Pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of DPP-4 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and renal or hepatic impairment. A systematic review of the literature

Effect of Renal Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics of a Single Oral Dose of Danuglipron in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes

Danuglipron (PF-06882961) is an oral, small-molecule glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist in development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. Impaired renal function is prevalent in patients with T2D. This Phase 1, open-label study evaluated the effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of danuglipron (20 mg) in healthy participants with normal renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] unnormalized for body surface area: ≥90 mL/min), in participants with T2D and normal renal function (eGFR ≥90 mL/min), and in participants with T2D and mild (eGFR 60-89 mL/min), moderate (eGFR 30-59 mL/min), or severe (eGFR <30 mL/min) renal impairment (N = 39). Log-linear regression analyses and analyses of variance showed no evidence of a clinically significant effect of reduced renal function on danuglipron pharmacokinetics. Renal clearance of unchanged danuglipron was minimal (<1% across all renal function groups). Danuglipron pharmacokinetics were similar between healthy participants and participants with T2D and normal renal function. A single 20-mg oral dose of danuglipron was generally safe and well tolerated in all participant groups. In participants with T2D, renal impairment had no clinically meaningful effect on the pharmacokinetic, safety, and tolerability profiles of danuglipron, indicating that dose adjustment of danuglipron will not be required when administered to patients with T2D and reduced renal function.

Impact of Sex and Gender on Clinical Management of Patients with Advanced Chronic Liver Disease and Type 2 Diabetes

Gender differences in the epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical features in chronic liver diseases that may be associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have been increasingly reported in recent years. This sexual dimorphism is due to a complex interaction between sex- and gender-related factors, including biological, hormonal, psychological and socio-cultural variables. However, the impact of sex and gender on the management of T2D subjects with liver disease is still unclear. In this regard, sex-related differences deserve careful consideration in pharmacology, aimed at improving drug safety and optimising medical therapy, both in men and women with T2D; moreover, low adherence to and persistence of long-term drug treatment is more common among women. A better understanding of sex- and gender-related differences in this field would provide an opportunity for a tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approach to the management of T2D subjects with chronic liver disease. In this narrative review, we summarized available data on sex- and gender-related differences in chronic liver disease, including metabolic, autoimmune, alcoholic and virus-related forms and their potential evolution towards cirrhosis and/or hepatocarcinoma in T2D subjects, to support their appropriate and personalized clinical management.

GLP-1 Agonists for Weight Loss: Pharmacology and Clinical Implications

This review investigates the various pharmacologic treatments for overweight and obesity in adults, especially glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists. In light of the globally expanding obesity pandemic and the limited selection of treatments, physicians must be equipped with knowledge regarding proven medications and their nuanced differences to best support patients on their path to a healthier lifestyle. In this review, we explore the current medical therapies for obesity, including all major categories, individual mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, adverse effects, risks, and absolute contraindications. Additionally, we review the evidence of four recent clinical trials, two systematic reviews, and two meta-analyses describing the efficacy of GLP-1 agonists in decreasing weight, lowering HbA1c, and improving obesity comorbidities. We also discuss total cost and cost-effectiveness compared to other categories, long-term adherence, barriers to use, and reasons for discontinuation of this drug category. Our goal is that this review can serve as a framework to aid providers in building their knowledge and selecting the most advantageous weight loss medication for each patient.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitory activity and glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) secretion in arsenically safe pigmented red rice (Oryza sativa L.) and its product

Inhibition of DPP-4 and stimulation of GLP-1 secretion are therapeutic strategies for controlling glycaemia in type 2 diabetes. The present study assessed the DPP-4 inhibitory activity and GLP-1 secretory action of pigmented and non-pigmented rice (Oryza sativa L.), along with an extruded food product. Cereal-based extruded food products, with or without passion fruit powder, were prepared from red rice using a twin extruder. Optimal extrusion conditions were determined using a CCD of response surface methodology resulting in optimal conditions to be 97.5 °C, a screw speed of 250 rpm, feed moisture of 25.2% and addition of 11.25% passion fruit powder. Samples were sequentially extracted in n-hexane, ethanol (50%) and water. Ethanol/water (50:50) extracts of rice bran significantly inhibited DPP-4 activity by 70.48 ± 1.06%, comparing favourably with RR (42.55 ± 0.84%), PRR (35.91 ± 1.27%) and PA (29.14 ± 1.23%). DPP-4 inhibitory activity was retained in both extruded products albeit at reduced levels. GLP-1 secretion was stimulated mostly by extruded products extracted with n-hexane or ethanol which upregulated basal secretion by 6.1-fold and 4.2-fold, respectively. ICP-MS results showed that extruded food items have a lower arsenic content. In conclusion, there are potential opportunities for the nutraceuticals and functional food products using pigmented red rice.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-022-05444-x.

An Approach to the Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Cirrhosis: A Primer for the Hepatologist

The management of diabetes in cirrhosis and liver transplantation can be challenging. There is difficulty in diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes as fasting blood sugar values are low and glycosylated hemoglobin may not be a reliable marker. The challenges in the management of diabetes in cirrhosis include the likelihood of cognitive impairment, risk of hypoglycemia, altered drug metabolism, frequent renal dysfunction, risk of lactic acidosis, and associated malnutrition and sarcopenia. Moreover, calorie restriction and an attempt to lose weight in obese diabetics may be associated with a worsening of sarcopenia. Many commonly used antidiabetic drugs may be unsafe or be associated with a high risk of hypoglycemia in cirrhotics. Post-transplant diabetes is common and may be contributed by immunosuppressive medication. There is inadequate clinical data on the use of antidiabetic drugs in cirrhosis, and the management of diabetes in cirrhosis is hampered by the lack of guidelines focusing on this issue. The current review aims at addressing the practical management of diabetes by a hepatologist.

Diabetes mellitus and COVID-19: Understanding the association in light of current evidence

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections have posed a problematic healthcare situation worldwide since December 2019. Diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). While interacting with various other risk factors, high blood sugar was found to reduce immunity and increase the replication of SARS-CoV-2. Oxidative stress and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines are greater in diabetic individuals than in healthy people, worsening the outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in diabetics. Increased expression of furin and angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor in the hyperglycemic environment may promote the entry of SARS-CoV-2 in the host cell. COVID-19 infection primarily modulates immune and inflammatory responses, and may cause a cytokine storm, resulting in possible lethal outcomes in diabetics. An experimental report suggests that ACE expressed in the pancreas and the SARS-CoV-2 virus invariably destroy β-cells which contain ACE-2 receptors and results in acute diabetes. Moreover, COVID-19 also causes hyperglycemia in an individual with diabetes which may be related to insulin resistance and destruction of β-cells during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Early observations also suggest a correlation between oral hypoglycemic agents and the risk of COVID-19. This review focused on the possible cause and mechanism involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection in diabetics and the role of antidiabetic drugs in COVID-19.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitor sitagliptin alleviates liver inflammation of diabetic mice by acting as a ROS scavenger and inhibiting the NFκB pathway

As a common chronic metabolic disease, the development of diabetes mellitus (DM) may also be accompanied by liver damage and inflammatory disorders. Sitagliptin is an inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4, also known as CD26), which is clinically used for DM treatment. However, the mechanism of sitagliptin’s efficiency in liver diseases is largely unknown. In this study, mice suffering from streptozotocin (STZ) exhibit elevated liver DPP4 expression and activity, as well as inflammatory and chronic liver injury phenotype, whereas specifically inhibiting the activity of DPP4 in mouse liver tissues and hepatocytes by sitagliptin contributes to decreased cytokines, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and inflammation in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Moreover, sitagliptin reduced TNFα or LPS-induced cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, cell apoptosis, and protein expression in the NFκB signaling pathway in HepG2 cells or primary mouse hepatocytes. Altogether, our study confirms that sitagliptin may protect liver tissue by alleviating ROS production and NFκB signaling activation, providing a putative mechanism for preventing the development of diabetic liver disease.

Intensive management of obesity in people with severe chronic kidney disease: A review

Obesity is highly prevalent worldwide, including among people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The presence of severe and/or end-stage kidney disease complicates the treatment of obesity for several reasons, including restrictions on protein and fluid intake and renal excretion of several medications indicated for the treatment of obesity. The aim of this review is to assess the safety of intensive obesity treatments, such as very-low-energy diets (VLEDs), obesity pharmacotherapy and/or bariatric surgery, in people with end-stage kidney disease. A literature search was conducted to identify studies reporting safety outcomes for VLEDs, liraglutide, phentermine, phentermine-topiramate, naltrexone-bupropion and bariatric surgery in people with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 30 mL/min/1.73m² or on dialysis. Limited data were insufficient to recommend VLEDs but highlighted their potential efficacy and the need for close clinical and biochemical monitoring. There were no data regarding centrally acting obesity pharmacotherapy in this population, although some glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues appear to safely induce weight loss at doses used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Some studies suggest an increased rate of complications of bariatric surgery in individuals with severe or end-stage CKD. Further prospective evaluation of intensive obesity management in the growing population with obesity and severe, end-stage and dialysis-dependent CKD is required.

Adjunct therapies in treatment of type 1 diabetes

In spite of developments with novel insulin preparations, novel modes of insulin delivery with insulin infusion pumps, and the facility of continuous glucose monitoring, only 20% of patients with type 1 diabetes are under adequate control. The need for innovation is clear, and, therefore, the use of adjunct therapies with other pharmacological agents currently in use for type 2 diabetes, has been tried. Currently, pramlintide is the only agent licensed for use in this condition in addition to insulin. Global trials have been conducted with liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), dapagliflozin, a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, and sotagliflozin, an inhibitor of both SGLT1 and SGLT2 transporters. While dapagliflozin and sotagliflozin have now been licensed for clinical use in this condition in Europe and Japan, they have hitherto not been licensed in the United States due to a small increase in the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. However, these agents reduce glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 0.4%, reduce glycemic oscillations, and do not increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Liraglutide, on the other hand, induced a smaller reduction in HbA1c and thus was not considered for a license. However, further trials are currently being conducted with a combination of semaglutide, the most potent GLP-1RA, and dapagliflozin to determine whether this approach would yield better outcomes.

Clinical implications, diagnosis, and management of diabetes in patients with chronic liver diseases

Diabetes mellitus (DM) negatively affects the development and progression of chronic liver diseases (CLD) of various etiologies. Concurrent DM and CLD are also associated with worse clinical outcomes with respect to mortality, the occurrence of hepatic decompensation, and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Unfortunately, early diagnosis and optimal treatment of DM can be challenging, due to the lack of established clinical guidelines as well as the medical complexity of this patient population. We conducted an exploratory review of relevant literature to provide an up-to-date review for internists and hepatologists caring for this patient population. We reviewed the epidemiological and pathophysiological associations between DM and CLD, the impact of insulin resistance on the progression and manifestations of CLD, the pathogenesis of hepatogenic diabetes, as well as the practical challenges in diagnosis and monitoring of DM in this patient population. We also reviewed the latest clinical evidence on various pharmacological antihyperglycemic therapies with an emphasis on liver disease-related clinical outcomes. Finally, we proposed an algorithm for managing DM in patients with CLD and discussed the clinical and research questions that remain to be addressed.

Poor health status, inappropriate glucose-lowering therapy and high one-year mortality in geriatric patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Glucose-lowering therapy (GLT) should be individualized in older patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) according to their health status and their life expectancy. This study aimed at assessing the inappropriateness of GLT prescribing and the one-year mortality rate in geriatric patients with T2D.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of consecutive inpatients with T2D admitted to a geriatric ward of a Belgian university hospital. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 75 years, T2D with GLT before admission, and HbA1c measurement during the hospital stay. Comorbidities and geriatric syndromes were collected. GLT agents were classified into hypoglycaemic and non-hypoglycaemic ones, and their dosages were expressed in daily defined dose (DDD). Health status (intermediate or poor) and GLT appropriateness (appropriate, overtreatment, undertreatment) were assessed according to the 2019 Endocrine Society guideline on diabetes treatment in older adults, in which GLT overtreatment requires the presence of hypoglycaemic therapy. One-year mortality was determined using the National Registry of vital status, and its associated factors were analysed using multivariable Cox' regression.

RESULTS

The 318 geriatric patients with T2D (median age 84 years; 46% female) were in intermediate (33%) or poor health (67%). These two groups reached similar low HbA1c values (median 6.9%) with similar GLT regimens. GLT overtreatment was frequent (57%) irrespectively of the geriatric features. One-year mortality rate was high (38.5%) and associated in multivariate analysis with poor health status (HR: 1.59, p = 0.033), malnutrition (HR: 1.67, p = 0.006) and GLT overtreatment (HR: 1.73, p = 0.023). Patients with GLT overtreatment had a higher mortality rate (44.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

GLT overtreatment was present in more than half of these geriatric patients. Many of them were in poor health status and died within one-year. Special attention should be paid to individualisation of the HbA1c goals in the geriatric patients with diabetes, and to GLT de-intensification in those being over-treated.

Effect of Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors on Cardiovascular Events in Type-2 Diabetes Patients with Renal Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recent studies suggested that the increased risk of heart failure by DPP-4 inhibitors may have an interconnection with patients' baseline eGFR. We decided to investigate the effect of DPP-4 inhibitors and the degree of renal function on cardiovascular (CV) safety in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Systemic search of literature that examined the DPP-4 inhibitors and reported cardiovascular outcomes in diabetes patients with renal impairment were performed. Studies were examined for inclusion criteria: Randomized controlled trials with reduced renal function taking DPP-4 inhibitors alone or in combination with other anti-diabetes agents reporting evaluable CV events for at least 24 weeks.

RESULT

Analysis of four CV outcome studies (11,789 patients with eGFR ≤60 ml/min/1.73m²) did not find any increase in primary composite endpoints with DPP-4 inhibitors in patients stratified by baseline renal function. Rate of hospitalization due to heart failure (hHF) is found to be non-inferior to placebo group in patients with renal insufficiency (RR 1.07; 95% CI, 0.96-1.20 P = 0.26). In moderate renal dysfunction, there is a significant increase in heart failure risk compared to placebo. (RR 1.27; 95% CI, 1.033 -1.5 8; P = 0.024).

CONCLUSION

Treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors did not affect the risk of cardiovascular events regardless of baseline renal function, however, an increase in the risk of hHF in moderate renal function in T2D patients with high CV risk merits careful consideration. Further research would be necessitated to reach definitive conclusion to understand the effect of declining renal function on CV safety of DPP-4 inhibitors.

Treatment of Diabetes in Older Adults: An Endocrine Society* Clinical Practice Guideline

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to formulate clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of diabetes in older adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes, particularly type 2, is becoming more prevalent in the general population, especially in individuals over the age of 65 years. The underlying pathophysiology of the disease in these patients is exacerbated by the direct effects of aging on metabolic regulation. Similarly, aging effects interact with diabetes to accelerate the progression of many common diabetes complications. Each section in this guideline covers all aspects of the etiology and available evidence, primarily from controlled trials, on therapeutic options and outcomes in this population. The goal is to give guidance to practicing health care providers that will benefit patients with diabetes (both type 1 and type 2), paying particular attention to avoiding unnecessary and/or harmful adverse effects.

Pharmacokinetics of Toxin-Derived Peptide Drugs

Toxins and venoms produced by different organisms contain peptides that have evolved to have highly selective and potent pharmacological effects on specific targets for protection and predation. Several toxin-derived peptides have become drugs and are used for the management of diabetes, hypertension, chronic pain, and other medical conditions. Despite the similarity in their composition (amino acids as the building blocks), toxin-derived peptide drugs have very profound differences in their structure and conformation, in their physicochemical properties (that affect solubility, stability, etc.), and subsequently in their pharmacokinetics (the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination following their administration to patients). This review summarizes and critically analyzes the pharmacokinetic properties of toxin-derived peptide drugs: (1) the relationship between the chemical structure, physicochemical properties, and the pharmacokinetics of the specific drugs, (2) the major pharmacokinetic properties and parameters of these drugs, and (3) the major pharmacokinetic variability factors of the individual drugs. The structural properties of toxin-derived peptides affect their pharmacokinetics and pose some limitations on their clinical use. These properties should be taken into account during the development of new toxin-derived peptide drugs, and for the efficient and safe use of the clinically approved drugs from this group in the individual patients.

Multiple target tissue effects of GLP-1 analogues on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

Accumulating experimental and clinical evidences over the last decade indicate that GLP-1 analogues have a series of central nervous system and peripheral target tissues actions which are able to significantly influence the liver metabolism. GLP-1 analogues pleiotropic effects proved to be efficacious in T2DM subjects not only reducing liver steatosis and ameliorating NAFLD and NASH, but also in lowering plasma glucose and liver inflammation, improving cardiac function and protecting from kidney dysfunction. While the experimental and clinical data are robust, the precise mechanisms of action potentially involved in these protective multi-target effects need further investigation. Here we present a systematic review of the most recent literature data on the multi-target effects of GLP-1 analogues on the liver, on adipose and muscular tissue and on the nervous system, all capable of influencing significant aspects of the fatty liver disease physiopathology. From this analysis, we can conclude that the multi-target beneficial action of the GLP-1 analogues could explain the positive effects observed in animal and human models on progression of NAFLD to NASH.

Safety and Efficacy of DPP4 Inhibitor and Basal Insulin in Type 2 Diabetes: An Updated Review and Challenging Clinical Scenarios

The safety and efficacy of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors as monotherapy or in combination with other oral antidiabetic agents or basal insulin are well established. DPP4 inhibitors stimulate glucose-dependent insulin secretion and inhibit glucagon production. As monotherapy, they reduce the hemoglobin A1c level by about 0.6-0.8%. The addition of a DPP4 inhibitor to basal insulin is an attractive option, because they lower both postprandial and fasting plasma glucose concentrations without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia or weight gain. The present review summarizes the extensive evidence on the combination therapy of DPP4 inhibitors and insulin-based regimens in patients with type 2 diabetes. We focus our discussion on challenging clinical scenarios including patients with chronic renal impairment, elderly persons and hospitalized patients. The evidence indicates that these drugs are highly effective and safe in the elderly and in the presence of mild, moderate and severe renal failure improving glycemic control with low risk of hypoglycemia. In addition, several randomized-controlled trials have shown that the use of DPP4 inhibitors in combination with basal insulin represents an alternative to the basal-bolus insulin regimen in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes.

Risk analysis of new oral anticoagulants for gastrointestinal bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage in atrial fibrillation patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Antithrombotic therapy using new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has been generally shown to have a favorable risk-benefit profile. Since there has been dispute about the risks of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), we sought to conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis using Bayesian inference to analyze the risks of GIB and ICH in AF patients taking NOACs.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 20 randomized controlled trials of 91 671 AF patients receiving anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, or placebo. Bayesian network meta-analysis of two different evidence networks was performed using a binomial likelihood model, based on a network in which different agents (and doses) were treated as separate nodes. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were modeled using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods.

RESULTS

Indirect comparisons with the Bayesian model confirmed that aspirin+clopidogrel significantly increased the risk of GIB in AF patients compared to the placebo (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01-0.92). Warfarin was identified as greatly increasing the risk of ICH compared to edoxaban 30 mg (OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.22-7.24) and dabigatran 110 mg (OR 3.56, 95% CI 1.10-8.45). We further ranked the NOACs for the lowest risk of GIB (apixaban 5 mg) and ICH (apixaban 5 mg, dabigatran 110 mg, and edoxaban 30 mg).

CONCLUSIONS

Bayesian network meta-analysis of treatment of non-valvular AF patients with anticoagulants suggested that NOACs do not increase risks of GIB and/or ICH, compared to each other.

Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability of a Single Dose of Semaglutide, a Human Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Analog, in Subjects With and Without Renal Impairment

BACKGROUND

The pharmacokinetics and tolerability of semaglutide, a once-weekly human glucagon-like peptide-1 analog in development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, were investigated in subjects with/without renal impairment (RI).

METHODS

Fifty-six subjects, categorized into renal function groups [normal, mild, moderate, severe, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD)], received a single subcutaneous dose of semaglutide 0.5 mg. Semaglutide plasma concentrations were assessed ≤480 h post-dose; the primary endpoint was the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity.

RESULTS

Semaglutide exposure in subjects with mild/moderate RI and ESRD was similar to that in subjects with normal renal function. In subjects with severe RI, the mean exposure of semaglutide was 22% higher than in subjects with normal renal function, and the 95% confidence interval (1.02-1.47) for the ratio exceeded the pre-specified limits (0.70-1.43). When adjusted for differences in sex, age, and body weight between the groups, all comparisons were within the pre-specified clinically relevant limits. Across RI groups there was no relationship between creatinine clearance (CL_CR) and semaglutide exposure, or between CL_CR and semaglutide maximum plasma drug concentration (C _max). Hemodialysis did not appear to affect the pharmacokinetics of semaglutide. No appreciable changes in safety parameters or vital signs and no serious adverse events were noted. One subject with severe RI reported two major hypoglycemic events.

CONCLUSION

When adjusted for differences in sex, age, and body weight, semaglutide exposure was similar between subjects with RI and subjects with normal renal function. Semaglutide (0.5 mg) was well-tolerated. Dose adjustment may not be warranted for subjects with RI. CLINICALTRIALS.

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT00833716.

Is the management of diabetes different in dialysis patients?

Diabetes is highly and increasingly prevalent in the dialysis population and negatively impacts both quality and quantity of life. Nevertheless, the best approach to these patients is still debatable. The question of whether the management of diabetes should be different in dialysis patients does not have a clear yes or no answer but is divided into too many sub-issues that should be carefully considered. In this review, lifestyle, cardiovascular risk, and hyperglycemia management are explored, emphasizing the possible pros and cons of a similar approach to diabetes in dialysis patients compared to the general population.

Pharmacokinetics and tolerability of semaglutide in people with hepatic impairment

AIMS

To investigate whether the pharmacokinetic characteristics of semaglutide were altered in people with hepatic impairment, assessed using Child-Pugh criteria, vs those with normal hepatic function.

METHODS

In this multicentre, open-label, parallel-group trial (sponsor Novo Nordisk, ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02210871), four groups of participants with normal hepatic function (n = 19) or mild (n = 8), moderate (n = 10) or severe (n = 7) hepatic impairment received a single, subcutaneous dose of 0.5 mg semaglutide. Semaglutide plasma concentrations were assessed frequently for 35 days after dosing. The primary endpoint was area under the semaglutide plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC_0-∞ ). No effect of hepatic impairment was declared if the 90% confidence interval (CI) for the between-group ratio (hepatic impairment/normal function) was within the interval 0.70 to 1.43.

RESULTS

Semaglutide exposure was similar across all groups, with AUC_0-∞ treatment ratios for mild impairment/normal function of 0.95 (90% CI 0.77, 1.16), moderate impairment/normal function 1.02 (90% CI 0.93, 1.12), and severe impairment/normal function 0.97 (90% CI 0.84, 1.12). The maximum plasma semaglutide concentration (C_max ) did not appear to be influenced by hepatic function, with mild impairment/normal function treatment ratios of 0.99 (90% CI 0.80, 1.23), moderate impairment/normal function 1.02 (90% CI 0.88, 1.18) and severe impairment/normal function 1.15 (90% CI 0.89, 1.48; sensitivity analysis excluding one extreme semaglutide concentration: 1.05 [90% CI 0.88, 1.25]). In all, 10 participants reported 12 mild or moderate non-serious adverse events. No unexpected safety or tolerability issues were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Semaglutide exposure did not appear to be affected by hepatic impairment, suggesting that dose adjustment may not be necessary in patients with hepatic impairment. Semaglutide was well tolerated and there were no unexpected safety issues.

Novel skeletal effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) leads to bone fragility and predisposes to increased risk of fracture, poor bone healing and other skeletal complications. In addition, some anti-diabetic therapies for T2DM can have notable detrimental skeletal effects. Thus, an appropriate therapeutic strategy for T2DM should not only be effective in re-establishing good glycaemic control but also in minimising skeletal complications. There is increasing evidence that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), now greatly prescribed for the treatment of T2DM, have beneficial skeletal effects although the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. This review provides an overview of the direct and indirect effects of GLP-1RAs on bone physiology, focusing on bone quality and novel mechanisms of action on the vasculature and hormonal regulation. The overall experimental studies indicate significant positive skeletal effects of GLP-1RAs on bone quality and strength although their mechanisms of actions may differ according to various GLP-1RAs and clinical studies supporting their bone protective effects are still lacking. The possibility that GLP-1RAs could improve blood supply to bone, which is essential for skeletal health, is of major interest and suggests that GLP-1 anti-diabetic therapy could benefit the rising number of elderly T2DM patients with osteoporosis and high fracture risk.

DIABETES MELLITUS IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER CIRRHOSIS: NEW TREATMENT OPTIONS

In economically developed countries, cirrhosis is one of the six leading causes of death at the age of 35–60 years and ranges from 14 to 30 cases per 100000 population. In the world 40 million people die of cirrhosis each year. At 6% of the population of the Russian Federation there is a diabetes mellitus. The combination of diabetes mellitus in patients with cirrhosis of the liver is a common comorbid pathology. Diabetes mellitusis a risk factor for the development of liver cirrhosis, and the incidence of combination of both diseases is quite high, although the frequency of occurrence varies. About 80% of patients with LC may have impaired glucose metabolism, and 30% have diabetes mellitus. Prospective studies have shown that diabetes is associated with an increased risk of developing hepatic complications and death in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of complications of liver cirrhosis of any etiology (varicose veins of the esophagus, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatic-cell insufficiency) and subsequent survival. The incidence, frequency of hospitalizations and mortality from this combined pathology are very high. There are common mechanisms that provoke metabolic and autoimmune disorders in the development of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis, leading to steatosis, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and the development of diabetes mellitus. There are certain features of the evaluation of the compensation of carbohydrate metabolism in patients with cirrhosis of the liver, anemia and impaired protein metabolism. Effective control of glycemia can have a beneficial effect on the treatment of these patients. However, few studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of antidiabetic drugs and the effect of diabetes treatment on morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Previously it was believed that in the presence of cirrhosis the only treatment remains insulin. At present, in connection with the emergence of modern groups of hypoglycemic drugs, as well as new approaches to the treatment of type 2 diabetes, this concept has radically changed. Unfortunately, the issues of correction of carbohydrate metabolism in patients with cirrhosis of the liver are practically not covered in the world literature. This article deals with the correction of carbohydrate metabolism in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular insufficiency of insulin analogs, biguanides, drugs with incretin effect — dipeptidyl peptidase‑4 inhibitors, agonists of glucagon-like peptide‑1, inhibitors of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 diabetes. Particular attention is paid to the development of hepatocellular insufficiency and portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis and type 2 diabetes, as well as processes for their prevention and insulin alternative correction methods.

Therapeutic Considerations for Antihyperglycemic Agents in Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease is among the most frequent complications of diabetes, with approximately 50% of patients with ESRD attributed to diabetes in developed countries. Although intensive glycemic management has been shown to delay the onset and progression of increased urinary albumin excretion and reduced GFR in patients with diabetes, conservative dose selection and adjustment of antihyperglycemic medications are necessary to balance glycemic control with safety. A growing body of literature is providing valuable insight into the cardiovascular and renal safety and efficacy of newer antihyperglycemic medications in the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor classes of medications. Ongoing studies will continue to inform future use of these agents in patients with diabetic kidney disease.

Lixisenatide, a Once-Daily Prandial Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist for the Treatment of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Lixisenatide, a short-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), has been available in Europe since 2013 and was recently approved in the United States for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) as an adjunct to diet and exercise. The objective of this systematic review is to describe the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of lixisenatide in patients with T2D. We conducted a search of the EMBASE database, limited to human studies with abstracts available in English. Published conference abstracts, limited to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes meetings in 2015, as well as abstracts presented at the ADA meeting in 2016, were also screened. The abstracts retrieved were assessed for relevance; review articles and meta-analyses focusing on GLP-1 RAs as a class were excluded. Lixisenatide induced mean reductions of 0.46-0.99% in glycated hemoglobin A_1c (Hb_A1c ), 55.86-143.43 mg/dl in 2-hour postprandial glucose (PPG) levels, and 56.58-127.75 mg/dl in mealtime glucose level variations. Changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and weight ranged from -21.98 to +5.41 mg/dl and from -2.96 to +0.3 kg, respectively, in patients with T2D enrolled in the GetGoal clinical program (a program of clinical trials that established the efficacy and safety profile of lixisenatide 20 μg once/day across patients with T2D with differing background therapies). Lixisenatide was well tolerated, demonstrating rates of symptomatic hypoglycemia of 0.8-42.9% and a very low rate of severe hypoglycemia (< 1.5%) as well as no increased risk of cardiovascular events. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal in nature, mainly transient nausea and vomiting of mild-to-moderate severity. Lixisenatide effectively lowers Hb_A1c levels in patients with T2D through a mechanism of action complementary to that of agents that mainly target FPG, with the additional benefit of weight loss. Its once-daily administration schedule and effect on PPG levels make it an attractive option as add-on treatment to basal insulin therapy or oral antidiabetic agents.

POTENTIAL ADVANTAGE OF REPAGLINIDE MONOTHERAPY IN GLYCEMIC CONTROL IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES AND SEVERE RENAL IMPAIRMENT

Context

Oral anti-diabetic drugs (OADs) are leading option for treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, availability of OADs are limited in the presence of renal impairment (RI).

Objective

In this study, we examined the efficacy of repaglinide, which is mainly metabolized and excreted via non-renal route, in patients with T2D and severe RI that consists mainly of chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4.

Design Subjects and Methods

This was an open label, single arm, interventional study by repaglinide monotherapy. The primary efficacy end point was HbA1c change from baseline to week 12.

Results

Repaglinide treatment significantly reduced HbA1c levels from 7.7 ± 0.7% to 6.1 ± 0.3% (p<0.001) in 9 patients with severe RI (mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 26.4 ± 7.5 mL/min/1.73m²). Focusing on 4 patients who received DPP-4 inhibitor monotherapy at enrolment, switching to repaglinide also significantly improved HbA1c levels. No hypoglycemic symptoms or severe hypoglycemia was reported in patients who completed the period of 12 weeks.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the efficacy of repaglinide in patients with T2D and severe RI. In case that DPP-4 inhibitors are not enough to achieve targeted range of glycemic control, repaglinide is another good candidate.

Which treatment for type 2 diabetes associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are highly prevalent in the community, and share common pathogenic mechanisms. There is also evidence that T2DM may be favored by hepatic fat accumulation; in turn the presence of T2DM is a risk factor for liver disease progression. The treatment of T2DM has considerably changed in the past few years; new drug classes, promoting glucose-lowering through mechanisms different from classical insulin-sensitizing or insulin-secreting action, have been added to continuing lifestyle intervention. Metformin and pioglitazone may be safely used in the presence of liver fat, whereas sulfonylureas and insulin itself have been associated with NAFLD progression and adverse outcome. Drugs acting on the incretin axis and on Na-glucose co-transport at renal tubular level offer new hopes for a tailored treatment able to reduce the burden of hepatic triglyceride accumulation and liver disease progression.

FAM3D inhibits glucagon secretion via MKP1-dependent suppression of ERK1/2 signaling

Dysregulated glucagon secretion is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes (T2D). To date, few effective therapeutic agents target on deranged glucagon secretion. Family with sequence similarity 3 member D (FAM3D) is a novel gut-derived cytokine-like protein, and its secretion timing is contrary to that of glucagon. However, the roles of FAM3D in metabolic disorder and its biological functions are largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated whether FAM3D modulates glucagon production in mouse pancreatic alpha TC1 clone 6 (αTC1-6) cells. Glucagon secretion, prohormone convertase 2 (PC2) activity, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were assessed. Exogenous FAM3D inhibited glucagon secretion, PC2 activity, as well as extracellular-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling and induced MAPK phosphatase 1 (MKP1) expression. Moreover, knockdown of MKP1 and inhibition of ERK1/2 abolished and potentiated the inhibitory effect of FAM3D on glucagon secretion, respectively. Taken together, FAM3D inhibits glucagon secretion via MKP1-dependent suppression of ERK1/2 signaling. These results provide rationale for developing the therapeutic potential of FAM3D for dysregulated glucagon secretion and T2D.

The efficacy and safety of DPP4 inhibitors in patients with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors are a novel class of antidiabetic medication in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Several studies have indicated that DPP4 inhibitors could be used for type 1diabetes (T1DM). Here, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of DPP4 inhibitor therapy in patients with T1DM.

METHODS

We conducted searches on Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EMBASE for relevant studies published before November 21, 2015. Mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for the mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) changes and insulin dosage from baseline to endpoint. Risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI was calculated for severe hypoglycemia. Data was extracted by two independent reviewers, and the meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.3.

RESULTS

Six randomized controlled trials with a total of 228 individuals were finally included into the meta-analysis. DPP4 inhibitors reduced daily insulin dosage significantly (MD -2.41U/day, 95% CI [-3.87, -0.94], P=0.001) but did not reduce HbA1c level (MD 0.0% (0mmol/mol), 95% CI [-0.16, 0.15], P=0.97). Furthermore, DPP4 inhibitors did not change the incidence of severe hypoglycemia (RR 0.81, 95% CI [0.34, 1.93], P=0.64).

CONCLUSION

In patients with T1DM, DPP4 inhibitors combined with insulin do not increase or decrease the risk of hypoglycemia and do not decrease HbA1c levels.

Omarigliptin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Omarigliptin is a new once-weekly dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is indicated to have favorable effects on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA_1c), fasting and postmeal plasma glucose. It potently but reversibly inhibits DPP-4 enzyme, which prolongs the circulating half-life of glucagon-like peptide-1 that increases insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. Benefiting from glucose-dependent insulin secretion, omarigliptin is associated with low risk of hypoglycemia. In contrast to the once-daily dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (e.g., alogliptin, linagliptin, sitagliptin), once-weekly omarigliptin can improve patients' adherence and thus achieve optimal therapeutic efficacy. Herein, I review the pharmacological and clinical profile of omarigliptin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes based on the available clinical data.

Short-term and long-term effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with renal impairment: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

To assess the short-term and long-term effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with renal impairment, a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials of DPP-4 inhibitor interventions in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with renal impairment was performed. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched through the end of March 2015. Randomized clinical trials were selected if (1) DPP-4 inhibitors were compared with a placebo or other active-comparators, (2) the treatment duration was ≥12 weeks and (3) data regarding changes in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c ), changes in fasting plasma glucose or hypoglycaemia and other adverse events were reported. Of 790 studies, ten studies on eight randomized clinical trials were included. Compared with the control group, DPP-4 inhibitors were associated with a greater HbA1c reduction in both the short-term [mean differences (MD) = -0.45, 95% confidence intervals (-0.57, -0.33), p < 0.0001] and long-term [MD = -0.33, 95% confidence intervals (-0.63, -0.03), p = 0.03] treatments. However, the long-term greater reduction in HbA1c with DPP-4 inhibitor treatment was only significant when the control treatment comprised placebo plus stable background treatment, but not glipizide plus stable background treatment. DPP-4 inhibitors were associated with a greater fasting plasma glucose reduction [MD = -12.59, 95% confidence intervals (-22.01, -3.17), p = 0.009] over the short-term; however, this effect was not present over the long-term. Regarding the hypoglycaemia adverse events assessment, the long-term treatment data indicated there was no increased risk of hypoglycaemia compared with placebo or active-controlled anti-diabetic drugs. The present meta-analysis confirms that DPP-4 inhibitors are effective and equivalent to other agents in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with renal impairment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Diabetes Care After Transplant: Definitions, Risk Factors, and Clinical Management

Patients who undergo solid organ transplantation may have preexisting diabetes mellitus (DM), develop new-onset DM after transplantation (NODAT), or have postoperative hyperglycemia that resolves shortly after surgery. Although insulin is usually used to control hyperglycemia in the hospital, following discharge most of the usual diabetes oral and parenteral medications can be used in treatment. However, when there are comorbidities such as impaired kidney or hepatic function, or heart disease, special precautions may be necessary. In addition, drug-drug interactions, such as drugs interacting with CYP3A4 enzyme pathway, require additional consideration because of possible interaction with immunosuppressive drug metabolism.

Incretin therapies: highlighting common features and differences in the modes of action of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors

Over the last few years, incretin-based therapies have emerged as important agents in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). These agents exert their effect via the incretin system, specifically targeting the receptor for the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which is partly responsible for augmenting glucose-dependent insulin secretion in response to nutrient intake (the 'incretin effect'). In patients with T2D, pharmacological doses/concentrations of GLP-1 can compensate for the inability of diabetic β cells to respond to the main incretin hormone glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, and this is therefore a suitable parent compound for incretin-based glucose-lowering medications. Two classes of incretin-based therapies are available: GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. GLP-1RAs promote GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) signalling by providing GLP-1R stimulation through 'incretin mimetics' circulating at pharmacological concentrations, whereas DPP-4 inhibitors prevent the degradation of endogenously released GLP-1. Both agents produce reductions in plasma glucose and, as a result of their glucose-dependent mode of action, this is associated with low rates of hypoglycaemia; however, there are distinct modes of action resulting in differing efficacy and tolerability profiles. Furthermore, as their actions are not restricted to stimulating insulin secretion, these agents have also been associated with additional non-glycaemic benefits such as weight loss, improvements in β-cell function and cardiovascular risk markers. These attributes have made incretin therapies attractive treatments for the management of T2D and have presented physicians with an opportunity to tailor treatment plans. This review endeavours to outline the commonalities and differences among incretin-based therapies and to provide guidance regarding agents most suitable for treating T2D in individual patients.

The efficacy and safety of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with severe renal impairment: a meta-analysis

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are a new class of oral antidiabetic agents, and have been increasingly and widely used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). However, information of DPP-4 inhibitors in type 2 DM patients with severe renal impairment (RI) is limited. Our study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of DPP-4 inhibitors as compared to placebos or other hypoglycemic drugs in type 2 DM patients with severe RI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the literature comparing the effects of DPP-4 inhibitors on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBG). Randomized control trials (RCTs) including adults with type 2 DM and severe RI were analyzed. Safety was evaluated based on the percentage of patients who developed hypoglycemia and the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) as well as the incidence of peripheral edema, urinary tract infection, diarrhea, and death.

RESULTS

Five RCTs including 503 patients were analyzed. Compared with a placebo or no treatment, DPP-4 inhibitors were associated with a larger decline in HbA1c (mean difference (MD) = -0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.73 to -0.41; p < 0.01) but not with FBG (MD = -0.26, 95% CI: -1.40 to 0.8; p = 0.66). Compared with glipizide monotherapy, no significant differences in HbA1c (MD = 0.15, 95% CI: -0.19 to 0.49; p = 0.38) or FBG (MD = -0.26, 95% CI: -1.16 to 0.64; p = 0.57) were found. Similar odds of experiencing an AE were found in both the DPP-4 inhibitor groups and comparison groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In type 2 DM patients with severe RI, treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors is safe and it effectively lowers HbA1c.

The kidney and type 2 diabetes mellitus: therapeutic implications of SGLT2 inhibitors

Understanding the role of the kidneys in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has taken on an increased importance in recent years with the arrival of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors - antihyperglycemic agents (AHAs) that specifically target the kidneys. This review includes an update on the physiology of the kidneys, their role in the pathophysiology of T2DM, and the mechanisms implicated in the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease, such as glomerular hyperfiltration and inflammation. It also discusses renal issues that could influence the choice of AHA for patients with T2DM, including special populations such as patients with concomitant chronic kidney disease. The most recent data published on the clinical efficacy and safety of the SGLT2 inhibitors canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin and their effects on renal function are presented, showing how the renally mediated mechanisms of action of these agents translate into clinical benefits, including the potential for renoprotection. The observed positive effects of these agents on measures such as glucose control, estimated glomerular filtration rate, albumin-to-creatinine ratio, blood pressure, and body weight in patients both with and without impaired renal function suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors represent an important extension to the diabetes treatment armamentarium.

Special considerations for the treatment of chronic kidney disease in the elderly

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in older adults, and its burden is expected to increase in older populations. Even if the knowledge on the approach to older patient with CKD is still evolving, current guidelines for pharmacological management of CKD does not include specific recommendations for older patients. Additionally, decision-making on renal replacement therapy (RRT) for older patients is far from being evidence-based, and despite the improvement in dialysis outcomes, RRT may cause more harm than benefit compared with conservative care when prognostic stratification is not carefully assessed. The use of comprehensive geriatric assessment tools could help clinicians in applying a more informed decision-making. Finally, physical exercise and rehabilitation interventions also represents a promising therapeutic strategy.

Efficacy and Safety of Liraglutide Versus Placebo as Add-on to Glucose-Lowering Therapy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Moderate Renal Impairment (LIRA-RENAL): A Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

Renal impairment in type 2 diabetes limits available glucose-lowering treatment options. This trial was conducted to establish the efficacy and safety of liraglutide as an add-on to existing glucose-lowering medications in patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes and moderate renal impairment.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this 26-week, double-blind trial, 279 patients with HbA1c 7-10%, BMI 20-45 kg/m(2), and moderate renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m(2); MDRD) were randomized (1:1) to once-daily liraglutide 1.8 mg (n = 140) or placebo (n = 139).

RESULTS

The estimated treatment difference in HbA1c from baseline to week 26 was -0.66% (-7.25 mmol/mol) (95% CI -0.90 to -0.43 [-9.82 to -4.69]), P < 0.0001). Fasting plasma glucose decreased more with liraglutide (-1.22 mmol/L [-22.0 mg/dL]) than with placebo (-0.57 mmol/L [-10.3 mg/dL], P = 0.036). There was a greater reduction in body weight with liraglutide (-2.41 kg) than with placebo (-1.09 kg, P = 0.0052). No changes in renal function were observed (eGFR relative ratio to baseline: -1% liraglutide, +1% placebo; estimated treatment ratio [ETR] 0.98, P = 0.36). The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal (GI) adverse effects (liraglutide, 35.7%; placebo, 17.5%). No difference in hypoglycemic episodes was observed between treatment groups (event rate/100 patient-years of exposure: liraglutide, 30.47; placebo, 40.08; P = 0.54). The estimated ratio to baseline for lipase was 1.33 for liraglutide and 0.97 for placebo (ETR 1.37, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Liraglutide did not affect renal function and demonstrated better glycemic control, with no increase in hypoglycemia risk but with higher withdrawals due to GI adverse events than placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate renal impairment.

Management of diabetes mellitus in individuals with chronic kidney disease: therapeutic perspectives and glycemic control

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic options for diabetes treatment and their potential side effects, in addition to analyzing the risks and benefits of tight glycemic control in patients with diabetic kidney disease. For this review, a search was performed using several pre-defined keyword combinations and their equivalents: "diabetes kidney disease" and "renal failure" in combination with "diabetes treatment" and "oral antidiabetic drugs" or "oral hypoglycemic agents." The search was performed in PubMed, Endocrine Abstracts and the Cochrane Library from January 1980 up to January 2015. Diabetes treatment in patients with diabetic kidney disease is challenging, in part because of progression of renal failure-related changes in insulin signaling, glucose transport and metabolism, favoring both hyperglycemic peaks and hypoglycemia. Additionally, the decline in renal function impairs the clearance and metabolism of antidiabetic agents and insulin, frequently requiring reassessment of prescriptions. The management of hyperglycemia in patients with diabetic kidney disease is even more difficult, requiring adjustment of antidiabetic agents and insulin doses. The health team responsible for the follow-up of these patients should be vigilant and prepared to make such changes; however, unfortunately, there are few guidelines addressing the nuances of the management of this specific population.

Linagliptin monotherapy compared with voglibose monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing hemodialysis: a 12-week randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

Focusing on efficacy and tolerability, we compared linagliptin monotherapy with voglibose monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing hemodialysis (HD).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group, active-controlled study, 78 patients were randomized (1:1) to receive a 12-week treatment with 5 mg linagliptin once daily or 0.2 mg voglibose three times a day. To assess whether linagliptin was superior to voglibose, the primary efficacy end point was the change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level between baseline and week 12. Secondary efficacy end points included changes between baseline and week 12 in glycated albumin (GA) and casual plasma glucose (PG) levels.

RESULTS

At week 12, the adjusted mean HbA1c levels had decreased by -0.60% after treatment with linagliptin and by -0.20% after treatment with voglibose (treatment difference: -0.40%, 95% CI -0.74% to -0.06%, p=0.022). A significant reduction in casual PG level was also observed after treatment with linagliptin compared with treatment with voglibose. Relative to voglibose, linagliptin tended to elicit reductions in GA, although without statistical significance. No hypoglycemic symptoms or severe hypoglycemia occurred during the study.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing HD, linagliptin monotherapy provided significantly better glycemic control without severe hypoglycemia than voglibose monotherapy. Linagliptin represents a promising agent for glycemic management in patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing HD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UMIN000007635; results.

HYPERGLYCEMIA MANAGEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH POSTTRANSPLANTATION DIABETES

OBJECTIVE

Posttransplantation diabetes (PTDM) is a common occurrence after solid-organ transplantation and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. There is a limited number of studies addressing strategies for hyperglycemia management in this population, with a few articles emerging recently.

METHODS

We performed a PubMed search of studies published in English addressing hyperglycemia management of PTDM/new-onset diabetes after transplant (NODAT). Relevant cited articles were also retrieved.

RESULTS

Most of the 25 publications eligible for review were retrospective studies. Insulin therapy during the early posttransplantation period showed promise in preventing PTDM development. Thiazolidinediones have been mostly shown to exert glycemic control in retrospective studies, at the expense of weight gain and fluid retention. Evidence with metformin, sulfonylureas, and meglitinides is very limited. Incretins have shown promising results in small prospective studies using sitagliptin, linaglitpin, and vildagliptin and a case series using liraglutide.

CONCLUSION

Prospective randomized studies assessing the management of hyperglycemia in PTDM are urgently needed. In the meantime, clinicians need to be aware of the high risk of PTDM and associated complications and current concepts in management.

One-year treatment with liraglutide improved renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes: a pilot prospective study

Unlike GLP-1, liraglutide is not cleared by the glomerulus and its pharmacokinetic is not altered in patients with mild renal impairment. The aim of our study was to analyze the effects of liraglutide on renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes. A twelve-month longitudinal prospective post-marketing study was performed. According to eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) calculated with CKD-EPI equation, 84 consecutive patients were divided in Group A (eGFR > 90 ml/min) and Group B (eGFR < 90 ml/min). BMI, glucose, HbA1c, serum creatinine, microalbuminuria, and eGFR were evaluated at baseline and after 12 months of treatment. A reduction in fasting plasma glucose (p < 0.01), HbA1c (p < 0.003), BMI (p < 0.01), and systolic (p < 0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.006) was recorded irrespective of eGFR category. Concerning renal function, creatinine levels had a trend to decrease in both groups. eGFR did not change in Group A, while it increased in Group B (p < 0.05) independently from the concomitant changes of other parameters. Moreover, seven out of 41 patients of Group B had increased eGFR levels which reached the normal values (>90 ml/min). At baseline, five patients had pathological microalbuminuria, but at 12 months three of them returned to normal albuminuria (p < 0.006). Total microalbuminuria levels improved in both groups (p < 0.02). According to preliminary data in animals, our study shows that liraglutide is effective in preserving eGFR in diabetic patients, increasing it in those with reduced renal function. This was associated with a decrease of frequency of patients positive to microalbuminuria. Further studies are needed to confirm these data.

The treatment of diabetes mellitus of patients with chronic liver disease

About 80% of patients with liver cirrhosis may have glucose metabolism disorders, 30% show overt diabetes mellitus (DM). Prospective studies have demonstrated that DM is associated with an increased risk of hepatic complications and death in patients with liver cirrhosis. DM might contribute to liver damage by promoting inflammation and fibrosis through an increase in mitochondrial oxidative stress mediated by adipokines. Based on the above mentioned the effective control of hyperglycemia may have a favorable impact on the evolution of these patients. However, only few therapeutic studies have evaluated the effectiveness and safety of antidiabetic drugs and the impact of the treatment of DM on morbidity and mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis. In addition, oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin may produce hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis, as most of these agents are metabolized by the liver. This review discusses the clinical implications of DM in patients with chronic liver disease. In addition the effectiveness and safety of old, but particularly the new antidiabetic drugs will be described based on pharmacokinetic studies and chronic administration to patients. Recent reports regarding the use of the SGLT2 inhibitors as well as the new incretin-based therapies such as injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and oral inhibitors of dipeptidylpeptidase-4 (DPP-4) will be discussed. The establishment of clear guidelines for the management of diabetes in patients with CLD is strongly required.

Pharmacokinetics and clinical use of incretin-based therapies in patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) of stages 3-5 (glomerular filtration rate [GFR] <60 mL/min) is about 25-30 % in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). While most oral antidiabetic agents have limitations in patients with CKD, incretin-based therapies are increasingly used for the management of T2DM. This review analyses (1) the influence of CKD on the pharmacokinetics of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists; and (2) the efficacy/safety profile of these agents in clinical practice when prescribed in patients with both T2DM and CKD. Most DPP-4 inhibitors (sitagliptin, vildagliptin, saxagliptin, alogliptin) are predominantly excreted by the kidneys. Thereby, pharmacokinetic studies showed that total exposure to the drug is increased in proportion to the decline of GFR, leading to recommendations for appropriate dose reductions according to the severity of CKD. In these conditions, clinical studies reported a good efficacy and safety profile in patients with CKD. In contrast, linagliptin is eliminated by a predominantly hepatobiliary route. As a pharmacokinetic study showed only minimal influence of decreased GFR on total exposure, no dose adjustment of linagliptin is required in the case of CKD. The experience with GLP-1 receptor agonists in patients with CKD is more limited. Exenatide is eliminated by renal mechanisms and should not be given in patients with severe CKD. Liraglutide is not eliminated by the kidney, but it should be used with caution because of the limited experience in patients with CKD. Only limited pharmacokinetic data are also available for lixisenatide, exenatide long-acting release (LAR) and other once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonists in current development. Several case reports of acute renal failure have been described with GLP-1 receptor agonists, probably triggered by dehydration resulting from gastrointestinal adverse events. However, increasing GLP-1 may also exert favourable renal effects that could contribute to reducing the risk of diabetic nephropathy. In conclusion, the already large reassuring experience with DPP-4 inhibitors in patients with CKD offers new opportunities to the clinician, whereas more caution is required with GLP-1 receptor agonists because of the limited experience in this population.

Liraglutide effect in reducing HbA1c and weight in Arab population with type2 diabetes, a prospective observational trial

Background

The pathophysiology of type2 diabetes differs between different ethnic groups. Asians develop type2 diabetes at younger age, lower body mass index, and in relatively short time. Not only that, some ethnicities have different responses and dosing regimens to different classes of anti-diabetic agents. Data from Japanese population showed that the optimal doses of liraglutide used are smaller than other population and that weight loss is not as effective as seen in Caucasians.

Methods

We aimed to assess liraglutide efficacy in reducing weight and HbA1c in Arab population when used as add on to other anti-diabetic agents. We prospectively followed patients who were recruited to treatment with liraglutide for a 6 months period; at the start of the study we checked patients’ demographics, weight, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, lipid panel, LFTs and creatinine. Patients were checked at 3 months and at the end of the study at 6 months.

Results

There was a significant reduction in weight at 3 and 6 months from a mean weight of 96.01 ± 19.2 kg to (94.8 ± 20 kg with (P < 0.001)) and 94.5 ± 19 kg with (p < 0.001) respectively. Mean HbA1c at baseline was 8.3 ± 1.7 % dropped to 7.7 ± 1.4 % (p < 0.001) at 3 months, and 7.6 + 1.6 % (p < 0.001) at 6 months.

Conclusions

Liraglutide is effective in reducing weight, HbA1c as well as other metabolic parameters in Arab population with type2 diabetes.

Trial registration

The trial is approved and registered with the Institutional Ethical Committee Board (Dubai Health Authority Medical Research Committee) under registration Number (MRC-08/2013_03).

Pharmacokinetics in patients with chronic liver disease and hepatic safety of incretin-based therapies for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have an increased risk of chronic liver disease (CLD) such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis, and about one-third of cirrhotic patients have diabetes. However, the use of several antidiabetic agents, such as metformin and sulphonylureas, may be a concern in case of hepatic impairment (HI). New glucose-lowering agents targeting the incretin system are increasingly used for the management of type 2 diabetes. Incretin-based therapies comprise oral inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) (gliptins) or injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. This narrative review summarises the available data regarding the use of both incretin-based therapies in patients with HI. In contrast to old glucose-lowering agents, they were evaluated in specifically designed acute pharmacokinetic studies in patients with various degrees of HI and their hepatic safety was carefully analysed in large clinical trials. Only mild changes in pharmacokinetic characteristics of DPP-4 inhibitors were observed in patients with different degrees of HI, presumably without major clinical relevance. GLP-1 receptor agonists have a renal excretion rather than liver metabolism. Specific pharmacokinetic data in patients with HI are only available for liraglutide. No significant changes in liver enzymes were reported with DPP-4 inhibitors or GLP-1 receptor agonists, alone or in combination with various other glucose-lowering agents, in clinical trials up to 2 years in length. On the contrary, preliminary data suggested that incretin-based therapies may be beneficial in patients with CLD, more particularly in the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Nevertheless, caution should be recommended, especially in patients with advanced cirrhosis, because of a lack of clinical experience with incretin-based therapies in these vulnerable patients.

Incretin-based therapies and acute pancreatitis risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Concerns raised by several animal studies, case reports, and pharmacovigilance warnings over incretin-based therapy potentially exposing type two diabetes patients to an elevated risk of pancreatitis have cast a shadow on the overall safety of this class of drugs. This systematic review evaluates the data from observational studies that compared treatment with or without incretins and the risk of pancreatitis. We searched PubMed for publications with the key terms incretins or GLP-1 receptor agonists or DPP-4 inhibitors or sitagliptin or vildagliptin or saxagliptin or linagliptin or alogliptin or exenatide or liraglutide AND pancreatitis in the title or abstract. Studies were evaluated against the following criteria: design (either cohort or case-control); outcome definition (incidence of pancreatitis); exposure definition (new or current or past incretins users); and comparison between patients receiving incretins or not for type 2 diabetes. Two authors independently selected the studies and extracted the data. Six studies meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed. No difference was found in the overall risk of pancreatitis between incretin users and non-users (odds ratio 1.08; 95 % CI [0.84-1.40]). A risk increase lower than 35 % cannot be excluded according to the power calculation. This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that type 2 diabetes patients receiving incretin-based therapy are not exposed to an elevated risk of pancreatitis. Limitations of this analysis are the low prevalence of incretin users and the lack of a clear distinction by the studies between therapy with DPP-4 inhibitors or with GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Risk of bone fractures associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists' treatment: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Traditional anti-diabetic drugs may have negative or positive effects on risk of bone fractures. Yet the relationship between the new class glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) and risk of bone fractures has not been established. We performed a meta-analysis including randomized controlled trials (RCT) to study the risk of bone fractures associated with liraglutide or exenatide, compared to placebo or other active drugs. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and clinical trial registration websites for published or unpublished RCTs comparing the effects of liraglutide or exenatide with comparators. Only studies with disclosed bone fracture data were included. Separate pooled analysis was performed for liraglutide or exenatide, respectively, by calculating Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio (MH-OR). 16 RCTs were identified including a total of 11,206 patients. Liraglutide treatment was associated with a significant reduced risk of incident bone fractures (MH-OR=0.38, 95% CI 0.17-0.87); however, exenatide treatment was associated with an elevated risk of incident bone fractures (MH-OR=2.09, 95% CI 1.03-4.21). Publication bias and heterogeneity between studies were not observed. Our study demonstrated a divergent risk of bone fractures associated with different GLP-1 RA treatments. The current findings need to be confirmed by future well-designed prospective or RCT studies.

Safety of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors for treating type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors (gliptins) occupy a growing place in the armamentarium of drugs used for the management of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes, although some safety concerns have been raised in recent years.

AREAS COVERED

An updated review providing an analysis of available safety data (meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, observational cohort and case-control studies and pharmacovigilance reports) with five commercialized DPP-4 inhibitors (sitagliptin, vildagliptin, saxagliptin, alogliptin, linagliptin). A special focus is given to overall safety profile; pancreatic adverse events (AEs) (acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer); overall cardiovascular safety (myocardial infarction and stroke); congestive heart failure concern and finally, safety in special populations (elderly, renal impairment).

EXPERT OPINION

The good tolerance/safety profile of DPP-4 inhibitors has been largely confirmed, including in more fragile populations (elderly, renal impairment) with almost no increased risk of infection or gastrointestinal AEs, no weight gain and a minimal risk of hypoglycemia. Although an increased risk of acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer was suspected, the complete set of available data appears reassuring so far. Cardiovascular safety of DPP-4 inhibitors has been proven but an unexpected increased risk of heart failure has been reported which should be confirmed in ongoing trials and better understood. Further postmarketing surveillance is recommended.