Biotin for diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Biotin in high doses was given for 1-2 years to three diabetic patients suffering from severe diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Within 4-8 weeks there was a marked improvement in clinical and laboratory findings. It is suggested that in diabetes may exist a deficiency, inactivity or unavailability of Biotin, resulting in disordered activity of biotin-dependent enzyme, pyruvate carboxylase, leading to accumulation of pynivate and/or depletion of aspartate, both of which play a significant role in nervous system metabolism. Based on our good results, regular biotin administration could be suggested for every diabetic patient for the prevention and management of peripheral neuropathy although extensive randomised clinical trials are required. biotin / diabetes melitus / diabetic peripheral neuropathy. © 1990

Lipid-lowering effect and safety of acipimox in hemodialysis patients and renal transplant recipients

The efficacy and safety of acipimox, an antilipolytic agent, were studied in 10 uremic patients under hemodialysis (group A) and in 8 renal transplant recipients with adequate renal function (group B). The medication was given for 20 weeks at a dose of 250 mg daily in both groups. Total serum cholesterol decreased significantly from 218.1 ± 17.4 to 175.2 ± 15.2 mg/dL (-19.7% in group A and from 261.2 ± 16.5 to 215.3 ± 26.9 mg/dL (-17.6% in group B; as did serum triglycerides, from 206.7 ± 26.9 to 146.9 ± 17.6 mg/dL (-29% in group A and from 168.2 ± 20.6 to 111.3 ± 12.4 mg/dL (-33.8% in group B. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-cholesterol were also decreased significantly (LDL-C by -27% and -25% and VLDL-C by -29.2% and -33.8% in groups A and B, respectively). Furthermore, the high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol was increased significantly, by +29.6% in group A and + 18% in group B. The apolipoproteins Apo-A1 and Apo-A2 were decreased in Group A but not in group B. The Apo-B was decreased in group B. Serum CPK (total and muscle fraction), total bilirubin, SGPT, SGOT, alkuline phosphatase, γGT, LDL, a-Fp, and creatinine remained unchanged in both groups. Acipimox seems to be effective in the regulation of atherogenic lipid disorders in hemodialysis patients and renal transplant recipients, without any muscular damage or alteration of kidney and liver function. © 1994 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted