New therapeutic options for diabetes-related tissue injury

Toronto, ON, Canada – Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by altered glucose tolerance and impairedlipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and is associated with a number of complications directly resulting from hyperglycemiainducedinflammation. Vascular changes in diabetes lead to increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke due to atherosclerosis,retinopathy, end-stage renal disease, debilitating neuropathies, poor wound healing, enhanced risk of infection, andperiodontal disease. Studies of diabetic complications suggest that activation of the inflammatory response is mediated inlarge part by phagocytic cells, macrophages, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Both cell types assume an aggressive proinflammatoryphenotype resulting from hyperglycemia.

Today, during the 86th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research, investigators from BostonUniversity report results from a study demonstrating that omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are precursors to a powerfulnew genus of anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution mediators, coined 'resolvins' and 'protectins'. These new local mediatorscounter-regulate pro-inflammatory signals and return tissues to homeostasis. These mediators reverse several of the proinflammatoryfunctional responses of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages in vitro and prevent inflammation in avariety of animal models, and exhibit potential for new therapeutic options for resolving inflammation and tissue injury in diabetes.

Source: International & American Association for Dental Research