Autoimmunotherapy of type II diabetes with soluble low-molecular-mass antigens: a case report

To study whether autoimmunization of patients suffering from non-insulin-dependent Type II diabetes with soluble low-molecular-mass antigens (LMA) isolated from their serum will activate the immune system and improve clinical status.

From March 1998 to July 2000, the patient was treated, under observation, with LMA isolated from that same patient. Doses for injections varied between 2 and 5 mg of LMA. Injections were performed at weekly or monthly intervals. Biochemical studies were performed before injections and 1 to 2 weeks after them. The following biochemical parameters were determined in the blood: levels of glucose, insulin-competitive auto-antibodies (ICAA), a-glutamine acid decarboxylase (GAD), total concentration of LMA and of the 66 kDa and 51 kDa proteins as main representatives of the LMA isolated.

The patient suffered from high blood glucose levels (BGL), ICAA, GAD, hemoglobin Alc and, especially, of LMA and their proteins. Shortarm immunotherapy did not improve the parameters studied. However, a regular monthly injection of LMA at a dose of 3.5 to 4 mg significantly decreased BGL and reduced the concentrations of LMA and their proteins. The whole clinical status of the patient improved and became more stable.

We suggest that vaccination of a diabetic patient with LMA activates the host immune system, thereby preventing progress of the disease.