Urinary metabolites of thromboxane and prostacyclin in diabetes mellitus

The in vivo synthesis of thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin was estimated in 23 diabetics through measurements of the major urinary metabolites 2,3-dinor-thromboxane B2 and 2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1α utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Mean excretion was similar to that in non-diabetic subjects. The possible influence of hyperglycemia on the excretion of 2,3-dinor-thromboxane B2 and 2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1α was evaluated in three ways: by measuring excretion before and during an acute 9-h normalization of hyperglycemia through an artificial pancreas (Biostator) as well as by comparing excretion before and 7–12 days or 40–180 days after the initiation of insulin treatment. Despite significant reducing effects on hyperglycemia or on levels of hemoglobin A1c, no effects on the excretion of the thromboxane and prostacyclin metabolites could be found. Abnormal formation of thromboxane or prostacyclin is not a generalized feature of the diabetic state.