One-step and room-temperature fabrication of carbon nanocomposites including Ni nanoparticles for supercapacitor electrodes

With the increasing importance of power storage devices, demand for the development of supercapacitors possessing both rapid reversible chargeability and high energy density is accelerating. Here we propose a simple process for the room temperature fabrication of pseudocapacitor electrodes consisting of a faradaic redox reaction layer on a metallic electrode with an enhanced surface area. As a model metallic electrode, an Au foil was irradiated with Ar⁺ ions with a simultaneous supply of C and Ni at room temperature, resulting in fine metallic Ni nanoparticles dispersed in the carbon matrix with local graphitization on the ion-induced roughened Au surface. A carbon layer including fine Ni nanoparticles acted as an excellent faradaic redox reaction layer and the roughened surface contributed to an increase in surface area. The fabricated electrode, which included only 14 μg cm⁻² of Ni, showed a stored charge ability three times as large as that of the bulky Ni foil. Thus, it is believed that a carbon layer including Ni nanoparticles fabricated on the charge collective electrode with an ion-irradiation method is promising for the development of supercapacitors from the viewpoints of the reduced use of rare metal and excellent supercapacitor performance.

The charge collective electrode with faradaic redox reactor consisting of carbon nanocomposite including Ni nanoparticles is promising for the supercapacitor electrode.

Incidence of Diabetes in the Atomic Bomb Survivors: 1969-2015

CONTEXT

Recent epidemiological studies have shown increased risk of diabetes among childhood cancer survivors who received high therapeutic doses of radiation, particularly to the total body or to the abdomen. However, the effect of low-to-moderate dose radiation (<4 Gy) on the risk of diabetes is still unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the radiation effect on diabetes incidence among atomic bomb (A-bomb) survivors, and whether the dose response is modified by other factors including city, sex, and age at time of bombing (ATB).

METHODS

9131 participants without diabetes at baseline were observed through biennial clinical exams from 1969 to 2015. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) to evaluate the dose response for diabetes incidence.

RESULTS

During the study period, 1417 incident diabetes cases were identified. The overall crude incidence rate was 7.01/103 person-years. Radiation dose was significantly associated with diabetes incidence, with effect modification by city and age ATB. In Hiroshima, at ages 10 and 30 ATB, the HRs at 1 Gy of pancreatic radiation dose were 1.47 (95% CI, 1.31-1.66) and 1.13 (95% CI, 0.97-1.31), respectively. However, no significant radiation dose response was observed at these ages in Nagasaki. The HR for radiation dose was higher among those who were younger ATB and decreased 1% for each additional year of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Among A-bomb survivors, a radiation association was suggested for incidence of diabetes. Results were inconsistent by city and age ATB, which could indicate potential confounding of the radiation association with diabetes.

Persistent Hypoglycemia Induced by Long-acting Insulin Degludec

A 58-year-old Japanese man was brought to the emergency room due to disturbance of consciousness. He regained consciousness on the day of admission and started taking hospital meals, but he needed intravenous glucose administration for eight days. The total amount of glucose administration was 4,464 g. It took over three weeks for exogenous insulin to be almost undetectable. While degludec binds to albumin and exerts glucose-lowering effects for a long time, the above-mentioned period of three weeks was consistent with the half-life of albumin. Hypoglycemia induced by massive dose of insulin degludec is persistent and prominent.

Dramatic recovery without steroid therapy and withdrawal from insulin therapy in a subject with hyperglycemic and hyperosmolar syndrome and depletion of insulin secretory capacity induced by type 2 autoimmune pancreatitis: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is characterized by the involvement of autoimmune mechanisms and is classified as type 1, together with infiltration of IgG4-positive cells, and type 2 with poor serological abnormal findings. In clinical practice, AIP is often treated with steroid therapy.

PATIENT CONCERNS

An 81-year-old Japanese woman had thirst and appetite loss in the previous 5 days; thus, she visited a local doctor. The patient had no abdominal or back pain. She had no history of diabetes mellitus, but at that time blood glucose level and HbA1c were as high as 633 mg/dL and 9.7%, respectively, and she was referred to our institution.

DIAGNOSIS

Based on various clinical findings in this patient, we diagnosed her with hyperglycemic and hyperosmolar syndrome and depletion of insulin secretory capacity induced by type 2 AIP.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

The patient completely recovered without steroid therapy and was withdrawn from insulin therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

We should bear in mind the possibility of AIP when the sudden onset of hyperglycemia together with enlargement of the pancreas are observed in subjects without a history of diabetes mellitus.

Vitamin D deficiency osteomalacia triggered by long-term social withdrawal and unbalanced diet in a Japanese middle-aged subject: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Osteomalacia is caused by an increase in the number of osteoids owing to mineralization failure. There are various causes of osteomalacia, such as hypophosphatemia due to excess production of fibroblast growth factor 23, vitamin D deficiency, insufficient vitamin D action, and renal tubular disorders.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 53-year-old man with bone pain and gait disturbance was referred to our institution. At the age of 35, he developed atopic dermatitis. He had eyesight deterioration due to atopic cataracts when he was 37 years old. Subsequently, he stayed home all the time, and his eating habits were unbalanced for a long period of time. Although he had atopic dermatitis, he did not take allergen-free diets, and he did not use sunscreen. Furthermore, when he was 43 years old, he failed to flex his legs and suffered gait disturbance.

DIAGNOSIS

Hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia were observed as follow: calcium, 5.5 mg/dL; adjusted calcium, 6.9 mg/dL; inorganic phosphorous, 1.9 mg/dL. In addition, intact parathyroid hormone levels were as high as 277.4 pg/mL, and 1, 25-(OH)2 vitamin D and 25-(OH) vitamin D levels were markedly reduced: 1, 25-(OH)2 vitamin D, ≤4 pg/mL; 25-(OH) vitamin D, 11.0 ng/mL. Fibroblast growth factor 23 levels did not increase. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone-type ALP (BAP) levels were high: ALP, 784 U/L; BAP, 159.2 μg/L (reference range: 3.7-20.9 μg/L). Based on these findings, we diagnosed this patient with vitamin D-deficient osteomalacia triggered by long-term social withdrawal and an unbalanced diet.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

After hospitalization, to treat vitamin D-deficient osteomalacia, we started to administer 1 μg/day of alfacalcidol and 3 g/day of calcium lactate. Approximately one month later, 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D levels increased to 214 pg/mL. Consequently, calcium and inorganic phosphorus were also increased up to 7.8 mg/dL and 3.9 mg/dL, respectively, and intact parathyroid hormone was decreased to 132.0 pg/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

We should bear in mind the possibility of osteomalacia triggered by social withdrawal and vitamin D deficiency even in middle-aged subjects.

Glucagon Test Is a Useful Predictor of Withdrawal From Insulin Therapy in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

There are many tests for evaluating endogenous insulin secretory capacity. However, there are only a limited number of studies that have examined in detail in clinical practice which method most accurately reflects the ability to secrete endogenous insulin especially in hyperglycemic state. The purpose of this study was to find the endogenous insulin secretory capacity and a possible predictor of insulin withdrawal in subjects with type 2 diabetes requiring hospitalization due to hyperglycemia. In the endogenous insulin secretory test during hospitalization, CPR, CPR index, and ΔCPR after glucagon loading were all significantly higher in the insulin withdrawal group. On the other hand, there were no difference in fasting CPR index, HOMA-β, SUIT, and 24-hour urinary CPR excretion between the two groups. In the glucagon test of the insulin withdrawal group, the cutoff value of ΔCPR was 1.0 ng/mL, the withdrawal rate of ΔCPR of 1.0 ng/mL or more was 69.2%, and the withdrawal rate of less than 1.0 ng/mL was 25.0%. In conclusion, it is likely that glucagon test is the most powerful tool for predicting the possibility of insulin withdrawal as well as for evaluating endogenous insulin secretory capacity in subjects with type 2 diabetes requiring hospitalization due to hyperglycemia.

Correlation of Baba's diabetic neuropathy classification with various diabetes-related complications

It is known that Baba's diabetic neuropathy classification (BDC) is useful in quantitative evaluation of Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible association between BDC and various diabetic microvascular and macrovascular complications in patients whose neuropathy was evaluated with BDC. As the results, BDC was significantly correlated with the severity of diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. BDC was also significantly correlated with history of myocardial infarction or cerebral infarction, carotid IMT, and ABI. These data suggest that BDC may be useful in predicting the presence of various diabetic microvascular and macrovascular complications. The data also support the idea that we should perform further investigation of other diabetes-related complications in patients with severe DPN.

Effect of Hyperglycemia-Related Acute Metabolic Disturbance on Thyroid Function Parameters in Adults

Non-thyroidal illness (NTI) is a condition in which the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid system and thyroid hormone metabolism are abnormal due to non-thyroidal diseases. Although NTI has been reported to occur in hyperglycemic emergencies in children, there have been few studies in adult cases. In this study, we examined adult patients with hyperglycemia regarding the frequency of NTI and its triggers. Adult diabetic patients who were hospitalized for diabetic ketosis (DK), diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), or hyperglycemic hyperosmolarity syndrome (HHS) were included in the study. Compared with the DK group, the DKA and HHS groups had higher admission blood glucose, Anion Gap, serum osmolality, creatinine, and urea nitrogen, and lower pH and eGFR. The frequency of NTI in the DKA, HHS, and DK groups was 80%, 70%, and 50%, respectively, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine 3 (FT3) were significantly improved after treatment for hyperglycemia. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant correlation between the decrease in FT3 level and 3-hydroxybutyrate and albumin. Acute metabolic failure associated with hyperglycemia tends to be associated with a high rate of NTI and low FT3 levels at the start of treatment. The data in this study clearly shows that transient NTI is frequently observed in subjects with acute metabolic disorders such as DKA, HHS and DK. In addition, we should bear in mind that thyroid hormone replacement therapy is not necessary in subjects with NTI due to DKA, HHS and DK, especially when overt symptoms of hypothyroidism are not observed.

Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone in a subject with galactorrhea and menstrual disorder and undergoing infertility treatment: Case report

RATIONALE

Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (SITSH) is a rare cause of hyperthyroidism. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are usually normal or high, and triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels are usually high in subjects with SITSH.

PATIENT CONCERN

A 37-year-old woman had experienced galactorrhea and menstrual disorder for a couple of years before. She had undergone infertility treatment in 1 year before, hyperthyroidism was detected and she was referred to our institution.

DIAGNOSIS

She was suspected of having SITSH and was hospitalized at our institution for further examination. The data on admission were as follows: FT3, 4.62 pg/mL; FT4, 1.86 ng/dL; TSH, 2.55 μIU/mL. Although both FT3 and FT4 levels were high, TSH levels were not suppressed, which is compatible with SITSH. In addition, in brain contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, nodular lesions were observed in the pituitary gland with a diameter of approximately 10 mm. In the thyrotropin-releasing hormone load test, TSH did not increase at all, which was also compatible with TSH-secreting pituitary adenoma. In the octreotide load test, the TSH levels were suppressed. Based on these findings, we diagnosed this subject as SITSH.

INTERVENTIONS

Hardy surgery was performed after the final diagnosis. In TSH staining of the resected pituitary adenoma, many TSH-producing cells were observed. These findings further confirmed the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma producing TSH.

OUTCOMES

Approximately 2 months after the operation, TSH, FT3, and FT4 levels were normalized. Approximately 3 months after the operation, she became pregnant without any difficulty.

LESSONS

We should consider the possibility of SITSH in subjects with galactorrhea, menstrual disorders, or infertility. In addition, we should recognize that it is very important to repeatedly examine thyroid function in subjects with galactorrhea, menstrual disorder, or infertility.

Efficacy and safety of adding ipragliflozin to insulin in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective study

Advances in insulin preparations and administration methods have produced a gradual improvement in glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Nevertheless, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with type 1 DM are still poor compared to those in patients with type 2 DM. Here, we sought to assess the efficacy and safety of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor ipragliflozin (IPRA) in patients with type 1 DM. This study was retrospectively conducted with data from type 1 DM patients who had a history of IPRA therapy. The primary endpoint was HbA1c level at 24 weeks. The baseline characteristics of a total of 12 subjects were as follows: age, 50.1 ± 13.2 years; diabetes duration, 17.3 ± 10.5 years; body mass index (BMI), 22.9 ± 2.1 kg/m²; HbA1c, 8.8 ± 1.3%; and daily insulin dose, 0.60 ± 0.21 units/kg. IPRA decreased HbA1c levels to 8.2 ± 1.2% (p < 0.05) and reduced insulin dose to 0.52 ± 0.17 units/kg (p < 0.01) after 24 weeks. HbA1c value was particularly reduced in subjects with preserved C-peptide index. IPRA significantly reduced body weight by -1.4 ± 1.4 kg (p < 0.01) 16 weeks after starting treatment, with no further weight loss after 24 weeks. There were no instances of diabetic ketoacidosis or severe hypoglycemia. IPRA exerted beneficial effects on glycemic control without any severe adverse effects, and should be safe and effective when used in patients with type 1 DM with understanding of correspondence in sick day.

Association between Grit Scales and adherence to regular hospital visits among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: Prospective observational study

This study examined the association between Grit Scales and adherence to a schedule of regular hospital visits among Japanese type 2 diabetes patients. Patients with type 2 diabetes who visited the outpatient clinic as new patients comprised the study's participants. Self-administered Short Grit Scale data were obtained from 122 patients at the first consultation and were then observed for 1 year. As the results, 21 participants failed to attend the hospital. In a logistic regression analysis, the Grit Scale as a continuous variable was positively associated with adherence to regular clinical visits. Its odds ratio and 95% confidential interval was 9.68 and 2.87-32.65 (P = 0.0003). In conclusion, it is likely that the Grit Scale is closely associated with adherence to regular hospital visits among Japanese type 2 diabetes patients.

Amelioration of hypercalcemia by cinacalcet treatment in a subject with relapsing acquired hypocalciuric hypercalcemia: A case report

RATIONALE

Hypocalciuric hypercalcemia is classified as acquired hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (AHH) and familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH). While FHH is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, AHH is one of the rare acquired diseases and is usually treated with prednisolone. Here, we report a case with relapsing AHH which was well controlled with cinacalcet therapy.

PATIENT CONCERN

A 68-year-old Japanese man was referred to our institution because of hypercalcemia. Despite such hypercalcemia, he was almost asymptomatic.

DIAGNOSTICS

We diagnosed him as AHH due to the following reason. First, the ratio of calcium (Ca)/creatinine clearance was very low which met the criteria. Second, there was no overt family history of hypercalcemia. Third, his serum Ca level was within the normal range 3 years before. Fourth, despite hypercalcemia, he was almost asymptomatic and had no evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism.

INTERVENTIONS

Although it is known that steroid therapy is useful for AHH, optimal treatment remains unknown and cinacalcet therapy is very much limited for the treatment of AHH. In this subject, we introduced cinacalcet therapy for the treatment of relapsing AHH.

OUTCOMES

Serum Ca and parathyroid hormone levels were normalized after such therapy with cinacalcet.

CONCLUSIONS

We should bear in mind that cinacalcet treatment is effective for the treatment of relapsing AHH.

Idiopathic Bilateral Extraocular Myositis in a Subject With Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Case Report

Background: Extraocular myositis is characterized by acute onset of orbital pain, extraocular muscle swelling, absence of thyroid disease, and effectiveness of steroid therapy. While oculomotor nerve paralysis is often observed in subjects with diabetes mellitus, extraocular muscle paralysis is very rare among various diabetic mononeuropathies. In addition, while most diabetic mononeuropathies are observed as sporadic and/or unilateral neuropathy, bilateral mononeuropathy is also very rare.

Case presentation: A 58-year-old male visited our institution due to diplopia. He was diagnosed as type 2 diabetes mellitus about 10 years before and treated with oral diabetes agents. To examine the cause of his symptom, he was hospitalized in our institution. Slight ptosis was observed, and failure of adduction was observed in the right eye. Glycemic control was poor; HbA1c was 9.3%. Liver, renal, and thyroid function were within normal range. Immunoglobulin (Ig) G was slightly high, but IgA, IgM, and IgG4 were within normal range. Various antibodies were all negative. Angiotensin-converting enzyme level was within normal range. There were no abnormalities in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). After admission, to alleviate glucose toxicity, we started insulin therapy. On day 17, adduction failure of the left eye was observed in addition to the right eye. Vertical movement was also impaired in both eyes. Slight ptosis was observed in both eyes, and the right eye was completely close. In orbital MRI, some high signal was detected in both extraocular muscles. We performed steroid pulse therapy twice. About 4 months later, ptosis and vertical and horizontal movements in both eyes were almost completely recovered. Finally, we diagnosed him as idiopathic bilateral extraocular myositis.

Conclusions: We should bear in mind the possibility of idiopathic bilateral extraocular myositis especially in subjects with poor glycemic control, although its incident rate is extremely rare.

Case Report: A Variety of Immune-Related Adverse Events Triggered by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in a Subject With Malignant Melanoma: Destructive Thyroiditis, Aseptic Meningitis and Isolated ACTH Deficiency

Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors have been drawing much attention as cancer immunotherapy, but it has been shown that various immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors in various organs, which has become one of the serious issues at present. A 58-year-old Japanese male with malignant melanoma was treated with nivolumab and/or ipilimumab. During the period of treatment, he suffered from various irAEs. Firstly, about 1 month after starting nivolumab monotherapy, destructive thyroiditis was induced, and so we started replacement therapy with levothyroxine. Secondly, about 1 month after starting nivolumab and ipilimumab combination therapy, aseptic meningitis was induced. We stopped both drugs and started steroid therapy with prednisolone. Finally, about 9 months after restarting nivolumab, isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency was induced, and so we started replacement therapy with hydrocortisone. Taken together, we should bear in mind the possibility of a variety of irAEs when we use immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Acute and extremely severe necrotic esophagitis accompanied by hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome in a subject with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Acute necrotic esophagitis is characterized by blacking in the esophageal mucosa and is rarely accompanied by diabetes mellitus, especially under severe hyperglycemic conditions. Here we show a very rare case of a patient who had acute and extremely severe necrotic esophagitis accompanied by hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome.

Effects of sedentary behavior and daily walking steps on body mass index and body composition: Prospective observational study using outpatient clinical data of Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

This study examined the effect of daily walking steps on glycated hemoglobin, body mass index (BMI) and body composition while taking into consideration sedentary time (ST) in Japanese type 2 diabetes patients over a period of 12 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Self-administered ST values and information regarding daily walking steps were obtained and analyzed for 236 patients with type 2 diabetes who regularly visited the outpatient clinic. The patients - divided into three categories of daily walking steps: non-step counter user, <7,500 daily walking steps and ≥7,500 daily walking steps (HS) - were prospectively observed considering ST through the monitoring of glycated hemoglobin, BMI waist circumference (WC) and visceral fat accumulation (VFA) for 12 months.

RESULTS

After 12 months, the participants categorized as the HS group had significantly reduced BMI and VFA independent of ST, as well as significantly reduced WC with high ST. WC and VFA disparities widened significantly at 12 months between the participants categorized as being in the non-step counter user group and the HS group with long ST. However, no difference in glycated hemoglobin levels and BMI were found among the three categories independent of ST. Compared with non-step counter users, the odds ratios with logistic regression models of improvement in BMI and VFA in the <7,500 daily walking steps and HS groups, and WC in the HS group after 12 months were significantly higher only among those with long ST.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that consideration of sedentary behavior in combination with daily walking steps might be essential for type 2 diabetes management.

Concurrence of overt Cushing's syndrome and primary aldosteronism accompanied by aldosterone-producing cell cluster in adjacent adrenal cortex: case report

BACKGROUND

Various adrenal disorders including primary aldosteronism and Cushing's syndrome lead to the cause of hypertension. Although primary aldosteronism is sometimes complicated with preclinical Cushing's syndrome, concurrence of overt Cushing's syndrome and primary aldosteronism is very rare. In addition, it has been drawing attention recently that primary aldosteronism is brought about by the presence of aldosterone-producing cell cluster in adjacent adrenal cortex rather than the presence of aldosterone-producing adenoma.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 67-year-old Japanese female was referred to our institution due to moon face and central obesity. Based on various clinical findings and data, we diagnosed this subject as overt Cushing's syndrome and primary aldosteronism. Furthermore, in immunostaining for cytochrome P450 (CYP) 11B1, a cortisol-producing enzyme, diffuse staining was observed in tumorous lesion. Also, in immunostaining for CYP11B2, an aldosterone-producing enzyme, CYP11B2 expression was not observed in tumorous lesion, but strong CYP11B2 expression was observed in adjacent adrenal cortex, indicating the presence of aldosterone-producing cell cluster.

CONCLUSIONS

We should bear in mind the possibility that concurrence of overt Cushing's syndrome and primary aldosteronism is accompanied by aldosterone-producing cell cluster in adjacent adrenal cortex.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 with a frameshift mutation in its gene accompanied by a giant cervical lipoma and multiple fatty deposits in the pancreas: case report

BACKGROUND

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a syndrome characterized by pituitary neoplasia, primary hyperparathyroidism and pancreatic endocrine tumor. Here we show a case of MEN1 with a germline frameshift mutation in its gene accompanied by a giant cervical lipoma and multiple fatty deposits in the pancreas.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 28-year-old man noticed the decreased visual acuity of both eyes and visited our institution. Since he was diagnosed as visual disturbance and brain computer tomography (CT) showed a mass in the pituitary fossa, he was hospitalized in our institution. Endoscopic trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy and total parathyroidectomy with auto-transplantation were performed, and a giant cervical lipoma was resected. Furthermore, in genetic search, we found a germline frameshift mutation in MEN1 gene leading to the appearance of a new stop codon.

CONCLUSIONS

We should bear in m ind that giant skin lipoma and multiple abnormal fatty deposits in the pancreas could be complicated with MEN1.

Early combination therapy of empagliflozin and linagliptin exerts beneficial effects on pancreatic β cells in diabetic db/db mice

Effects of combination therapy of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor on β-cells are still unclear, although combination agent of these two drugs has become common in clinical practice. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the effects of DPP-4 inhibitor and/or SGLT2 inhibitor on β-cell mass and function and compared their effects between in an early and advanced phase of diabetes. We used 7-week-old db/db mice as an early phase and 16-week-old mice as an advanced phase and treated them for 2 weeks with oral administration of linagliptin, empagliflozin, linagliptin + empagliflozin (L + E group), and 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (Cont group). Blood glucose levels in Empa and L + E group were significantly lower than Cont group after treatment. In addition, β-cell mass in L + E group was significantly larger than Cont group only in an early phase, accompanied by increased Ki67-positive β-cell ratio. In isolated islets, mRNA expression levels of insulin and its transcription factors were all significantly higher only in L + E group in an early phase. Furthermore, mRNA expression levels related to β-cell differentiation and proliferation were significantly increased only in L + E group in an early phase. In conclusion, combination of DPP-4 inhibitor and SGLT2 inhibitor exerts more beneficial effects on β-cell mass and function, especially in an early phase of diabetes rather than an advanced phase.

Clinical Characteristics of Withdrawal of Basal Insulin Therapy Among Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Multicenter Retrospective Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to examine retrospectively the clinical backgrounds of Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who successfully withdrew from insulin use after being started on basal insulin in an outpatient setting.

METHODS

The study population comprised 376 insulin-naïve patients who were started on basal insulin (glargine U100, glargine U300, or degludec) for the management of T2D and followed the treatment regimen for at least 6 months in 13 institutions in Japan. The clinical courses of the study participants were compared based on outpatient clinic medical records for the three different types of basal insulin prescribed by categorizing the participants into two groups retrospectively: those who successfully withdrew from insulin therapy and those who did not, during a 6-month observation period. The clinical determinants for insulin withdrawal were assessed using a Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

Glycated hemoglobin was improved in all participants regardless of basal insulin type. Of the 376 study participants, 61 successfully withdrew from basal insulin therapy. After adjustment was made for several confounders, the positive determinant factors for successful withdrawal of insulin were short duration of diabetes and high body mass index at the start of study, and the negative determinant factor was use of insulin secretagogues at the start. The types of basal insulin used by the study participants were not significant determinants of successful insulin withdrawal in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of basal insulin is a powerful option for the treatment of T2D. In patients with high BMI and/or short duration of diabetes, short-term insulin therapy is a promising strategy for the treatment of T2D before the initiation of insulin secretagogues, since such patients have the potential to successfully withdraw from basal insulin use even in an outpatient setting.

A case of tamoxifen-induced hypertriglyceridemia monitoring the changes in lipoprotein fractions over time

BACKGROUND

Tamoxifen, which is one of the selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), can bring out life-threatening complication, e.g. hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis, although it is rare. We precisely report changes in lipoprotein metabolism before and after tamoxifen discontinuation because there have been few reports of it.

CASE PRESENTATION

47-year-old premenopausal woman with dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic kidney disease was prescribed tamoxifen as adjuvant therapy after operation of breast cancer. She experienced severe tamoxifen-induced hypertriglyceridemia several months after dosing tamoxifen. Before cessation of tamoxifen, lipoprotein fraction test revealed marked stagnation of VLDL and IDL metabolisms, resulting in severe hypertriglyceridemia (serum triglyceride level was 1881 mg/dL). Seven days after tamoxifen withdrawal, lipoprotein fraction test showed that the metabolisms of endogenous lipoproteins were changed drastically.

CONCLUSIONS

From these results, we confirmed that tamoxifen certainly changes lipoprotein metabolism through suppression of post-heparin lipolytic activity. It is very important to evaluate the balance between benefit and risk before dosing tamoxifen and survey lipid profiles constantly during treatment to avoid life-threatening complication when prescription of tamoxifen is planned.

Case Report: Various Abnormalities in Lipid and Glucose Metabolism Induced by Capecitabine

Capecitabine has been used for the treatment of various types of tumors. The rare side effects induced by capecitabine have been reported as hypertriglyceridemia, acute pancreatitis associated with hypertriglyceridemia and hypertriglyceridemia complicated with hyperglycemia. The mechanisms of capecitabine-induced hypertriglyceridemia are unclear. In this report, we present a subject with sigmoid colon cancer and capecitabine-induced dyslipidemia. LDL-cholesterol level was markedly elevated throughout the long period of treatment with capecitabine. In addition, triglyceride level was high and not stable during the treatment period. Her dyslipidemia was ameliorated by the treatment with 5 mg of rosuvastatin, which is one of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

Dulaglutide exerts beneficial anti atherosclerotic effects in ApoE knockout mice with diabetes: the earlier, the better

There has been no report about the mechanism for anti-atherosclerotic effects of dulaglutide (Dula) and/or about the difference of its effectiveness between in an early and a late phase of diabetes. To address such questions, streptozotocin (STZ) was intraperitoneally injected to ApoE knockout mice at 8 weeks of age. Either Dula or vehicle was administered to STZ-induced diabetic ApoE knockout mice from 10 to 18 weeks of age as an early intervention group and from 18 to 26 weeks as a late intervention group. Next, non-diabetic ApoE knockout mice without STZ injection were subcutaneously injected with either Dula or vehicle. In an early intervention group, atherosclerotic lesion in aortic arch and Mac-2 and CD68-positive areas in aortic root were significantly smaller in Dula group. In abdominal aorta, expression levels of some villain factors were lower in Dula group. In a late intervention group, there were no immunohistological differences in aortic root and expression levels of various factors between two groups. Furthermore, even in non-diabetic ApoE knockout mice, expression levels of inflammatory and macrophage markers were reduced by treatment with Dula. Taken together, Dula exerts more beneficial anti-atherosclerotic effects in an early phase of diabetes rather than in a late phase.

Case Report: A Case of Pituitary Adenoma Producing Growth Hormone and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Simultaneously

BACKGROUND

Pituitary adenoma producing growth hormone (GH) or thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is characterized by various specific symptoms and/or findings. However, the frequency of pituitary adenoma producing both hormones is relatively low. In this report, we show a case of pituitary adenoma producing both GH and TSH simultaneously.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 27-year-old woman was diagnosed as acromegaly based on various symptoms and clinical findings. For further examination and treatment, she was hospitalized in our institution. It was likely that this subject had pituitary adenoma producing both GH and TSH. In brain magnetic resonance imaging, there was a giant tumor around pituitary fossa. After the diagnosis of GH- and TSH-producing pituitary adenoma, pituitary tumor resection and cyber knife therapy were performed. In addition, we started additional treatment with somatostatin analog and GH receptor antagonist. After then, GH and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) levels were suppressed. After the operation, since thyroid function was not sufficiently suppressed, we started anti-thyroid drug thiamazole. After then, thyroid function was normalized and we stopped thiamazole. In GH and TSH staining, many GH-positive and TSH-positive cells were observed. These findings further confirmed our diagnosis that the pituitary adenoma in this subject produced both GH and TSH simultaneously.

CONCLUSIONS

We should bear in mind the possibility of pituitary adenoma producing both GH and TSH at the same time.

Switching From Daily DPP-4 Inhibitor to Once-Weekly GLP-1 Receptor Activator Dulaglutide Significantly Ameliorates Glycemic Control in Subjects With Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Observational Study

AIM

At present, daily DPP-4 inhibitors are quite frequently prescribed in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recently, it has been drawing much attention that once-weekly incretin-based injection dulaglutide was developed. In this study, we aimed to examine the possible effects of once-weekly GLP-1 receptor activator (GLP-1RA) dulaglutide on glycemic control as well as various metabolic parameters.

METHODS

We made a direct comparison between the effect of daily DPP-4 inhibitor and once-weekly dulaglutide on glycemic control in "study 1 (pre-post comparison)" and set the control group using the propensity score matching method in "study 2".

RESULTS

In study 1, switching from daily DPP-4 inhibitor to dulaglutide significantly ameliorated glycemic control in subjects with T2DM. Such effects were more obvious in poorly controlled subjects. After 1:1 propensity score matching, the switching group improved glycemic control compared with the non-switching group in study 2.

CONCLUSION

We should bear in mind that switching from daily DPP-4 inhibitor to once-weekly GLP-1RA dulaglutide exerts more favorable effects on glycemic control regardless of age, body weight, and duration of diabetes in subjects with T2DM, especially when we fail to obtain good glycemic control with daily DPP-4 inhibitor.