Insulin is essential for
glucose homeostasis.
Insulin/
glucose-
insulin-
potassium (GIK) regimen suppresses the production of
tumor necrosis factor-alpha (
TNF-alpha), interleukins-6 (IL-6),
macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and other pro-inflammatory
cytokines and
reactive oxygen species (ROS), enhances the synthesis of endothelial
nitric oxide (eNO), and anti-inflammatory
cytokines interleukins-4 (IL-4) and
interleukin-10 (IL-10). In subjects who are
critically ill, monocyte
HLA-DR expression was significantly decreased with a concomitant increase in plasma
IL-10 and
IL-4 concentrations. Large increases in the plasma concentrations of
TNF-alpha,
IL-6, sustained increase in the expression of leukocyte CD11b/CD18, and ROS generation following surgery and
infections were found to be associated with increased mortality. By virtue of its actions on pro- and anti-inflammatory
cytokines and ROS,
insulin may have the ability to alter
HLA-DR expression in the
critically ill and thus bring about its beneficial actions in
sepsis/
septic shock, myocardial recovery following acute
myocardial infarction, improve prognosis of those who are
critically ill, and suppress
inflammation.