Clinical Uses of Gangliosides in Diabetic Neuropathy

Gangliosides are a class of glyco-sphingolipids normally present at neuronal membrane level where they play an important role in neurotransmitter receptor function. Many experimental findings have shown that after the administration of exogenous gangliosides, because of their high affinity to neuronal membranes, they become stably inserted at this level, causing important modifications of the membrane properties. Gangliosides have also been shown to be biologically effective initiators of dendritogenesis. Data from animal experiments suggest that they enhance axonal sprouting, inducing rapid and correct re-innervation and a prompt functional recovery at the peripheral nerve, activating Na-K Atpase with subsequent normalization of the ion pump, also improving the nerve conduction velocity.’ The promising results have favoured the testing of gangliosides in the treatment of peripheral neuropathies.