Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels in patients with recent-onset insulin-dependent diabetes after one year of low-dose cyclosporin therapy. IMDIAB Study Group.

Cyclosporin A (CyA) is today used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and in the past was given also to patients with recent-onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Hypertension is a major hazard in patients receiving CyA. In this study we have evaluated the effect of CyA administered to IDDM patients on blood pressure and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (SACE), an endopeptidase that is an integral part of the renin-angiotensin and bradykinin systems. Sera from patients affected by recent-onset IDDM who were treated with CyA at the dose of 5 mg/kg body weight in addition to insulin therapy were included in the study (n = 13). Sera from 9 IDDM patients with the same clinical characteristics and followed up for 12 months represented the control group (insulin therapy only). SACE levels were measured at diagnosis and after 12 months. The results showed that SACE levels were elevated in IDDM patients at diagnosis and remained significantly high at 12 months in CyA-treated patients as compared to control patients (P < 0.006). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were increased at 12 months in CyA-treated patients (p < 0.005 and p < 0.05, respectively). CyA therapy administered even at low doses to IDDM patients may increase SACE levels and also blood pressure. These findings should be considered when CyA is used for therapy of autoimmune diseases.