The biochemistry and medical significance of the flavonoids.

Antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase as predictors of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus before clinical onset of disease.

Background: Multiple laboratory tests are used in the diagnosis and management of patients with diabetes mellitus The quality of the scientific evidence supporting the use of these assays varies substantially

Approach: An expert committee drafted evidence-based recommendations for the use of laboratory analysis in patients with diabetes An external panel of experts reviewed a draft of the guidelines, which were modified in response to the reviewers’ suggestions A revised draft was posted on the Internet and was presented at the AACC Annual Meeting in July, 2000 The recommendations were modified again in response to oral and written comments The guidelines were reviewed by the Professional Practice Committee of the American Diabetes Association

Content: Measurement of plasma glucose remains the sole diagnostic criterion for diabetes Monitoring of glycemic control is performed by the patients, who measure their own plasma or blood glucose with meters, and by laboratory analysis of glycated hemoglobin The potential roles of noninvasive glucose monitoring, genetic testing, autoantibodies, microalbumin, proinsulin, C-peptide, and other analytes are addressed

Summary: The guidelines provide specific recommendations based on published data or derived from expert consensus Several analytes are of minimal clinical value at the present time, and measurement of them is not recommended

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Guidelines and Recommendations for Laboratory Analysis in the Diagnosis and Management of Diabetes Mellitus

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is a member of the PARP enzyme family consisting of PARP-1 and several recently identified novel poly(ADP-ribosylating) enzymes. PARP-1 is an abundant nuclear protein functioning as a DNA nick-sensor enzyme. Upon binding to DNA breaks, activated PARP cleaves NAD(+) into nicotinamide and ADP-ribose and polymerizes the latter onto nuclear acceptor proteins including histones, transcription factors, and PARP itself. Poly(ADP-ribosylation) contributes to DNA repair and to the maintenance of genomic stability. On the other hand, oxidative stress-induced overactivation of PARP consumes NAD(+) and consequently ATP, culminating in cell dysfunction or necrosis. This cellular suicide mechanism has been implicated in the pathomechanism of stroke, myocardial ischemia, diabetes, diabetes-associated cardiovascular dysfunction, shock, traumatic central nervous system injury, arthritis, colitis, allergic encephalomyelitis, and various other forms of inflammation. PARP has also been shown to associate with and regulate the function of several transcription factors. Of special interest is the enhancement by PARP of nuclear factor kappa B-mediated transcription, which plays a central role in the expression of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, and inflammatory mediators. Herein we review the double-edged sword roles of PARP in DNA damage signaling and cell death and summarize the underlying mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effects of PARP inhibitors. Moreover, we discuss the potential use of PARP inhibitors as anticancer agents, radiosensitizers, and antiviral agents.

The Therapeutic Potential of Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors

Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

The pancreatic islet β-cell autoantigen of relative molecular mass 64,000 (64K), which is a major target of autoantibodies associated with the development of insulin-dependent diabetes mel-litus (IDDM) has been identified as glutamic acid decarboxylase, the biosynthesizing enzyme of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid). Pancreatic β cells and a subpopulation of central nervous system neurons express high levels of this enzyme. Autoantibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase with a higher titre and increased epitope recognition compared with those usually associated with IDDM are found in stiff-man syndrome, a rare neurological disorder characterized by a high coincidence with IDDM.

Stephan Christgai

Papers

Identification of the 64K autoantigen in insulin-dependent diabetes as the GABA-synthesizing enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase.