Endothelial function and inflammatory cytokines in painful diabetic neuropathy

摘要

Inflammation, which is currently considered to be a major factor in the development of type 2 diabetes and numerous growth factors, such as VEGF, NGF and TGFbeta, have been proposed as major factors in the development of diabetic neuropathy in animal models. Studies in human diabetes have also shown that there are no significant differences in peripheral small and large nerve fiber function, neurophysiologic and pathologic parameters between patients with painful and painless diabetic peripheral neuropathy. A recent study in our unit has shown that human peripheral diabetic neuropathy was associated with increased biochemical markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore, painful neuropathy was associated with further increase in inflammation and markers of endothelial dysfunction and preservation of the nerve axon reflex. Therefore, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction may be important contributors in the development of painful peripheral neuropathy in diabetes.