C-Peptid@@@C-peptide: Neuer Therapieansatz bei mikrovaskulären Komplikationen des Typ-1-Diabetes?@@@Novel therapeutic approach to microvascular complications of type 1 diabetes?

Much information on C-peptide physiology has been published during the past 20 years. It has been shown that C-peptide binds specifically to cell membranes and elicits intracellular signaling via G-protein and Ca2+-dependent pathways, resulting in activation and increased expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, Na+/K+-ATPase, and several transcription factors of importance for anti-inflammatory and cell protective mechanisms. Studies in animal models of diabetes and early clinical trials in patients with type 1 diabetes demonstrate that C-peptide in replacement doses has beneficial effects on early stages of diabetes-induced functional and structural abnormalities of the peripheral nerves, autonomic nervous system, and kidneys. Although there is still much to be learned about C-peptide and its mechanism of action, the available evidence presents the picture of a bioactive peptide with therapeutic potential. The English full-text version of this article is available at SpringerLink (under "Supplemental").