Pleiotropic effects of fenofibrate: focus on type 2 diabetes mellitus

Aims. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of chronic low-grade inflammation in the development of the diabetic neuropathy and the possibility of its medical treatment with fenofibrate (145 mg/day). Materials and Methods. This trial included 60 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The serum levels of several factors were measured: tumour necrosis factor-? (TNF-?), interleukin-1? (IL-1?), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde levels), haemostasis, uric acid, glycaemic and lipid profile and the peripheral status (electromyography, total symptom score [TSS] and neuropathy impairment score in the lower limbs [NIS-LL]). Follow-up was at 24 weeks. Results. A significant negative correlation was found between the excitation rate of the sural nerve and levels of TNF, IL-6 and CRP (p