Partial normalization by dietary cod-liver oil of increased microvascular albumin leakage in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes and albuminuria

Article Abstract:

The effects of cod-liver oil in the diet were studied in 18 patients diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and albuminuria (protein in the urine, an indication of kidney impairment). Kidney disease and subsequent renal failure are complications associated with insulin-dependent diabetes. After the onset of albuminuria, patients with insulin-dependent diabetes often begin to develop coronary heart disease. A leading cause of mortality in these patients is cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have indicated that cardiovascular benefits may be obtained from fish oil as a dietary supplement. The reduction of thrombosis (the formation of blood clots) and atherosclerosis (plaques obstructing blood flow within arteries) may be achieved by lowering levels of blood lipids, fats, such as cholesterol. In two eight week trial periods, the subjects received dietary supplements of cod-liver oil and olive oil. Measurements were made of blood vessel permeability (the ability of the blood vessels to allow fluids or substances to pass through), blood pressure, and blood lipid concentrations. When cod-liver oil was added to the diet, an increase in beneficial high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) was noted, along with a decrease in harmful very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. No changes were noted in the concentrations of harmful low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). When olive oil was added to the diet, LDL cholesterol levels decreased and concentrations of very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides increased. Blood glucose (sugar) levels, insulin requirements (the hormone that aids the transport of glucose), and albuminuria remained constant when either olive oil or cod-liver oil was added to the diet. Dietary supplementation with cod-liver oil reduced the escape rate of albumin through tiny blood vessel walls and lowered blood pressure in this group of diabetics. Researchers concluded that dietary supplementation with cod-liver oil can benefit patients with insulin-dependent diabetes who have indications of kidney disease. Data also suggest that a decrease in blood vessel permeability, which is implied by blood lipid concentrations, may also be a benefit of dietary cod-liver oil supplements.

Health aspects, Cardiovascular diseases, Physiological aspects, Diet, Blood lipids, Dietary supplements, Diet in disease, Albuminuria, Cod-liver oil, Cod liver oil

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Impaired neurogenic and endothelium-mediated relaxation of penile smooth muscle from diabetic men with impotence

Article Abstract:

The prevalence of impotence among diabetic men may be as high as 50 percent, and is thought to be due to neurologic and vascular complications of diabetes. Research was conducted to determine the effect of diabetes mellitus (a disease characterized by high urine output, thirst, and weakness) on neural and endothelial-cell mechanisms that control smooth muscle tone in the penis. Endothelial cells are flat cells that line blood and lymphatic vessels, the heart, and other body cavities. Penile erection depends on the relaxation of the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum (erectile tissue) which allows expansion of the gaps found in cartilage (known as lacunar spaces) against a fibrous coating (the tunica albuginea), which compresses small veins and thereby entraps the blood within the corpora cavernosa. The research uncovered a functional impairment in the neurogenic (nerve activation) and endothelium-related mechanisms that allow relaxation of the smooth muscle, composed largely of endothelial cells, of the corpus cavernosum. Alteration of these relaxation mechanisms may explain the unusually high prevalence of impotence among men with diabetes mellitus.

Impotence, Muscles, Muscle tone, Smooth muscle

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Foot ulcers

Article Abstract:

Foot ulcers are a result of breaks in the dermal barrier due to shear force generated during walking that exposes the underlying subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and bone. The article discusses the causes such as arterial insufficiency, neuropathy, musculoskeletal abnormalities, diabetes, and wounds in the development and sustenance of ulcers. Management of foot ulcers in terms of wound care and prevention of recurrence are presented.

United States, Care and treatment, Abnormalities, Wounds and injuries, Illustration, Musculoskeletal system, Wound care, Foot, Peripheral nerve diseases, Peripheral nervous system diseases, Foot ulcer

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