A stable prostacyclin analogue reduces high serum TNF-α levels in diabetic patients

Aims: To confirm whether a prostacyclin (prostaglandin 12) affects the increased TNF-α concentration in sera of diabetic patients, we measured serum TNF-α concentration and treated these patients with oral administration of the stable prostacyclin analogue (Beraprost). Twelve of 20 type II diabetic patients were investigated for follow up-study and 6 of those patients were for therapy with Beraprost for diabetic neuropathy. Subjects and Methods: Serum TNF-α concentration was quantified by EASIA using monoclonal antibodies directed against distinct epitopes of TNF-α. Results: In diabetic patients, serum TNF-α concentration was significantly increased compared with that of healthy subjects. The augmented TNF-α concentration in these patients was not decreased by diabetic control using antihyperglycemic agents for 8 weeks but was reduced with oral administration of a stable prostacyclin (prostaglandin 12) analogue for 5 weeks without any changes of blood glucose levels. Conclusions: Stable prostacyclin analogue administration for a short term period reduced increased TNF-α levels in diabetic patients, not through the improved hyperglycemic condition but another pathway, probably a cAMP system. These results imply that treatment with the prostacyclin analogue may contribute to the prevention of progression in diabetic complications.