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Immunogenicity of "single component" port insulin
Hormone and Metabolic Research = Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones Et Metabolisme
|November 1, 1976
Summary
Single component pork insulin was found to be antigenic in diabetic patients, meaning it can trigger an immune response. This suggests that even purified insulins can cause the body to produce insulin antibodies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus requires insulin therapy for glycemic control.
- Standard insulin preparations can elicit an immune response, leading to insulin antibodies.
- The antigenicity of purified single-component insulins requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunogenicity of single-component pork insulin compared to standard insulin (USP) in diabetic subjects.
- To determine if single-component insulin induces circulating insulin antibodies.
Main Methods:
- Twelve insulin-naive diabetic subjects were enrolled.
- Subjects were randomized into two groups (n=6 each).
- Group I received single-component pork insulin; Group II received standard insulin (USP) for 5-10 months.
Main Results:
- Circulating insulin antibodies developed in 3/6 subjects receiving single-component pork insulin.
- Insulin antibodies developed in 5/6 subjects receiving standard insulin.
- Daily insulin requirements were similar between groups.
- Substituting single-component pork insulin for standard insulin did not reduce existing antibody titers in three subjects.
Conclusions:
- Single-component pork insulin demonstrates antigenicity in human subjects.
- Even highly purified insulins can provoke an immune response.
- The development of insulin antibodies may not be solely dependent on insulin purity.