The therapeutic effect of Lipo PGE₁ on diabetic neuropathy-changes in endothelin and various angiopathic factors

A high blood concentration of endothelin (ET)-1 may participate in the onset and progress of diabetic microangiopathy, resulting in neuropathy. We examined the therapeutic effects of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), which possesses both a peripheral vasodilating action and inhibition of platelet aggregation, on diabetic microangiopathy. Increases in both skin temperature and peripheral never conduction velocity in diabetic patients were recorded four weeks after Lipo PGE1 administration. A quantitative decrease in urinary albumin concentration was also observed, suggesting its efficacy of action was on diabetic nephropathy. Lipo PGE1 administration reduced the elevated circulating plasma ET-1 levels in the diabetic patients. As an increase in ET-1 concentrations is thought to correlate with the onset and progress of diabetic microangiopathy, the reduction of plasma ET-1 concentration by Lipo PGE₁ administration may be one reason for the improvement in diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy.