurred during insulin infusion that was not related to changes in ANF or FeLi.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that insulin-induced sodium retention may contribute to hypertension in NIDDM if the homeostatic response to offset this effect fails.

Diurnal variation in glomerular charge selectivity, urinary albumin excretion and blood pressure in insulin-dependent diabetic patients

The urinary albumin excretion rate (AER) in a subgroup of patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) steadily increases. In these patients a concomitant reduction of the glomerular charge selectivity index (SI) has been demonstrated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether diurnal variation in AER could be related to a diurnal variation in SI and/or a diurnal blood pressure variation. Thirty-three patients with IDDM, 27 with normal albumin excretion (AER < 20 micrograms/min; group D(o)) and six with incipient nephropathy (AER from 20 to 200 micrograms/min; group DA), were studied. AER and SI (renal clearance ratio of total-IgG/IgG4) were measured in three different urine collecting periods: period A (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.), period B (12:00 a.m. to bedtime) and period C (bedtime to 8:00 a.m.). A significant increase in SI was seen during the nighttime: period A, 1.6 (0.2 to 3.8; mean, range); period B, 1.7 (0.3 to 3.0); and period C, 2.0 (0.2 to 4.0); P = 0.01. Corresponding to this observation, an overall significant decrease in AER was found: period A, 10 (3 to 137) micrograms/min (median, range); period B, 8 (3 to 84) micrograms/min; and period C, 5 (0 to 78) micrograms/min; P < 0.001. In all three sampling periods a negative correlation was found between AER and SI. When group D(o) was analyzed alone, the results were similar. Diurnal variation in blood pressure was significantly positively correlated with AER in group DA, but was not correlated to variation in AER in D(o). We suggest that in normoalbuminuric IDDM patients diurnal variation in AER is related to diurnal variation in SI.

Urinary epidermal growth factor excretion is correlated to renal function loss per se and not to the degree of diabetic renal failure

Urinary epidermal growth factor (EGF) excretion is seen as a marker of tubular function, and some studies conclude that EGF excretion can already be reduced early in the development of diabetic renal disease. It is even suggested that EGF could play a role in kidney and glomerular enlargement and hypertrophy in diabetic subjects. We have investigated various groups of subjects, namely healthy controls (n = 5), patients with non-diabetic chronic renal insufficiency (n = 10), and normoalbuminuric (n = 9), microalbuminuric (n = 13) and nephropathic (n = 9) insulin-dependent diabetic subjects. In all subjects glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) were measured using a continuous infusion of 125I-iothalamate and 131I-hippuran, respectively. Diabetic subjects were tested during (near) normoglycaemic conditions. During the renal function test urine was collected for EGF measurement (in ng). With lower GFR values, EGF excretion/min was also lower. GFR correlated well with EGF/min (r = 0.63, p < 0.001). Fractional EGF clearance (EGF/GFR) was comparable in all groups. There was no correlation between urinary albumin excretion rate and EGF excretion in the diabetic subjects (r = -0.18, n.s.) and in all subjects (r = -0.12, n.s.). There was a significant correlation between UAER and GFR (r = -0.51, p < 0.005). No significant correlation could be found between urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) and EGF/GFR (r = -0.07, n.s.).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of cilazapril on glucose tolerance and lipid profile in hypertensive patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Hypertension frequently complicates diabetes mellitus and is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular and microvascular complications. Angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are effective antihypertensive agents and it has been suggested that they may improve glucose tolerance. We performed a double-blind, randomized study comparing treatment for 8 weeks with cilazapril, a new ACE inhibitor, or placebo on metabolic variables in 22 hypertensive non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients. At week 8 no significant changes in fasting plasma glucose, fasting plasma insulin, haemoglobin A1 and plasma lipids had occurred. The areas under the glucose [placebo (mean +/- SD): 10.7 +/- 3.27 and 10.6 +/- 2.53; cilazapril: 11.9 +/- 3.23 and 12.1 +/- 2.9 mmol/l per 180 min at 0 and 8 weeks, respectively] and insulin curve [placebo (median and range): 47.4 (31.4-165.1) and 65.3 (16.8-190.8); cilazapril: 51.1 (23.8-132.0) and 57.6 (29.0-150.1) mU/l per 180 min at 0 and 8 weeks, respectively] after a standardized oral liquid test meal were unaltered. A significant decrease in mean arterial blood pressure was observed after cilazapril (122 +/- 8.6 and 106 +/- 8.3 mmHg at 0 and 8 weeks, respectively), in contrast to placebo (122 +/- 6.7 and 120 +/- 6.9 mmHg at 0 and 8 weeks, respectively). In conclusion, cilazapril does not affect metabolic control in hypertensive NIDDM patients, whereas it effectively reduces blood pressure.

Effect of dietary fish oil on renal function and rejection in cyclosporine-treated recipients of renal transplants

BACKGROUND

Dietary fish oil exerts effects on renal hemodynamics and the immune response that may benefit renal-transplant recipients treated with cyclosporine. To evaluate this possibility, we studied the effect of fish oil on renal function, blood pressure, and the incidence of acute rejection episodes in cyclosporine-treated recipients of renal transplants.

METHODS

In a randomized, double-blind trial, 33 recipients of first cadaveric kidney transplants who were treated with cyclosporine and prednisolone ingested 6 g of fish oil daily during the first postoperative year (the fish-oil group), whereas another 33 renal-graft recipients treated with cyclosporine and prednisolone ingested 6 g of coconut oil daily for three months after which time it was stopped (the control group).

RESULTS

One year after transplantation, the fish-oil group had higher median values than the controls for glomerular filtration rate (53 vs. 40 ml per minute per 1.73 m2, P = 0.038) and effective renal plasma flow (214 vs. 178 ml per minute per 1.73 m2, P = 0.023) and lower mean arterial pressure (103 vs. 118 mm Hg, P = 0.0011). The cyclosporine doses in the two groups were similar. The cumulative number of rejection episodes was 20 in the controls, as compared with 8 in the fish-oil group (P = 0.029). One-year graft survival also tended to be better in the fish-oil group, (97 vs. 84 percent, P = 0.097).

CONCLUSIONS

The daily administration of 6 g of fish oil during the first postoperative year has a beneficial effect on renal hemodynamics and blood pressure in renal-transplant recipients treated with cyclosporine. Although the fish-oil group had significantly fewer rejection episodes than the control group, graft survival at one year was not significantly better in the fish-oil group.

Erythrocyte deformability, endothelin levels, and renal function in cyclosporin-treated renal transplant recipients: effects of intervention with fish oil and corn oil

Twenty nine stable renal transplant recipients, 10 receiving cyclosporin, 10 cyclosporin-prednisolone and nine azathioprine-prednisolone were supplemented in a double blind randomization cross-over study with fish oil and corn oil for a period of 4 months each. Erythrocyte deformability was reduced in the cyclosporin-treated patients and returned to normal values after supplementation of either oil. The oil supplementation resulted in an increased polyunsaturated fatty acid content in the plasma phospholipids. An increased erythrocyte membrane polyunsaturated fatty acid content might correct the lower erythrocyte deformability in cyclosporin treated patients. Therefore, it is probable that these changes are membrane-related. The oil supplementation had no effect on glomerular filtration rate, effective renal plasma flow, filtration fraction or blood pressure, which does not exclude effects of the cyclosporin-induced rigidified erythrocytes in the acute phase of renal transplantation. Decreased erythrocyte deformability could play a role in the cyclosporin-induced deterioration of renal haemodynamics. This may enhance the effects of endothelin, as these patients also had elevated endothelin levels.

Effect of changes in daily protein intake on renal function in chronic renal insufficiency: differences in reaction according to disease entity

Protein restriction is advocated in patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) in an attempt to slow down further renal function deterioration, with the most obvious effect in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis (GN) and diabetic nephropathy, and much less in other disease entities, such as adult polycystic kidney disease (APKD), tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) and nephrosclerosis (NS). The mechanism by which protein restriction slows down the progression of renal failure remains unclear. Decline of hyperfiltration has been implicated. Whether long-term protein restriction in patients with CRI is associated with a decrease in hyperfiltration is not clear. We studied the effects of prolonged protein intake variation (isocaloric diets in 4-week periods of low (goal: 30-40 g protein daily) and high protein intake (goal: 80-90 g daily) on renal function in 51 patients with CRI. Patients were divided into subgroups according to the underlying renal disease (GN, n = 17; APKD, n = 9; TIN, n = 12; NS, n = 13). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) were measured at the end of each study period. Overall, GFR rose from 39 (9-90) to 46 (9-100) ml/min/1.73 m2 (median and ranges, p < 0.01), and ERPF from 158 (39-558) to 171 (32-676) ml/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.01). GFR rose significantly in GN (15%, range -23 to 51%), APKD (5%, range -10 to 33%), and NS (8%, range -8 to 25%). ERPF only rose significantly in GN (14%, range -45 to 47%) and APKD (9%, range -9 to 25%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

No decreased erythrocyte deformability in type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes, either by filtration or by ektacytometry

A lower erythrocyte deformability, which causes impairment of the microcirculation, is postulated to contribute to diabetic organ complications. Erythrocyte deformability was measured in four groups of type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic subjects and 30 controls by filtration and ektacytometry. Twenty-five patients without organ complications, 21 with microalbuminuria, 13 with overt nephropathy and 12 with leg ulceration were studied. No decreased erythrocyte deformability was found in any of the diabetic groups with either technique, and neither did the total group of 71 diabetic subjects have a lower erythrocyte deformability when compared with the controls. In order to imitate local conditions in the kidney, erythrocyte deformability was also measured in hyperosmolar solutions. Again no differences were found between the diabetic groups separately or as a whole and the controls. Furthermore no correlation was found between erythrocyte deformability and the plasma glucose or glycosylated haemoglobin level.

Sustained renal function loss in psoriasis patients after withdrawal of low-dose cyclosporin therapy

Eight patients with psoriasis received low-dose cyclosporin (CyA) treatment for an average period of 12 months (range 4-16 months). There was great variability in minimal effective CyA dose. In 50% of the patients long-term treatment was limited by dose reductions necessitated by side-effects. A considerable impairment of renal function during CyA therapy was found. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) were measured with 125I-iothalamate and 131I-hippuran, respectively. Both at the end of the active treatment period (GFR-CyA and ERPF-CyA), and 4 months after withdrawal of CyA (GFR-4mo and ERPF-4mo), there was sustained renal impairment: GFR-BL = 97 (64-117), GFR-CyA reduction 17.8% (2.2-31.9%) [P < 0.02], GFR-4mo reduction = 9.8% (5.5-21.5%) ml/min/1.73 m2 (P < 0.05 vs. BL); ERPF-BL = 401 (232-607), ERPF-CyA reduction = 10.1% (7.4-27.3%) [P < 0.05], ERPF-4mo reduction = 13.5% (3.0-32.9%) ml/min/1.73 m2 (P < 0.02). Further studies of the effects on renal function during, and after, long-term therapy of psoriasis with low-dose CyA are warranted.

Acute hyperinsulinemia induces sodium retention and a blood pressure decline in diabetes mellitus

Hyperinsulinemia supposedly contributes to hypertension in diabetes mellitus. We sought to determine if the renal and cardiovascular effects of insulin are preserved in diabetes despite resistance to its glucose-lowering effect. We studied the effects of two doses of insulin (50 and 500 milliunits/kg.hr-1), using the euglycemic clamp technique, on fractional sodium excretion, blood pressure, and heart rate in two groups of non-insulin-dependent diabetics: eight patients with and eight patients without hypertension. Hypertensive diabetics had higher basal insulin levels than normotensive diabetics (21.8 +/- 2.9 and 14.4 +/- 1.6 milliunits/l, respectively [mean +/- SEM]; p = 0.03). The degree of insulin resistance, but not plasma insulin levels, correlated with the height of mean arterial blood pressure (r = 0.60 and 0.73 at the low and high insulin dose, respectively; p less than 0.05). In contrast, the change in mean arterial blood pressure correlated negatively with the change in endogenous insulin levels during the control experiment (r = -0.41, p less than 0.02). Exogenous insulin induced a similar reduction in fractional sodium excretion in normotensive and hypertensive diabetics (43 +/- 5.9% and 48 +/- 16.4% during the low insulin dose and 57 +/- 9.1% and 62 +/- 12.5% during the high insulin dose, respectively). A decline in blood pressure was noted that correlated with the whole body glucose uptake during the high insulin dose (r = 0.52, p less than 0.05). Since heart rate response and plasma norepinephrine level during the insulin clamp were comparable in both groups, an abnormality of the baroreceptor reflex is suggested. It appears that insulin resistance, but not insulin, is primarily related to hypertension. At the same time, insulin may still exert some effect on blood pressure by way of its renal or vasodilatory, or both, action.

The effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil on renal function and the course of early postoperative rejection episodes in cyclosporine-treated renal transplant recipients

In a randomized prospective coconut oil (daily 6g[63% C8:0 and 36% C10:0] [EPA-] [n = 48])-controlled trial, we investigated the effect of a one-month dietary supplementation with daily 6 g fish oil (30% C20:5 omega-3 and 20% C22:6 omega-3 as their methyl esthers [EPA+] [n = 40]) on the incidence and course of early postoperative rejection in 88 first cadaveric, cyclosporine-treated renal transplant recipients. At one month there were no differences in renal function and incidence of rejection episodes. When analyzed separately for rejection (re+) or nonrejection (re-), the rejecting and fish oil-treated patients showed a significant better recovery of renal function after a histologically confirmed rejection episode, creatinine clearance being 43 ml/min/1.73m2 in the EPA+re+group versus 27 ml/min/1.73 m2 in the EPA-re+group (P less than 0.05), and serum creatinine being 183 and 283 mumol/l (P less than 0.05), respectively. The prerejection renal function and the decline of renal function during the rejection episode did not differ significantly between the EPA+re+ and the EPA-re+ groups. The nonrejecting fish oil-treated patients showed no better renal function than the nonrejecting coconut oil-treated patients. However, cyclosporine trough levels were significantly higher in the fish oil-treated group (EPA+re- 251 versus EPA-re- 200 ng/ml [P less than 0.05]). From these results we conclude that dietary supplements with fish oil favorably influence renal function in the recovery phase following a rejection episode in cyclosporine-treated renal transplant recipients. We further conclude that one month after grafting there is no difference in the incidence of rejection episodes between the fish- and coconut oil-treated patients. The same holds true for renal function in the absence of rejection, and for the decline in renal function during a rejection episode.

[Effect of short-term use of omega-3-type polyunsaturated fatty acids in subjects with hypertriglyceridemia]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on lipid profile in hypertriglyceridaemic patients.

SETTING

General practice.

DESIGN

Prospective, double blind study of 12 weeks' duration.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eight patients received fish oil (1800 mg C20: 5 omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 1200 mg C22:6 omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Nine patients received corn oil (3000 mg C18: 2 omega-6 linoleic acid daily).

RESULTS

Lipid profile analysis showed a decrease in triglyceride levels after fish oil supplementation. An unexpected and unexplained finding was the rise in total cholesterol and LDH cholesterol with corn oil supplementation.

CONCLUSION

Fish oil causes a decrease in triglyceride levels in hypertriglyceridaemic patients.

[Increased risk of heart and vascular diseases in fisherman from Urk]

In order to assess physicians' preconceived ideas about unhealthy lifestyle of North Sea fishermen from Urk, the prevalence of five important risk factors for cardiovascular disease: hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, smoking, obesity and diabetes mellitus was determined in a cross-sectional study in this population. In addition, the use of the Primetest device, a newly developed desk top analyser, was evaluated. Out of 646 people invited at the community centre at Urk, Flevoland, 384 (59%) fishermen were investigated using Primetest, which contains an electronic sphygmomanometer and colometrically determines total cholesterol and glucose levels. 87 laboratory determinations (with HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride determinations) were used when Primetest cholesterol determination proved insufficiently reliable. Male cardiovascular mortality in Urk was also compared with mortality in the Netherlands. Hypertension prevalence (last of six readings) corresponded with that of the nearby town of Lelystad, 6% and 8% respectively. The average total:HDL-cholesterol ratio was not higher than recent values from elsewhere in the Netherlands. Fifty per cent of the fishermen had a high risk (ratio greater than 4.5). Of these, 18% had hypertriglyceridaemia (greater than or equal to 2.3 mmol/l). Smoking rates were very high (58%) and 60% had moderate to severe obesity (Body Mass Index greater than or equal to 26 kg/m2). 2% had diabetes mellitus, corresponding with the prevalence in the Netherlands. Absolute and proportional male cardiovascular mortality in Urk did not differ from the Netherlands.

CONCLUSION

two risk factors had a high prevalence among Urk fishermen. Blood pressure measurements and glucose determination with Primetest are simple and reliable. For technical reasons reliable cholesterol determination was not yet possible.

Blood and plasma viscosity in diabetes: possible contribution to late organ complications?

It has been postulated that an increased whole blood and plasma viscosity contribute to diabetic organ complications. Blood viscosity was measured in 30 controls and four groups of insulin-dependent diabetic patients at three shear rates: 70 sec-1, 0.5 sec-1 and 0.05 sec-1. Results were compared before and after correction for a haematocrit of 0.45. Twenty-five patients without organ complications, 21 with microalbuminuria, 13 with overt nephropathy and 12 patients with leg ulcerations were studied. Blood and plasma viscosity were normal in the patients without organ complications and with microalbuminuria. Plasma viscosity was significantly elevated in the diabetic patient with nephropathy and leg ulceration. After correction for haematocrit blood viscosity was also higher in these two groups, although this was only significant in the group with leg ulceration. In conclusion blood and plasma viscosity were only elevated in the patients with major organ complications and not in the patients without or with early complications. Therefore it is unlikely that an elevation of blood or plasma viscosity contributes early in the pathogenesis of diabetic organ damage.

The effect of angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibition on insulin action in healthy volunteers

Acute hyperinsulinaemia, achieving insulin levels within the physiological range, induces sodium retention. At the same time an activation of the renin-angiotensin system occurs, with a rise in plasma renin activity (PRA) and angiotensin-II level but no change in plasma aldosterone. After administration of higher, pharmacological doses of insulin an increase in systolic blood pressure and heart rate can also be observed, while further increases in PRA and angiotensin-II are noted. To determine whether angiotensin-II is involved in observed insulin actions, we studied the renal and cardiovascular effects of three dosages of insulin (50 (Ins I), 300 (Ins II) and 500 (Ins III) mU kg-1 h-1) in healthy subjects after one week of treatment with the angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril (10 mg twice a day), using the euglycaemic clamp technique. Control data were obtained from two previously conducted experiments in the same subjects, one with infusion of insulin and one with the insulin solvent only. The effect of insulin on fractional sodium excretion, blood pressure and heart rate was unaffected by enalapril, which precludes any involvement of the renin-angiotensin system with regard to these aspects of insulin action. Insulin sensitivity increased significantly during treatment with enalapril (with enalapril: Ins I: 11.3 +/- 3.0, Ins II: 20.0 +/- 3.4 and Ins III: 20.6 +/- 3.9 mg kg-1 min-1 glucose (mean +/- SD); without enalapril: Ins I: 8.7 +/- 2.3, Ins II: 13.7 +/- 3.0 and Ins III: 15.5 +/- 3.1 mg kg-1 min-1 glucose; P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Exogenous insulin augments in healthy volunteers the cardiovascular reactivity to noradrenaline but not to angiotensin II

Hyperinsulinemia has been implicated in the pathogenesis of the blood pressure elevation in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, obesity, but also essential hypertension. In these conditions an increased cardiovascular reactivity to noradrenaline (NA) and angiotensin II (AII) can be observed. Using the euglycemic clamp technique, we determined the cardiovascular reactivity to graded infusions of NA and AII in nine healthy males before (Bas), and 1 and 6 h after infusion of insulin (50 mU/kg per h) was started. On separate days control experiments were carried out to control for any circadian variation. Insulin led to a decrease of the amount of circulating NA necessary to increase the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 20 mmHg (actual experiment [mean +/- SEM]: Bas, 23.1 +/- 5.0; 1 h, 14.8 +/- 3.0; and 6 h, 12.3 +/- 3.1; and control experiment: Bas, 20.7 +/- 5.0; 1 h, 18.6 +/- 3.5; and 6 h, 17.3 +/- 3.3 nmol/liter; Bas vs. 1 and 6 h: P less than 0.05). Although the amount of NA infused to raise DBP 20 mmHg showed a similar decline after 1 h of insulin infusion, no such change from baseline could be observed at 6 h. This appeared to be due to an increase in NA clearance with more prolonged insulin infusion. Insulin exerted no effect on the amount of AII infused to increase DBP 20 mmHg (actual experiment: Bas, 27.6 +/- 6.4; 1 h, 28.8 +/- 10.0; and 6 h, 21.2 +/- 5.3; and control experiment: Bas, 33.6 +/- 5.7; 1 h, 34.2 +/- 6.1; and 6 h, 23.4 +/- 4.7 ng/kg/min; NS). We did observe a circadian variation in AII reactivity. Whether the increase in cardiovascular responsiveness to NA after administration of insulin contributes to the elevation in blood pressure frequently observed in patients with insulin resistance remains to be proven.

Renal and cardiovascular effects of exogenous insulin in healthy volunteers

1. Renal and cardiovascular effects of three dosages of insulin [50 (Ins I), 300 (Ins II) and 500 (Ins III) m-units h-1 kg-1] were investigated in healthy males by using a euglycaemic clamp technique. On separate days, control experiments were carried out to correct for any circadian variation in the variables studied. 2. All three insulin dosages resulted in a marked decline in fractional sodium excretion (actual experiments: basal, 0.95 +/- 0.15%, Ins I, 0.79 +/- 0.10%, Ins II, 0.80 +/- 0.12%, Ins III, 0.84 +/- 0.08%; control experiments: basal, 0.96 +/- 0.10%, Ins I, 1.20 +/- 0.12%, Ins II, 1.53 +/- 0.15%, Ins III, 1.43 +/- 0.10%; means +/- SEM, P less than 0.005, analysis of variance). With the highest insulin dosage, the reduction in fractional sodium excretion tended to be less striking. This coincided with a rise in heart rate, pulse pressure and pulse rate-systolic blood pressure product (double product). Although blood pressure itself did not change, systolic blood pressure also tended to increase (actual experiments: basal, 133 +/- 5 mmHg, Ins I, 132 +/- 5 mmHg, Ins II, 139 +/- 5 mmHg, Ins III, 143 +/- 4 mmHg; control experiments: basal, 128 +/- 3 mmHg, Ins I, 129 +/- 3 mmHg, Ins II, 130 +/- 3 mmHg, Ins III, 133 +/- 3 mmHg; means +/- SEM, P = 0.09, analysis of variance). There was a positive correlation between the change in fractional sodium excretion and the change in systolic blood pressure over control values (r = 0.696, P less than 0.028).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Renal function and renal function reserve in insulin-dependent diabetic patients during (near) normoglycaemia

Twenty-three normoalbuminuric (N) and 7 microalbuminuric (M) insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients were studied under (near) normoglycaemic conditions. They were reasonably well controlled during the period preceding the renal function test (HbA1: N = 7.6 +/- 1.3%, N = 8.0 +/- 2.2%; normal less than 6.0%). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) were measured using the clearances of 125I-thalamate and 131I-hippuran, respectively. The renal reserve filtration capacity (RRFC) was tested by using a combination of a liquid mixed meal and an amino acid infusion. Blood glucose levels were kept as constant as possible throughout the testing procedure, both under baseline (BL) conditions and after stimulation (S). Under such (near) normoglycaemic conditions, no BL GFR values exceeding 150 ml/min/1.73 m2 could be established. Furthermore, a RRFC could be established in all patients. Both groups showed a comparatively larger increase in GFR (N 13.0 +/- 3.8%, M 10.8 +/- 3.6%) than in ERPF (N 4.8 +/- 7.0%, M 2.2 +/- 5.8%; % delta GFR vs. % delta ERPF p less than 0.01), resulting in a higher filtration fraction (FF) during stimulation (N: BL FF 0.25 +/- 0.03 vs. S FF 0.27 +/- 0.03, p less than 0.01; M: BL FF 0.25 +/- 0.01 vs. S FF 0.27 +/- 0.01, p less than 0.05). This suggests afferent vasodilation during stimulation in these (near) normoglycaemic, reasonably well-controlled IDDM patients, a situation comparable to that in non-diabetic subjects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Catecholamines and blood glucose control in type 1 diabetes

To evaluate the influence of blood glucose control on serum catecholamine levels (which reflect both plasma and platelet levels), six healthy non-diabetic subjects, seven well-controlled Type 1 diabetic patients, and six poorly controlled Type 1 diabetic patients were studied before (baseline) and after standardized exercise. A significant correlation was found between serum noradrenaline and HbA1 at baseline (r = 0.53, p less than 0.025) and after exercise (r = 0.71, p less than 0.001). Similar results were found for serum adrenaline (r = 0.68, p less than 0.005 and r = 0.61, p less than 0.005, respectively) and consequently total serum catecholamine content (r = 0.65, p less than 0.005 and r = 0.75, p less than 0.001, respectively). However, no relationship was found between serum catecholamine levels and actual blood glucose levels, age, body mass index or insulin dose. A moderate correlation was found between systolic blood pressure and serum levels of noradrenaline and total catecholamines after exercise (r = 0.48 and r = 0.48, both p less than 0.025).

Fish oil supplementation in patients with stable claudication

Increased blood viscosity occurs in patients with claudication. This increase in viscosity, which is mainly due to elevated fibrinogen levels and a decreased red cell deformability, adversely influences blood flow. In addition to a positive effect on blood pressure, blood lipids, and platelet responsiveness, fish oil may improve blood flow due to a favorable influence on hemorrheology. In a prospective, randomized, double-blind study, we evaluated the effect of six capsules of fish oil (1.8 g eicosapentaenoic acid and 1.2 g docosahexaenoic acid) versus six capsules of corn oil (3 g linoleic acid), administered for 4 months, on walking distances, pressure indices during rest and after exercise, blood pressure, red cell deformability, fibrinogen, and lipid levels in 32 patients with stable claudication. No significant changes in walking distances and pressure indices during rest and after exercise occurred, despite a significant increase in red cell deformability in the fish oil group. Fibrinogen levels did not change in either group. In the fish oil group, a favorable change in blood lipids was noted; high-density cholesterol increased and triglycerides decreased. Mean arterial blood pressure declined to a similar extent in both groups. Thus, short-term supplementation with fish oil does not lead to clinically significant improvement of symptoms in patients with stable claudication. This suggests that red cell deformability is of minor importance in the arterial blood flow in the legs of these patients.

Dietary supplementation with fish oil modifies renal reserve filtration capacity in postoperative, cyclosporin A-treated renal transplant recipients

The effect of a daily supplementation of 6 g fish oil (30% C20:5 omega-3 = EPA and 20% C22:6 omega-3 = DHA) for 1 month on renal function variables was investigated in a placebo-controlled (6 g coconut oil), prospective, randomized, double-blind study in acute postoperative cyclosporin A (CyA)-treated renal transplant recipients. Seventeen patients ingested placebo capsules (EPA-) and 14 patients fish oil (EPA+). Renal function tests were performed using the simultaneous determination of 125I-iothalamate and 131I-hippuran clearances for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), respectively. Renal reserve filtration capacity was assessed by dopamine infusion, amino acid infusion, and a combination of both stimuli. After 1 month there were no significant differences in rejection episodes, CyA dose, or CyA levels. In contrast to our earlier observations, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, GFR, and ERPF did not differ between the EPA- and EPA+ groups. Filtration fraction (FF) differed significantly, being 0.21 in the EPA- group versus 0.26 in the EPA+ group. To exclude the possible influence of a rejection episode, the nonrejecting patients were analyzed separately, creating the subgroups EPA + re - and EPA - re -. These two groups were comparable in age, donor age, and GFR. The EPA + re-group had a significantly lower ERPF (164 ml/min per 1.73 m2) than the EPA-re- group (262 ml/min per 1.73 m2). FF was significantly higher in the EPA+ re-group (0.26) than in the EPA-re-group (0.21).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dose-response effects of fish-oil supplementation in healthy volunteers

We performed a randomized, controlled study on the dose-response effects of daily supplementation of 1.5, 3, and 6 g of the marine fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) as their ethyl esters for 12 wk in 45 healthy normotriglyceridemic male volunteers. Significant dose-related increases of the n-3 fatty acids 20:5, 22:5, and 22:6 in plasma phospholipids (p less than 0.0001) were found, corresponding roughly to decreases of the n-6 fatty acids 18:2 and 20:4 (p less than 0.001). Serum triglycerides and HDL3-cholesterol concentrations showed a dose-dependent reduction (p less than 0.05) and HDL2 cholesterol increased (p less than 0.05). Results for 3 and 6 g n-3 fatty acids were similar. No dose-dependent effects were observed in the VLDL-, LDL-, and total HDL-cholesterol subfractions; blood pressure; bleeding time; erythrocyte deformability; or capacity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to kill Staphylococcus aureus. This study indicates that 3 g n-3 ethyl ester fatty acids appears to be the appropriate supplementation dose in humans, at least regarding lipid-profile changes and the ability to incorporate such fatty acids in the plasma phospholipids.

The effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil on renal function in cyclosporine-treated renal transplant recipients

The effect of a daily supplementation of 6 g fish oil (30% C20:5 omega-3 (EPA) and 20% C22:6 omega-3 for three months on renal function variables was investigated in a placebo-controlled (6 g corn oil, 50% C18:2 omega-6) prospective, randomized, double-blind study in stable cyclosporine-treated renal transplant recipients, at least nine months after grafting. Ten patients ingested placebo capsules and eleven patients fish oil. When measuring glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) before (baseline [BL]) and after 3 months of oil ingestion nothing changed in the placebo-treated group: GFR-BL = 64.5 GFR-3 months = 60 ml/min/1.73m2 (NS; median, Wilcoxon test) ERPF BL = 229.5 and ERPF-3 months = 242.5 ml/min/1.73m2 (NS). In the fish oil-treated group GFR rose by 20.3% from GFR-BL = 56 to GFR-3 months = 68 ml/min/1.73m2 and ERPF by 16.4% from ERPF-BL 218 to ERPF-3 months = 245 ml/min/1.73m2, (P less than 0.01). In the placebo-treated group mean arterial pressure and calculated total renal vascular resistance (TRVR) did not change: MAP-BL = 106 mmHg and MAP-3 months = 109 mmHg, TRVR being 20856 dyne.sec/cm5 and 19862 dyne/sec/cm5, respectively (NS). In the fish oil-treated group MAP and TRVR fell by 8.6% and 21.1%, respectively: MAP-BL = 106 mmHg and MAP-3 months = 98 mmHg (P less than 0.01), TRVR-BL = 21952 dyne/sec/cm5 and TRVR-3 months = 17087 dyne/sec/cm5 (P less than 0.01). According to these results fish oil supplementation has considerable effects on renal function and blood pressure in stable CsA-treated renal transplant recipients.

Diabetic nephropathy in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: pathogenesis and treatment strategies

Diabetic nephropathy is an important problem in insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Directly or indirectly it is a major cause of death amongst them and accounts for a great number of patients requiring renal replacement therapy today. The last decade has seen a considerable growth in the insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of diabetic renal disease. In this article, the current knowledge concerning the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy and the implications of this understanding for therapeutic approaches will be discussed.

Fish oil: a panacea?

Since the first report by Bang and Dyerberg regarding the apparent beneficial effects of a fish oil-enriched diet on the incidence of atherosclerotic heart disease in Greenland eskimos, a considerable number of studies have been performed regarding the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the prevention and treatment of a variety of disease states not necessarily related to atherosclerosis. Studies have been performed on healthy volunteers and in patients with hyperlipidaemia, atherosclerotic vascular disease, diabetes, asthma, psoriasis and chronic renal insufficiency, amongst others. Positive effects on platelet activity, lipid profile, blood rheology and blood pressure--all factors which are presumably of importance in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic disease have been noted in these studies, albeit with a wide range of variability. Some negative effects also appear to exist. However, some general conclusions can be made regarding the effects of a fish oil-enriched diet.

Does fish oil protect renal function in cyclosporin-treated psoriasis patients?

In order to study the influence of fish oil on CyA-induced renal dysfunction, 13 patients with psoriasis (CyA group) received cyclosporin A (CyA) alone, and seven patients (CyA/EPA + DHA group) received a combination of cyclosporin A and fish oil (6g eicosapentaenoic acid, C20:5 omega-3, and docosahexaenoic acid, C22:6 omega-3, daily) for 3 months. The glomerular filtration rate fell by 18.0 +/- 9.6% in the CyA group compared with 8.7 +/- 6.8% in the CyA/EPA + DHA group (mean +/- SD, P less than 0.05). The effective renal plasma flow fell by 10.6 +/- 8.9% in the CyA group and did not change in the CyA/EPA + DHA group (P less than 0.05). The calculated total renal vascular resistance increased by 19.8 +/- 14.5% in the CyA group and did not change in the CyA/EPA + DHA group (P less than 0.01). The results of this pilot study suggest that fish oil can reduce CyA-associated renal dysfunction in psoriasis patients.

Decreased reflection coefficient as a possible cause of low blood pressure in severe septicaemia

A 44-year-old woman developed a septicaemia with low intra-arterially recorded blood pressure values despite vasoactive medication and optimal support. Sphygmomanometer cuff measurements showed higher values than intra-arterial blood pressure records. We suggest a low reflection coefficient of the capillary bed as the cause of this phenomenon. The constant pressure of the sphygmomanometer cuff on the venous tract appeared to create an increase of the reflection coefficient in our patient, thus causing higher blood pressure readings with the sphygmomanometer cuff measurements than expected.