141st APHA Annual Meeting

In This section

282391
Methylglyoxl and osteoprotegerin down-regulation in patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus: A possible therapeutic approach to diminish lower extremity amputations

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 : 8:30 AM - 8:50 AM

James Wright, MS , New York College of Podiatric Medicine, New Rochelle, NY
Virginia Parks, BS , New York College of Podiatric medicine, New York, NY
Recent research has elucidated additional mechanisms underlying the connection between microvascular complications and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM). Amongst such mechanisms is the aberrant regulation of the body's immune response. Employing a qualitative meta-analysis, the research from several studies was analyzed to reveal underlying connections, namely methylglyoxl (MG) and osteoprotegerin (OPG), between the innate immune response and microvascular complications seen in uncontrolled DM. By analyzing the information from multiple studies, and presenting it in a synergistic manner, it is the hope of this study to not only elucidate previously opaque mechanisms, but to also draw attention to another area of therapeutic research. Targeting the regulation of MG and OPG could alleviate the exacerbating inflammatory effects of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α. Such targeted therapies would diminish the progression of myointimal hyperplasia, found to be one of many etiologies leading to ischemia in the lower extremities and consequential necrosis.

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Clinical medicine applied in public health

Learning Objectives:
Discuss the possibility of new targets of pharmaceutical development that may lead to better prognoses in patients with diabetes mellitus. Describe current research elucidating previously unknown immunological connections between aberrant glucose regulation and peripheral vascular disease.

Keywords: Diabetes, Chronic Diseases

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the principle investigator of previous research at the graduate level for Harvard University that focused on novel approaches to chronic disease management, specifically for diabetes mellitus. Additionally, I have served on a RIE board for Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates focusing on the efficacy of the roster review process. I also hold a strong interest in the underlying aberrant immune functions that are present in chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.