Insulin Resistance and the p21ras Pathway in Type II Diabetes
Author Information
Author(s): M. J. RAPOPORT, O. LEVI, M. WEISS, A. BUCHS, Y. RAMOT, D. AHARONI, A. MOR, G. ELBERG, Y. KATZ, J. WEISSGARTEN
Primary Institution: Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
Hypothesis
Are high insulin requirements and poor metabolic control in type II diabetes associated with changes in the p21ras pathway?
Conclusion
Severe insulin resistance does not affect the expression or activation of the p21ras pathway in patients with type II diabetes.
Supporting Evidence
- Expression of p21ras and its regulatory elements was comparable in insulin resistant and well-controlled patients.
- TPA stimulation resulted in similar p21ras activity in both groups.
- Proliferative response to PHA was normal in both insulin resistant and well-controlled patients.
Takeaway
This study found that even when diabetes is poorly controlled and insulin needs are high, the p21ras pathway in blood cells works just like it does in well-controlled diabetes.
Methodology
The study compared the p21ras pathway in blood cells from 10 insulin-treated type II diabetes patients with severe insulin resistance and 10 well-controlled patients.
Limitations
The study only examined the p21ras pathway in blood cells and did not assess other tissues.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 10 insulin-treated type II diabetes patients (mean age 58.8 years) and 10 well-controlled patients (mean age 54.8 years).
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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