Effects of a purified micronized flavonoid fraction on capillary filtration in diabetic patients
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P E Valensi1, A Behar, M M de Champvallins
1Department of Endocrinology-Diabetology-Nutrition, Jean Verdier Hospital, Paris-Nord University, Bondy, France.
Abstract:
The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of a purified micronized flavonoid fraction (Daflon 500 mg) on the increased capillary filtration of albumin (CFA) which is an early change in the microcirculation of patients with diabetes. A placebo controlled trial lasting 30 to 42 days including two equal groups of 20 patients, following a 15-day initial placebo run-in phase. The CFA test employed consisted of injecting albumin labelled with technetium (99mTc) intravenously, applying a venous tourniquet to one arm, and counting the radioactivity on the ipselateral forearm using an external gamma camera. The disappearance of radioactivity was analysed by means of two parameters after the tourniquet had been released, i.e. albumin retention (AR) and the LF/HF index which indicates lymphatic function in interstitial protein clearance. All patients included exhibited an increase in these two indices before the initial placebo run-in phase and at the end of the run-in period. At the end of the treatment phase, AR had significantly decreased in the group treated by the flavonoid fraction (FF) by comparison with the placebo group, and had normalized in 65% of patients in the FF group, compared with 25% of patients in the placebo group (p = 0.010). The LF/HF index normalized in 55% of cases in the FF group, compared with no patients on placebo (p = 0.00001). This study suggests that the flavonoid fraction tested here can improve and even normalize capillary filtration of albumin in diabetic patients.
Insights
This study shows that a purified micronized flavonoid fraction (Daflon 500 mg) significantly improved capillary filtration of albumin in diabetic patients. It normalized albumin retention and lymphatic function in a majority of participants.
Area of Science:
- Vascular biology
- Diabetology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is associated with microcirculatory dysfunction.
- Increased capillary filtration of albumin (CFA) is an early indicator of microvascular changes in diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a purified micronized flavonoid fraction (Daflon 500 mg) in normalizing increased CFA in diabetic patients.
- To assess the impact of the flavonoid fraction on albumin retention (AR) and lymphatic function (LF/HF index).
Main Methods:
- A 30-42 day, placebo-controlled trial with two groups of 20 diabetic patients.
- Capillary filtration of albumin (CFA) assessed using technetium-99m labeled albumin and gamma camera imaging.
- Analysis of albumin retention (AR) and LF/HF index to measure interstitial protein clearance.
Main Results:
- The flavonoid fraction group showed a significant decrease in AR compared to placebo (p=0.010), with normalization in 65% of patients.
- The LF/HF index normalized in 55% of patients treated with the flavonoid fraction, versus 0% in the placebo group (p=0.00001).
- These improvements suggest enhanced microcirculatory function.
Conclusions:
- Purified micronized flavonoid fraction (Daflon 500 mg) effectively improves and normalizes capillary albumin leakage in diabetic patients.
- The treatment positively impacts microcirculation by enhancing albumin retention and lymphatic clearance.
- Flavonoid therapy represents a potential strategy for managing microvascular complications in diabetes.