Effects of Sotagliflozin Added to Insulin in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

In most patients with type 1 diabetes, adequate glycemic control is not achieved with insulin therapy alone. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of sotagliflozin, an oral inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporters 1 and 2, in combination with insulin treatment in patients with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

In this phase 3, double-blind trial, which was conducted at 133 centers worldwide, we randomly assigned 1402 patients with type 1 diabetes who were receiving treatment with any insulin therapy (pump or injections) to receive sotagliflozin (400 mg per day) or placebo for 24 weeks. The primary end point was a glycated hemoglobin level lower than 7.0% at week 24, with no episodes of severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis after randomization. Secondary end points included the change from baseline in glycated hemoglobin level, weight, systolic blood pressure, and mean daily bolus dose of insulin.

RESULTS

A significantly larger proportion of patients in the sotagliflozin group than in the placebo group achieved the primary end point (200 of 699 patients [28.6%] vs. 107 of 703 [15.2%], P<0.001). The least-squares mean change from baseline was significantly greater in the sotagliflozin group than in the placebo group for glycated hemoglobin (difference, -0.46 percentage points), weight (-2.98 kg), systolic blood pressure (-3.5 mm Hg), and mean daily bolus dose of insulin (-2.8 units per day) (P≤0.002 for all comparisons). The rate of severe hypoglycemia was similar in the sotagliflozin group and the placebo group (3.0% [21 patients] and 2.4% [17], respectively). The rate of documented hypoglycemia with a blood glucose level of 55 mg per deciliter (3.1 mmol per liter) or below was significantly lower in the sotagliflozin group than in the placebo group. The rate of diabetic ketoacidosis was higher in the sotagliflozin group than in the placebo group (3.0% [21 patients] and 0.6% [4], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with type 1 diabetes who were receiving insulin, the proportion of patients who achieved a glycated hemoglobin level lower than 7.0% with no severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis was larger in the group that received sotagliflozin than in the placebo group. However, the rate of diabetic ketoacidosis was higher in the sotagliflozin group. (Funded by Lexicon Pharmaceuticals; inTandem3 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02531035 .).

Evaluation of meaningful change in bowel movement frequency for patients with carcinoid syndrome

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Background: Telotristat ethyl is a tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor in development for the treatment of carcinoid syndrome (CS) in patients who receive somatostatin analog (SSA) therapy. In TELESTAR, a pivotal Phase 3 study, telotristat ethyl significantly reduced bowel movement (BM) frequency compared to placebo. The objective of this study was to psychometrically assess meaningful change in BM frequency using data collected within the TELESTAR study. Methods: An anchor-based approach consisted of mapping change from baseline in BM frequency to other patient reported assessments of change. These included the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire - Core Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) Diarrhea Symptom responders, the EORTC GI.NET21 GI Symptom responders, and patient reported adequate relief at Week 12 (responders had a ≥ 10-point decrease in scores from Day 1 to Week 12). Parameters included within group mean change from baseline to Week 12, t-tests of the change (Wilcoxon Rank Sum for adequate relief), effect size (ES: calculated as the difference between mean on-treatment and baseline BM frequency, divided by the standard deviation of the baseline), and related confidence intervals. Results: There were 135 patients with CS, with a mean age of 63.6 years and mean baseline BM frequency of 5.7 BM/day. Anchor-based analyses indicated significant differences in BM frequency between adequate relief groups at Week 12 (ES: −1.58 vs. −0.79; p = 0.014), responders and non-responders on the EORTC QLQ-C30 Diarrhea Symptoms domain (ES: −1.24 vs. −0.59; p < 0.0001), and responders and non-responders on the EORTC GI.NET21 GI Symptoms Domain (ES: −1.49 vs. −0.75; p = 0.0053). These corresponded to BM frequency reductions of 1.7–1.9 BM/day, or ≥ 30%. Conclusions: Results of this study indicated that patients with CS experienced clinically meaningful reductions in BM frequency of ≥ 30% over the course of 12 weeks. Clinical trial information: NCT01677910.

Evaluation of meaningful change in bowel move frequency for patients with carcinoid syndrome

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Background: Telotristat ethyl is a tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor in development for the treatment of carcinoid syndrome (CS) in patients who receive somatostatin analog (SSA) therapy. In TELESTAR, a pivotal Phase 3 study, telotristat ethyl significantly reduced bowel movement (BM) frequency compared to placebo. Objective: The objective of this study was to psychometrically assess meaningful change in BM frequency using data collected within the TELESTAR study. Methods: An anchor-based approach consisted of mapping change from baseline in BM frequency to other patient reported assessments of change. These included the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire - Core Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) Diarrhea Symptom responders, the EORTC GI.NET21 GI Symptom responders, and patient reported adequate relief at Week 12 (responders had a ≥ 10-point decrease in scores from Day 1 to Week 12). Parameters included within group mean change from baseline to Week 12, t-tests of the change (Wilcoxon Rank Sum for adequate relief), effect size (ES: calculated as the difference between mean on-treatment and baseline BM frequency, divided by the standard deviation of the baseline), and related confidence intervals. Results: There were 135 patients with CS, with a mean age of 63.6 years and mean baseline BM frequency of 5.7 BM/day. Anchor-based analyses indicated significant differences in BM frequency between adequate relief groups at Week 12 (ES: -1.58 vs. -0.79; p = 0.014), responders and non-responders on the EORTC QLQ-C30 Diarrhea Symptoms domain (ES: -1.24 vs. -0.59; p < 0.0001), and responders and non-responders on the EORTC GI.NET21 GI Symptoms Domain (ES: -1.49 vs. -0.75; p = 0.0053). These corresponded to BM frequency reductions of 1.7-1.9 BM/day, or ≥ 30%. Conclusions: Results of this study indicated that patients with CS experienced clinically meaningful reductions in BM frequency of ≥ 30% over the course of 12 weeks.

Telotristat Ethyl, a Tryptophan Hydroxylase Inhibitor for the Treatment of Carcinoid Syndrome

Purpose

Preliminary studies suggested that telotristat ethyl, a tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor, reduces bowel movement (BM) frequency in patients with carcinoid syndrome. This placebo-controlled phase III study evaluated telotristat ethyl in this setting.

Patients and Methods

Patients (N = 135) experiencing four or more BMs per day despite stable-dose somatostatin analog therapy received (1:1:1) placebo, telotristat ethyl 250 mg, or telotristat ethyl 500 mg three times per day orally during a 12-week double-blind treatment period. The primary end point was change from baseline in BM frequency. In an open-label extension, 115 patients subsequently received telotristat ethyl 500 mg.

Results

Estimated differences in BM frequency per day versus placebo averaged over 12 weeks were –0.81 for telotristat ethyl 250 mg ( P < .001) and ‒0.69 for telotristat ethyl 500 mg ( P < .001). At week 12, mean BM frequency reductions per day for placebo, telotristat ethyl 250 mg, and telotristat ethyl 500 mg were –0.9, –1.7, and –2.1, respectively. Responses, predefined as a BM frequency reduction ≥ 30% from baseline for ≥ 50% of the double-blind treatment period, were observed in 20%, 44%, and 42% of patients given placebo, telotristat ethyl 250 mg, and telotristat ethyl 500 mg, respectively. Both telotristat ethyl dosages significantly reduced mean urinary 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid versus placebo at week 12 ( P < .001). Mild nausea and asymptomatic increases in gamma-glutamyl transferase were observed in some patients receiving telotristat ethyl. Follow-up of patients during the open-label extension revealed no new safety signals and suggested sustained BM responses to treatment.

Conclusion

Among patients with carcinoid syndrome not adequately controlled by somatostatin analogs, treatment with telotristat ethyl was generally safe and well tolerated and resulted in significant reductions in BM frequency and urinary 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid.

Dietary conjugated linoleic acid affects blood parameters, liver morphology and expression of selected hepatic genes in laying hens

The objective of this research were to investigate the effect of a conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)-enriched diet on Isa Brown laying hen health status and to provide a comprehensive analysis of changes in blood parameters, liver morphology and selected hepatic gene expression. Hens were allocated to the control and experimental group (diet enriched with 0.75% CLA) for a total period of 4 m. At the end of the experiment half of the hens from each group were slaughtered for analyses. The remaining hens were transferred to an organic farm for the next 5 m and fed on the diet without CLA supplementation. The CLA-enriched diet resulted in significant changes in blood and serum parameters; specifically, haematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and white blood cells (WBC) count were decreased compared to the control. The total cholesterol (TC) was not significantly affected while the triacylglycerol's (TG) concentration was elevated. The activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was significantly increased in the CLA-supplemented group, while aspartate aminotransferase (AST) showed an increasing tendency. Liver biopsies showed pathological changes classified as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Additionally, the expression of hepatic genes involved in fatty acids synthesis (ME1, ACLY, ACC, FASN, SCD1), oxidation (CPT1α, PPARA), detoxification processes (Cytochrome P450, CYP, Flavin-containing monooxygenase, FMO3), oxidative stress (NOX4, XbP1) and inflammation (IL6, TNFα) were elevated. Cessation of CLA supplementation for 5 m of organic farming resulted in normalisation of blood and hepatic parameters to the levels observed in control hens. The results of this study indicate that dietary CLA triggers an integrated stress response in laying hens and activates mechanisms involved in liver detoxification.

Sotagliflozin, a Dual SGLT1 and SGLT2 Inhibitor, as Adjunct Therapy to Insulin in Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety and efficacy of dual sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 1 and SGLT2 inhibition with sotagliflozin as adjunct therapy to insulin in type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We treated 33 patients with sotagliflozin, an oral dual SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibitor, or placebo in a randomized, double-blind trial assessing safety, insulin dose, glycemic control, and other metabolic parameters over 29 days of treatment.

RESULTS

In the sotagliflozin-treated group, the percent reduction from baseline in the primary end point of bolus insulin dose was 32.1% (P = 0.007), accompanied by lower mean daily glucose measured by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) of 148.8 mg/dL (8.3 mmol/L) (P = 0.010) and a reduction of 0.55% (5.9 mmol/mol) (P = 0.002) in HbA1c compared with the placebo group that showed 6.4% reduction in bolus insulin dose, a mean daily glucose of 170.3 mg/dL (9.5 mmol/L), and a decrease of 0.06% (0.65 mmol/mol) in HbA1c. The percentage of time in target glucose range 70-180 mg/dL (3.9-10.0 mmol/L) increased from baseline with sotagliflozin compared with placebo, to 68.2% vs. 54.0% (P = 0.003), while the percentage of time in hyperglycemic range >180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L) decreased from baseline, to 25.0% vs. 40.2% (P = 0.002), for sotagliflozin and placebo, respectively. Body weight decreased (1.7 kg) with sotagliflozin compared with a 0.5 kg gain (P = 0.005) in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

As adjunct to insulin, dual SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibition with sotagliflozin improved glycemic control and the CGM profile with bolus insulin dose reduction, weight loss, and no increased hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes.

NFκB1 is a suppressor of neutrophil-driven hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops on the background of chronic hepatitis. Leukocytes found within the HCC microenvironment are implicated as regulators of tumour growth. We show that diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced murine HCC is attenuated by antibody-mediated depletion of hepatic neutrophils, the latter stimulating hepatocellular ROS and telomere DNA damage. We additionally report a previously unappreciated tumour suppressor function for hepatocellular nfkb1 operating via p50:p50 dimers and the co-repressor HDAC1. These anti-inflammatory proteins combine to transcriptionally repress hepatic expression of a S100A8/9, CXCL1 and CXCL2 neutrophil chemokine network. Loss of nfkb1 promotes ageing-associated chronic liver disease (CLD), characterized by steatosis, neutrophillia, fibrosis, hepatocyte telomere damage and HCC. Nfkb1^S340A/S340Amice carrying a mutation designed to selectively disrupt p50:p50:HDAC1 complexes are more susceptible to HCC; by contrast, mice lacking S100A9 express reduced neutrophil chemokines and are protected from HCC. Inhibiting neutrophil accumulation in CLD or targeting their tumour-promoting activities may offer therapeutic opportunities in HCC.

The role of neutrophils in cancer development is not widely appreciated. Here, the authors show that NF-κB-deficient hepatocytes overproduce chemokines, leading to hepatocellular carcinoma due to excessive neutrophil recruitment, and that neutrophil depletion prevents liver cancer in these mice.

Telotristat etiprate for carcinoid syndrome: a single-arm, multicenter trial

CONTEXT

Carcinoid syndrome (CS) is associated with elevated serotonin, diarrhea, flushing, and increased risk of valvular heart disease. Many patients respond to somatostatin analogs initially, but response diminishes in most patients. Additional options are needed.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether telotristat etiprate (TE) can reduce gastrointestinal symptoms in CS and reduce urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (u5-HIAA; a biomarker of serotonin).

DESIGN

A prospective, exploratory, dose-escalating 12-week, open-label, multicenter study of TE with efficacy and safety analyses.

SETTING

A multicenter study.

PATIENTS

Eligible patients had metastatic, well-differentiated, neuroendocrine tumors and CS with ≥ four bowel movements (BMs) per day. Somatostatin analog use was allowed.

INTERVENTIONS

TE, a novel oral inhibitor of peripheral serotonin synthesis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary: safety. Secondary: daily BMs, stool form, and u5-HIAA.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were enrolled, and 14 completed the treatment period. All patients experienced reductions in BMs per day (mean decrease, 43.5%). A 74.2% mean reduction in u5-HIAA, the main metabolite of serotonin, was observed, with generally greater reductions in patients with greater reductions in BMs per day. Nine patients (75%) reported "adequate relief" of gastrointestinal symptoms at 12 weeks, compared with two (17%) at baseline. Stool form and flushing also improved. Adverse events were mostly gastrointestinal (n = 10; 67%), consistent with underlying illness; three adverse events were serious (abdominal pain, diarrhea, and gastroenteritis) but were judged unrelated.

CONCLUSION

TE was generally safe and well tolerated. Patients experienced substantial improvement in CS and reductions in u5-HIAA, consistent with the mechanism of action of TE. These results support further evaluation in phase 3 studies.

Greater dose-ranging effects on A1C levels than on glucosuria with LX4211, a dual inhibitor of SGLT1 and SGLT2, in patients with type 2 diabetes on metformin monotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To assess the dose-ranging efficacy and safety of LX4211, a dual inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 1 and SGLT2, in type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Type 2 diabetic patients inadequately controlled on metformin were randomly assigned to 75 mg once daily, 200 mg once daily, 200 mg twice daily, or 400 mg once daily of LX4211 or placebo. Primary end point was A1C change from baseline to week 12. Secondary end points included changes in blood pressure (BP) and body weight.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics in 299 patients randomly assigned to LX4211 or placebo in this 12-week dose-ranging study were similar: mean age 55.9 years, A1C 8.1% (65 mmol/mol), BMI 33.1 kg/m(2), and BP 124/79 mmHg. LX4211 significantly reduced A1C to week 12 in a dose-dependent manner by 0.42% (4.6 mmol/mol), 0.52% (5.7 mmol/mol), 0.80% (8.7 mmol/mol), and 0.92% (10.0 mmol/mol), respectively (P < 0.001 each), compared with 0.09% (1.0 mmol/mol) for placebo. Greater A1C reductions were produced by 400 mg once a day than 200 mg once a day LX4211 without higher urinary glucose excretion, suggesting a contribution of SGLT1 inhibition. Significant reductions were seen in body weight (-1.85 kg; P < 0.001) and systolic BP (-5.7 mmHg; P < 0.001), but diastolic BP was unchanged (-1.6; P = 0.164). Adverse events with LX4211 were mild to moderate and similar to placebo, including urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal-related events; genital infections were limited to LX4211 groups (0-5.0%). No hypoglycemia occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Dual inhibition of SGLT1/SGLT2 with LX4211 produced significant dose-ranging improvements in glucose control without dose-increasing glucosuria and was associated with reductions in weight and systolic BP in metformin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes.

LX4211 therapy reduces postprandial glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and renal impairment despite low urinary glucose excretion

PURPOSE

We sought to assess the efficacy and safety profile of LX4211, a dual inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporter1 (SGLT1) and SGLT2, in patients with type 2 diabetes and renal impairment.

METHODS

Thirty-one patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) were randomly assigned to receive 400 mg of LX4211 or placebo for 7 days. The primary end point was the change from baseline to day 7 in postprandial glucose (PPG) levels. Other end points included changes in fasting plasma glucose levels, glucagon-like peptide 1 levels, urinary glucose excretion (UGE), and blood pressure.

FINDINGS

LX4211 therapy significantly reduced PPG levels relative to placebo in the total population and in patients with an eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m(2), with a placebo-adjusted decrease in incremental AUCpredose-4 of 73.5 mg·h/dL (P = 0.009) and 137.2 mg·h/dL (P = 0.001) for the total population and the eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m(2) subgroup, respectively. There was a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose levels relative to baseline of -27.1 mg/dL (P < 0.001). Total and active glucagon-like peptide 1 levels were significantly elevated relative to placebo with LX4211 dosing, and UGE was significantly elevated with placebo-subtracted measures of 38.7, 53.5, and 20.4 g/24 h (P ≤ 0.007 for all 3) in the total population, eGFR 45 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m(2), and eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m(2) subgroups, respectively.

IMPLICATIONS

The PPG effects were maintained in patients with an eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m(2) despite the expected reduction in UGE, suggesting that dual SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibition with LX4211 could prove useful for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes and renal impairment. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01555008.

Telotristat etiprate, a novel serotonin synthesis inhibitor, in patients with carcinoid syndrome and diarrhea not adequately controlled by octreotide

Serotonin produced by neuroendocrine tumors is believed to be a principal cause of the diarrhea in carcinoid syndrome. We assessed the safety and efficacy of telotristat etiprate, an oral serotonin synthesis inhibitor, in patients with diarrhea associated with carcinoid syndrome. In this prospective, randomized study, patients with evidence of carcinoid tumor and ≥4 bowel movements (BMs)/day despite stable-dose octreotide LAR depot therapy were enrolled in sequential, escalating, cohorts of four patients per cohort. In each cohort, one patient was randomly assigned to placebo and three patients to telotristat etiprate, at 150, 250, 350, or 500 mg three times a day (tid). In a subsequent cohort, one patient was assigned to placebo and six patients to telotristat etiprate 500 mg tid. Patients were assessed for safety, BM frequency (daily diary), 24 h urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (u5-HIAA), and adequate relief of carcinoid gastrointestinal symptoms (using a weekly questionnaire). Twenty-three patients were treated: 18 received telotristat etiprate and five received placebo. Adverse events were generally mild. Among evaluable telotristat etiprate-treated patients, 5/18 (28%) experienced a ≥30% reduction in BM frequency for ≥2 weeks, 9/16 (56%) experienced biochemical response (≥50% reduction or normalization in 24-h u5-HIAA) at week 2 or 4, and 10/18 (56%) reported adequate relief during at least 1 of the first 4 weeks of treatment. Similar activity was not observed in placebo-treated patients. Telotristat etiprate was well tolerated. Our observations suggest that telotristat etiprate has activity in controlling diarrhea associated with carcinoid syndrome. Further studies confirming these findings are warranted.

Effects of LX4211, a dual sodium-dependent glucose cotransporters 1 and 2 inhibitor, on postprandial glucose, insulin, glucagon-like peptide 1, and peptide tyrosine tyrosine in a dose-timing study in healthy subjects

BACKGROUND

LX4211 is a first-in-class dual inhibitor of sodium-dependent glucose cotransporters 1 and 2 (SGLT1 and SGLT2). SGLT1 is the primary transporter for glucose absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, and SGLT2 is the primary transporter for glucose reabsorption in the kidney. SGLT1 inhibition reduces postprandial glucose (PPG) levels and increases the release of gastrointestinal peptides such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), whereas SGLT2 inhibition results in increased urinary glucose excretion (UGE).

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated how timing of dose relative to meals changes the pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of LX4211 treatment, including effects on UGE, fasting plasma glucose, PPG, insulin, total and active GLP-1, and PYY. The safety and tolerability of LX4211 in healthy subjects were also assessed.

METHODS

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-dose study to determine the PD effects of LX4211 dose timing relative to meals in 12 healthy subjects. Blood and urine were collected for the analysis of PD variables.

RESULTS

Twelve healthy subjects 30 to 51 years of age were enrolled and treated. Treatment with LX4211 resulted in significant elevation of total and active GLP-1, and PYY while significantly decreasing PPG levels relative to placebo, likely by reducing SGLT1-mediated intestinal glucose absorption. Comparisons performed among the dosing schedules indicated that dosing immediately before breakfast maximized the PD effects of LX4211 on both SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibition. The comparative results suggested distinct SGLT1 effects on GLP-1, PYY, glucose, and insulin, which were separate from SGLT2-mediated effects, indicating that SGLT1 inhibition with LX4211 may be clinically meaningful. All treatments were well tolerated with no evidence of diarrhea with LX4211 treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This clinical study indicates that dosing of LX4211 immediately before breakfast maximized the PD effects of both SGLT1 and SGLT 2 inhibition and provided a convenient dosing schedule for future trials. LX4211 was safe and well tolerated and, due to its SGLT1 inhibition, produced strong PPG reductions and low UGE relative to selective SGLT2 inhibitors. LX4211 may provide a promising new therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The potential long-term clinical benefits and safety of LX4211 treatment will need to be confirmed in large clinical trials. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01334242.

Study design and rationale of a dose-ranging trial of LX4211, a dual inhibitor of SGLT1 and SGLT2, in type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on metformin monotherapy

Sodium-glucose cotransporters 1 (SGLT1) and 2 (SGLT2) are the major cellular transporters responsible for gastrointestinal (GI) glucose absorption and renal glucose reabsorption, respectively. LX4211, a dual inhibitor of SGLT1 and SGLT2, reduces glucose absorption from the GI tract and enhances urinary glucose excretion. Although several SGLT2-selective inhibitors have been tested in large phase 2 studies, dual inhibition of SGLT1 and SGLT2 is novel at this stage of drug development, and it has implications for clinical-trial design. In this article, we describe the design and rationale of a phase 2, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LX4211 in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus who have inadequate glycemic control on metformin monotherapy. The primary endpoint is the change in glycated hemoglobin A1c from baseline to week 12. Secondary endpoints include the proportion of subjects achieving a glycated hemoglobin A1c value of <7%, change from baseline in fasting plasma glucose and postprandial glucose (as part of an oral glucose tolerance test), body weight, and blood pressure. Safety is evaluated with particular focus on hypoglycemia, GI symptoms, and incidence of genitourinary tract infections.

Effects of LX4211, a dual SGLT1/SGLT2 inhibitor, plus sitagliptin on postprandial active GLP-1 and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Combination therapy is required to provide adequate glycemic control in many patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Because sodium-dependent glucose transporter (SGLT)-1 inhibition results in an increased release of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1, and because dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors prevent its inactivation, the 2 mechanisms together provide an intriguing potential combination therapy.

OBJECTIVES

This combination was explored in preclinical models and then tested in patients with T2DM to compare the effects of single-dose LX4211 400 mg and sitagliptin 100 mg, administered as monotherapy or in combination, on GLP-1, peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), glucose, and insulin.

METHODS

Preclinical: Obese male C57BL6J mice were assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups: LX4211 60 mg/kg, sitagliptin 30 mg/kg, LX4211 + sitagliptin, or inactive vehicle. Clinical: This 3-treatment, 3-crossover, randomized, open-label study was conducted at a single center. Patients on metformin monotherapy were washed out from metformin and were randomly assigned to receive sequences of single-dose LX4211, sitagliptin, or the combination. In both studies, blood was collected for the analysis of pharmacodynamic variables (GLP-1, PYY, GIP, glucose, and insulin). In the clinical study, urine was collected to assess urinary glucose excretion.

RESULTS

Preclinical: 120 mice were treated and assessed (5/time point/treatment group). With repeat daily dosing, the combination was associated with apparently synergistic increases in active GLP-1 relative to monotherapy with either agent; this finding was supported by findings from an additional 14-day repeated-dose experiment. Clinical: 18 patients were enrolled and treated (mean age, 49 years; 56% male; 89% white). The LX4211 + sitagliptin combination was associated with significantly increased active GLP-1, total GLP-1, and total PYY; with a significant reduction in total GIP; and with a significantly improved blood glucose level, with less insulin, compared with sitagliptin monotherapy. LX4211 was associated with a significant increase in total GLP-1 and PYY and a reduced total GIP, likely due to a reduction in SGLT1-mediated intestinal glucose absorption, whereas sitagliptin was associated with suppression of all 3 peptides relative to baseline. All treatments were well tolerated, with no evidence of diarrhea with LX4211 treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from the preclinical studies suggest that the LX4211 + sitagliptin combination produced synergistic increases in active GLP-1 after a meal challenge containing glucose. These initial clinical results also suggest that a LX4211 + DPP-4 inhibitor combination may provide an option in patients with T2DM. The potential long-term clinical benefits of such combination treatment need to be confirmed in large clinical trials. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01441232.

LX4211, a dual SGLT1/SGLT2 inhibitor, improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Thirty-six patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were randomized 1:1:1 to receive a once-daily oral dose of placebo or 150 or 300 mg of the dual SGLT1/SGLT2 inhibitor LX4211 for 28 days. Relative to placebo, LX4211 enhanced urinary glucose excretion by inhibiting SGLT2-mediated renal glucose reabsorption; markedly and significantly improved multiple measures of glycemic control, including fasting plasma glucose, oral glucose tolerance, and HbA(1c); and significantly lowered serum triglycerides. LX4211 also mediated trends for lower weight, lower blood pressure, and higher glucagon-like peptide-1 levels. In a follow-up single-dose study in 12 patients with T2DM, LX4211 (300 mg) significantly increased glucagon-like peptide-1 and peptide YY levels relative to pretreatment values, probably by delaying SGLT1-mediated intestinal glucose absorption. In both studies, LX4211 was well tolerated without evidence of increased gastrointestinal side effects. These data support further study of LX4211-mediated dual SGLT1/SGLT2 inhibition as a novel mechanism of action in the treatment of T2DM.

The effect of ouabain on the secretion of catecholamines and on the intracellular concentration of potassium

1. Perfusion of bovine adrenal glands with 0.1 mM ouabain is accompanied by a doubling of the spontaneous rate of release of catecholamines and by a 66% increase in the response to stimulation with carbamylcholine.2. Perfusion with ouabain (0.1 mM) reduces the intracellular content of potassium from 106 to 63 mM.3. The effect of ouabain on catecholamine secretion is dependent upon the presence of Ca(2+) ions in contrast to the effect upon the potassium content which is not dependent upon the presence of calcium.4. Ouabain has no effect on the release of catecholamines from isolated chromaffin granules both in the presence and absence of Ca(2+) ions.5. A possible relationship between the secretion of catecholamines and the concentration gradient of potassium across the cell membrane is discussed.

The psychometric properties of the Hospital Anxiety and Depressions Scale adapted for use with people with intellectual disabilities

BACKGROUND

There is increasing recognition of depression in people with intellectual disabilities (ID). There is a need to develop well-standardised self-report measures for both clinical and research purposes. This paper presents some psychometric properties of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) adapted for use with people with ID. The anhedonic emphasis in the depression scale of the HADS may be particularly useful for people with ID who present with high rates of physical co-morbidity.

METHOD

A total of 197 people with ID completed an adapted HADS; 32 participants also completed the Zung Depression Scale and 42 also completed the Glasgow Depression Scale.

RESULTS

The obtained factor structure is similar to the original form of the scale used with people without ID. However, the underlying question wording of the HADS, where most depression items are phrased positively and most anxiety items are phrased negatively, makes clear interpretation of the factor structure difficult. The HADS has an adequate internal reliability and correlates well with other self-report measures of depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The HADS may need further adaptation; however, the measurement of anhedonia is a useful addition to the self-report measures of depression available for people with ID.

Simple sequence repeat markers associated with three quantitative trait loci for black point resistance can be used to enrich selection populations in bread wheat

Black point in wheat has the potential to cost the Australian industry $A30.4 million a year. It is difficult and expensive to screen for resistance, so the aim of this study was to validate 3 previously identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for black point resistance on chromosomes 2B, 4A, and 3D of the wheat variety Sunco. Black point resistance data and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, linked to the resistance QTLs and suited to high-throughput assay, were analysed in the doubled haploid population, Batavia (susceptible) × Pelsart (resistant). Sunco and Pelsart both have Cook in their pedigree and both have the Triticum timopheevii translocation on 2B. SSR markers identified for the 3 genetic regions were gwm319 (2B, T. timopheevii translocation), wmc048 (4AS), and gwm341 (3DS). Gwm319 and wmc048 were associated with black point resistance in the validation population. Gwm341 may have an epistatic influence on the trait because when resistance alleles were present at both gwm319 and wmc048, the Batavia-derived allele at gwm341 was associated with a higher proportion of resistant lines. Data are presented showing the level of enrichment achieved for black point resistance, using 1, 2, or 3 of these molecular markers, and the number of associated discarded resistant lines. The level of population enrichment was found to be 1.83-fold with 6 of 17 resistant lines discarded when gwm319 and wmc048 were both used for selection. Interactions among the 3 QTLs appear complex and other genetic and epigenetic factors influence susceptibility to black point. Polymorphism was assessed for these markers within potential breeding material. This indicated that alternative markers to wmc048 may be required for some parental combinations. Based on these results, marker-assisted selection for the major black point resistance QTLs can increase the rate of genetic gain by improving the selection efficiency and may facilitate stacking of black point resistances from different sources.

Effects of stimulation by carbachol on the metabolism of the bovine adrenal medulla

1. A method is described that has made it possible to achieve a great decrease in the catecholamine and adenine nucleotide contents of the perfused bovine adrenal gland by the infusion of carbachol. 2. Although the catecholamines secreted were recovered in the perfusion medium, no evidence was obtained that the nucleotides are secreted by the gland. 3. It is concluded that the secretion of catecholamines is accompanied by extensive chemical alteration of the adenine nucleotides of the chromaffin granules. 4. The secretory response and the spontaneous release of catecholamines depends on the presence of Ca(2+) in the perfusing Tyrode solution. 5. Anoxia does not have a significant effect on the carbachol-induced secretion of catecholamines. 6. Strips of bovine adrenal medullary tissue perfused with oxygenated Tyrode solution show an increased oxygen consumption when carbachol is added.