Therapeutic Prospects in Preeclampsia - A Mini-Review.

BACKGROUND: Preeclapmsia (PE) is characterized by early onset symptoms such as elevated blood pressure, proteinuria and edema in the pregnant woman, and may result in seizures in the affected female. Currently, there are no therapeutic drugs available to treat this condition, but there are interventions to regulate the symptoms based on the gestational period of the fetus, although the largely favored option is delivery of the fetus and placenta. OBJECTIVE: A search for biomolecules associated with PE was conducted so as to identify diagnostic markers and therapeutic leads. RESULTS: The literature search resulted in the identification of biomolecules such as Corin and Placental Protein 13 (PP13), among others that are associated with PE. Thereby, giving an insight into the various mechanistic pathways involved in the causation of PE. However, it is also evident that PE cannot be solely attributed to any single mechanism but is due to an interplay of different factors that have led to the development of this disease condition. CONCLUSION: The identified biomarkers would ultimately help in understanding this complex disease and perhaps lead to the discovery of potential effective molecular targets for clinical trials, thereby providing a valuable therapeutic option for affected pregnant women.

Magainin-AM2 improves glucose homeostasis and beta cell function in high-fat fed mice.

BACKGROUND: Magainin-AM2, a previously described amphibian host-defense peptide, stimulates insulin- and glucagon-like peptide-1-release in vitro. This study investigated anti-diabetic effects of the peptide in mice with diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance. METHODS: Male National Institute of Health Swiss mice were maintained on a high-fat diet for 12-weeks prior to the daily treatment with magainin-AM2. Various indices of glucose tolerance were monitored together with insulin secretory responsiveness of islets at conclusion of study. RESULTS: Following twice daily treatment with magainin-AM2 for 15 days, no significant difference in body weight and food intake was observed compared with saline-treated high fat control animals. However, non-fasting blood glucose was significantly (P<0.05) decreased while plasma insulin concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) increased. Oral and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance and insulin secretion following glucose administration via both routes were significantly (P<0.05) enhanced. The peptide significantly (P<0.001) improved insulin sensitivity as well as the beta cell responses of islets isolated from treated mice to a range of insulin secretagogues. Oxygen consumption, CO2production, respiratory exchange ratio and energy expenditure were not significantly altered by sub-chronic administration of magainin-AM2 but a significant (P<0.05) reduction in fat deposition was observed. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that magainin-AM2 improves glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and islet beta cells secretory responsiveness in mice with obesity-diabetes. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The activity of magainin-AM2 suggests the possibility of exploiting this peptide for treatment of type 2 diabetes.