Administration of vitamin D and high dose of omega 3 to sustain remission of type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Two cases of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) in pediatric subjects treated with supplementation with high dose vitamin D and omega 3 are reported. A similar pattern of remission of the disease was observed, resulting in restoration and subsequent persistence of optimal metabolic control, one and two years after T1D onset. Minimal basal insulin administration (0.1 IU/kg/die) in a single evening injection was required. The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of the supplements were likely contributing to the observed effect. Similarities in genotyping and autoantibody patterns in these two cases could be of assistance to identify which subjects with T1D could benefit from this supplemental therapy. High dose vitamin D and omega 3 could be of assistance in childhood T1D therapy, to prolong preservation of endogenous insulin secretion in the absence of side effects. We do not know how long the state of remission can last, but these initial results are promising and represented a significant benefit for the two pediatric subjects treated. Larger controlled studies will determine the long-term effect of this proposed supplementation and its possible cost-benefits, including reduction of hypoglycemic episodes and complications.

Can Type 1 diabetes progression be halted? Possible role of high dose vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids.

In Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) in children, close to the onset the requirements of insulin are often reduced. This represents a transient recovery of endogenous insulin secretion named "honeymoon" because transient and followed by a progressive decline in C-peptide secretion. This case report describes the effect of administration of high dose vitamin D and Ω-3 fatty acids on T1D progression in a 8-year-old child. At today after one year and a half from the onset of T1D, the subject shows a near-normal blood glucose with the administration of 1.5-2 UI of insulin once a day. Thus this report may be of assistance to design additional studies to determine and validate the effect of administration of vitamin D and Ω-3 fatty acids on the progression of T1D.

Neuropharmacological profile of an ethanol extract of Ruta chalepensis L. in mice.

The effects of an ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Ruta chalepensis on the central nervous system (CNS) and LD(50) determination were studied in mice. A crude extract was given systemically and its effects were tested on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures, sodium pentobarbital-induced hypnosis, exploratory activity, anxiety and nociception. Results from the experimental models tested showed: (1) a delay in the onset of seizures and a dose-dependent suppression in the tonic phase and mortality induced by PTZ; (2) a prolongation of the time of sodium pentobarbital-induced hypnosis; (3) a significant attenuation in the anxiety-response and (4) a reduction in the licking time and shaking behavior in the formalin-induced nociception test. The sedative-hypnotic potentiation, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and antinociceptive effects suggest that Ruta chalepensis induces a depressant activity on the CNS.