Longer term safety of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta-analysis

Anti-Hyperglycemic Medication Management in the Perioperative Setting: A Review and Illustrative Case of an Adverse Effect of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist

A host of anti-hyperglycemic agents are currently available and widely prescribed for diabetes and weight loss management. In patients undergoing surgery, use of these agents poses a clinical challenge to surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other perioperative care providers with regard to optimal timing of discontinuation and resumption of use, as well as possible effects of these agents on physiology and risk of postoperative complications. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of anti-hyperglycemic medications' effects on physiology, risks/benefits, and best practice management in the perioperative setting. Additionally, we report an illustrative case of small bowel obstruction in a patient taking semaglutide for 6 months prior to an otherwise uncomplicated laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. This review is meant to serve not as a replacement of, but rather as a consolidated complement to, various society guidelines regarding perioperative anti-hyperglycemic agent management.

Comparative risk of infection of medications used for type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Glucose-lowering drugs pose a potential infection risk among individuals with type 2 diabetes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued safety warnings regarding increased risks of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and genital infections with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. However, the infection risk associated with other glucose-lowering drugs remains unclear. We conducted a PubMed database search to review the infection risk of glucose-lowering drugs, focusing on meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

AREAS COVERED

We described the infection risks associated with SGLT2 inhibitors, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, glucose-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, metformin, and thiazolidinediones, covering infections of the genitourinary, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems, including skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs).

EXPERT OPINION

SGLT2 inhibitors are associated with a higher genital infection risk, while their UTI risk remains inconclusive. DPP-4 inhibitors could be a treatment option for those intolerant to SGLT2 inhibitors, given their lower genital infection risk compared to placebo. Uncertainty persists regarding the risks of respiratory infections, gastroenteritis, and SSTIs with SGLT2 inhibitors. Limited evidence is available regarding the impact of DPP-4 inhibitors on respiratory infections. Additional research is needed to determine the comparative infection risk of other glucose-lowering drugs.

Comparing the effects of biguanides and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors on cardio-cerebrovascular outcomes, nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, and treatment costs in diabetic patients

BACKGROUND

Western guidelines often recommend biguanides as the first-line treatment for diabetes. However, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, alongside biguanides, are increasingly used as the first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Japan. However, there have been few studies comparing the effectiveness of biguanides and DPP-4 inhibitors with respect to diabetes-related complications and cardio-cerebrovascular events over the long term, as well as the costs associated.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare the outcomes of patients with T2DM who initiate treatment with a biguanide versus a DPP-4 inhibitor and the long-term costs associated.

METHODS

We performed a cohort study between 2012 and 2021 using a new-user design and the Shizuoka Kokuho database. Patients were included if they were diagnosed with T2DM. The primary outcome was the incidence of cardio-cerebrovascular events or mortality from the initial month of treatment; and the secondary outcomes were the incidences of related complications (nephropathy, renal failure, retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy) and the daily cost of the drugs used. Individuals who had experienced prior events during the preceding year were excluded, and events within 6 months of the start of the study period were censored. Propensity score matching was performed to compare between two groups.

RESULTS

The matched 1:5 cohort comprised 529 and 2,116 patients who were initially treated with a biguanide or a DPP-4 inhibitor, respectively. Although there were no significant differences in the incidence of cardio-cerebrovascular events or mortality and T2DM-related complications between the two groups (p = 0.139 and p = 0.595), daily biguanide administration was significantly cheaper (mean daily cost for biguanides, 61.1 JPY; for DPP-4 inhibitors, 122.7 JPY; p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

In patients with T2DM who initiate pharmacotherapy, there were no differences in the long-term incidences of cardio-cerebrovascular events or complications associated with biguanide or DPP-4 use, but the former was less costly.

Safety of Linagliptin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND

Linagliptin is an oral dipeptidyl peptidase DPP-4 inhibitor, which is indicated for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as monotherapy or add-on to therapy with other hypoglycemic drugs.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to summarize the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the safety of linagliptin focusing on cardiovascular risks among subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search across the following databases: Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to November 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of linagliptin compared to placebo in patients with Type 2 diabetes were included. The primary safety points were cardiovascular (CV) adverse events including non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), CV death, MI, stroke, and hospitalization for unstable angina. While, secondary safety points included 17 reported adverse events such as infections, hypoglycemia and abdominal pain. Three reviewers independently screened and reviewed each study to extract relevant information. Any discrepancies were resolved by consensus. We conducted a meta-analysis using the random effects model. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) of targeted adverse events with linagliptin compared to placebo were estimated using the Mantel-Haenszel test.

RESULTS

A total of 24 studies with 19,981 adult patients were included. There was no difference in the incidence of all CV adverse events or individual CV adverse events between linagliptin and the placebo arms. The pooled estimate of the risk of upper respiratory tract infection was reported in twelve trials with a 38% risk reduction among patients treated with the linagliptin group compared to the placebo group (RR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.45-0.85, and I2 = 0%), while no difference was found in other infections. For gastrointestinal disorders, the risk of abdominal pain showed a 65% risk reduction among patients treated with the linagliptin group compared to the placebo group (RR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.16-0.77, and I2 = 0%).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed an overall acceptable safety profile of linagliptin in patients with T2DM. Moreover, our study showed a risk reduction of upper respiratory tract infection and abdominal pain when using linagliptin compared to placebo.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and the risk of infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cardiovascular outcome trials

BACKGROUND

Since adverse events during treatment affect adherence and subsequent glycemic control, understanding the safety profile of oral anti-diabetic drugs is imperative for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) therapy.

AIM

To evaluate the risk of infection in patients with T2DM treated with dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched. The selection criteria included randomized controlled trials focused on cardiovascular outcomes. In these studies, the effects of DPP-4 inhibitors were directly compared to those of either other active anti-diabetic treatments or placebo. Six trials involving 53616 patients were deemed eligible. We calculated aggregate relative risks employing both random-effects and fixed-effects approaches, contingent upon the context.

RESULTS

The application of DPP-4 inhibitors showed no significant link to the overall infection risk [0.98 (0.95, 1.02)] or the risk of serious infections [0.96 (0.85, 1.08)], additionally, no significant associations were found with opportunistic infections [0.69 (0.46, 1.04)], site-specific infections [respiratory infection 0.99 (0.96, 1.03), urinary tract infections 1.02 (0.95, 1.10), abdominal and gastrointestinal infections 1.02 (0.83, 1.25), skin structure and soft tissue infections 0.81 (0.60, 1.09), bone infections 0.96 (0.68, 1.36), and bloodstream infections 0.97 (0.80, 1.18)].

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis of data from cardiovascular outcome trials revealed no heightened infection risk in patients undergoing DPP-4 inhibitor therapy compared to control cohorts.

A systematic review on the clinical pharmacokinetics of vildagliptin in healthy and disease populations

INTRODUCTION

Vildagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, is indicated to cure type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This systematic literature search aims to assess the current knowledge about the clinical pharmacokinetics (PK) of vildagliptin to provide recommendations for clinical use to prevent the harmful effects of this drug.

METHODS

The PubMed, Science Direct, EBSCO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar databases were screened for articles related to the clinical PK of vildagliptin using systematic search strategies.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 2118 records, among which 28 were subsumed in this systematic review that fulfilled the inclusion standards.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review can help dose optimization among critically ill patients (e.g. renal impairment) without exposing them to the drug's toxic effects.

The Current Place of DPP4 Inhibitors in the Evolving Landscape of Type 2 Diabetes Management: Is It Time to Bid Adieu?

During the last decade, the landscape of type 2 diabetes (T2D) management has been completely transformed, moving from a glucose-centric perspective to a holistic approach that also takes into account weight control and organ protection. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) are oral agents that have been used for the treatment of T2D for almost 20 years. Although they present an excellent safety profile, including the risk of hypoglycemia, they lack the spectacular cardiorenal benefits and weight-loss effects of the newer antidiabetic agents. This poses the question of whether they still deserve a place in the arsenal of drugs against T2D. In this article, we use a hypothetical case scenario to illustrate possible patient profiles where DPP4i could prove useful in the clinical setting. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the category, focusing on glycemic control, weight management, and cardiorenal protection, which are the pillars of modern T2D management, also considering its safety profile and cost-effectiveness. We conclude that in most cases, DPP4i present a more favorable risk-benefit ratio compared to sulfonylureas, which are still widely prescribed throughout the world. We also suggest that future research should clarify the reasons behind the contradictory findings between human and animal studies on cardiorenal effects of the class and identify subgroups of patients who would derive most benefit with DPP4i treatment.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of teneligliptin for treatment of type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND AND AIM

There are efficacy and safety concerns related to teneligliptin treatment. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was undertaken to comprehensively profile the efficacy and safety of teneligliptin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

Thirteen studies were chosen from a search of scientific databases for RCTs using teneligliptin as a monotherapy or as an adjunct to other glycemic agents with pre-specified inclusion criteria. We calculated weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in each included trial and pooled the data using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies enrolled 2853 patients were identified. Teneligliptin treatment was associated with weight gain (vs. placebo, weighted mean difference (WMD) 0.28 kg; 95% CI - 0.20-0.77 kg; I² = 86%; P = 0.25). Compared to monotherapy, add on therapy with teneligliptin showed significant improvement in FPG mg/dl levels (WMD - 16.75 mg/dl; 95% CI - 19.38 to - 14.13 mg/dl), HOMA-β (WMD 7.91; 95% CI 5.38-10.45) and HOMA-IR (WMD - 0.27; 95% CI - 0.46 to - 0.07). The improvement in HbA1c was greater with monotherapy (WMD - 8.88 mmol/mol; 95% CI - 9.59 to - 8.08 mmol/mol). There was no significant risk of any hypoglycemia with teneligliptin compared to placebo (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.44-1.60; I² = 0%; P = 0.60). However, the risk was 1.84 times high when combined with other glycemic agents. The risk of cardiovascular events was comparable, regardless of treatment duration when compared to placebo or any other active comparator (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.40-1.57; I² = 0%; P = 0.50). [PROSPERO, CRD42022360785].

CONCLUSIONS

Teneligliptin is an effective and safe therapeutic option for patients with T2DM, both as monotherapy and as add-on therapy. However, additional large-scale, high-quality, long-term follow-up clinical trials with diverse ethnic populations are required to confirm its long-term efficacy and safety.

Pharmacotherapy of type 2 diabetes: An update and future directions

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a widely prevalent disease with substantial economic and social impact for which multiple conventional and novel pharmacotherapies are currently available; however, the landscape of T2D treatment is constantly changing as new therapies emerge and the understanding of currently available agents deepens. This review aims to provide an updated summary of the pharmacotherapeutic approach to T2D. Each class of agents is presented by mechanism of action, details of administration, side effect profile, cost, and use in certain populations including heart failure, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, chronic kidney disease, and older individuals. We also review targets of novel therapeutic T2D agent development. Finally, we outline an up-to-date treatment approach that starts with identification of an individualized goal for glycemic control then selection, initiation, and further intensification of a personalized therapeutic plan for T2D.

Safety of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in older adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Registration:

PROSPERO: CRD42020210645

Introduction:

We aimed to assess the safety of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors in older patients with type 2 diabetes with inadequate glycaemic control.

Methods:

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in older (⩾65 years) patients with type 2 diabetes. The intervention group was randomized to treatment with any DPP-4 inhibitors. A systematic search in MEDLINE and Embase was performed in December 2020. For assessing the risk of bias, RoB 2 tool was applied. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. We pooled outcomes using random effects meta-analyses.

Results:

We identified 16 RCTs that included 19,317 patients with a mean age of greater than 70 years. The mean HbA1c level ranged between 7.1 and 10.0 g/dl. Adding DPP-4 inhibitors to standard care alone may increase mortality slightly [risk ratio (RR) 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89–1.21]. Adding DPP-4 inhibitors to standard care increases the risk for hypoglycaemia (RR 1.08; 95% CI 1.01–1.16), but difference in overall adverse events is negligible. DPP-4 inhibitors added to standard care may reduce mortality compared with sulfonylureas (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.75–1.04). DPP-4 inhibitors probably reduce the risk for hypoglycaemia compared with sulfonylureas (magnitude of effect not quantifiable because of heterogeneity) but difference in overall adverse events is negligible. There is insufficient evidence on hospitalizations, falls, fractures, renal impairment and pancreatitis.

Conclusion:

There is no evidence that DPP-4 inhibitors in addition to standard care decrease mortality but DPP-4 inhibitors increase hypoglycaemia risk. Second-line therapy in older patients should be considered cautiously even in drugs with a good safety profile such as DPP-4 inhibitors. In case second-line treatment is necessary, DPP-4 inhibitors appear to be preferable to sulfonylureas.

Plain language summary

Safety of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in older adults with type 2 diabetes Introduction: We performed the review to assess the safety of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors in older type 2 diabetes patients with blood sugar outside the normal level. Methods: To answer the question, we searched various electronic databases. We included studies in older (⩾65 years) patients with type 2 diabetes that assessed the safety of DPP-4 inhibitors. The data from the different studies were quantitatively summarized using statistical methods. We assessed the quality of the data to judge the certainty of the findings. Results: We identified 16 studies that included 19,317 patients with a mean age greater than 70 years. The average blood sugar level of patients in the included studies was slightly or moderately increased. Adding DPP-4 inhibitors to standard care alone may increase mortality slightly. Adding DPP-4 inhibitors to standard care increases the risk for hypoglycaemia, but difference in overall adverse events is negligible. DPP-4 inhibitors added to standard care may reduce mortality compared with sulfonylureas. DPP-4s probably reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia compared with sulfonylureas (magnitude of effect not quantifiable because of heterogeneity) but difference in overall adverse events is negligible. There is insufficient evidence on hospitalizations, falls, fractures, renal impairment and pancreatitis. Conclusion: There is no evidence that DPP-4 inhibitors in addition to standard care decrease mortality but DPP-4 inhibitors increase the risk that blood sugar falls below normal. Adding DPP-4 inhibitorss to standard care in older patients should be considered cautiously even in drugs with a good safety profile such as DPP-4 inhibitors. In case additional treatment is necessary, DPP-4 inhibitors appear to be preferable to sulfonylureas.

SARS-CoV-2 and diabetes: A potential therapeutic effect of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors in diabetic patients diagnosed with COVID-19

COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and has become an urgent economic and health challenge. Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), also mentioned as a cluster of differentiation 26 (CD26) is a serine exopeptidase found in two arrangements: a soluble form (sDPP-4) and a plasma membrane-bound form. Because other coronaviruses enter the cells by binding to DPP-4, it has been speculated that DPP-4 inhibitors may exert activity against COVID-19. Therefore, this review aimed to summarize the potential therapeutic effect of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors in diabetic patients diagnosed with COVID-19. To include different studies, publications related to Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor use and clinical outcomes from COVID-19 were searched from the databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, Elsevier, Google Scholar, and SCOPUS, via English key terms. A direct engrossment of DPP4 in COVID-19 needs to be elucidated, there is also evidence confirming that DPP4 inhibitors exert anti-fibrotic and modulate inflammation activity. Thus, the use of DPP-4 inhibitors could reduce mortality due to COVID-19 or improve the progression of COVID-19; this evidence may support the management of diabetic patients diagnosed with COVID-19; however more well-designed investigation is urgently required.

Impact on decision making framework for medicine purchasing in Chinese public hospital decision-making: determining the value of five dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Medicine purchasing in Chinese public hospitals is decided by the hospital Pharmacy Management Committee (PMC), that is complex, subjective and requires efficient approaches to ensure transparency and consistency for the factors being considered. This study aimed to use the Evidence and Value: Impact on Decision Making (EVIDEM) framework to assess medicine in these hospitals. In this study anti-diabetic drugs DPP-4 inhibitors, which work by inhibiting the activation of the Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, were appraised.

METHODS

Following EVIDEM methodology (EVIDEM-10th), we convened an appraisal group and asked each individual to express their perspectives by assigning weights to each criterion. A systematic literature search for information of each criterion of five DPP-4 inhibitors was completed. Then the appraisal group scored for each criterion of the five DPP-4 inhibitors. The estimated value of the five DPP-4 inhibitors was obtained by Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) which combined individual weighting of each criterion with individual scoring for each intervention in each criterion.

RESULTS

By assigning weights, the most important criterion was the quality of evidence (4.01±0.52), and that the comparative cost consequences-non-medical cost was the least important criterion (2.87±1.03). Criteria included disease severity, size of the affected population, comparative effectiveness, type of therapeutic/preventive benefit and cost of intervention, all of which were assigned the same weight of 3.58. After MCDA, the overall value orders for each DPP-4 inhibitor included Sitagliptin (0.45), Linagliptin (0.44), Vildagliptin (0.43), Alogliptin (0.42) and Saxagliptin (0.40).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on EVIDEM framework and MCDA, we found that overall value of five DPP-4 inhibitors was similar. It is feasible to use the EVIDEM framework and MCDA in purchasing medicine for Chinese public hospitals.

A 52-week randomized controlled trial of ipragliflozin or sitagliptin in type 2 diabetes combined with metformin: The N-ISM study

AIM

To compare the long-term efficacy of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors as second-line drugs after metformin for patients not at high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a 52-week randomized open-label trial, we compared ipragliflozin and sitagliptin in Japanese patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, without prior ASCVD and treated with metformin. The primary endpoint was a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction of ≥0.5% (5.5 mmol/mol) without weight gain at 52 weeks.

RESULTS

Of a total of 111 patients (mean age 59.2 years, mean body mass index [BMI] 26.6 kg/m² , 61.3% men), 54 patients received ipragliflozin and 57 received sitagliptin. After 52 weeks, achievement of the primary endpoint was not significantly different (37.0% and 40.3%; P = 0.72). HbA1c reduction rate at 24 weeks was greater for sitagliptin (56.1%) than for ipragliflozin (31.5%; P = 0.01). From 24 to 52 weeks, the HbA1c reduction with sitagliptin was attenuated, with no significant difference in HbA1c reduction after 52 weeks between sitagliptin (54.4%) and ipragliflozin (38.9%; P = 0.10). Improvements in BMI, C-peptide and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were greater with ipragliflozin than with sitagliptin. Adverse events occurred in 17 patients with ipragliflozin and in 10 patients with sitagliptin (P = 0.11).

CONCLUSION

The HbA1c-lowering effect at 24 weeks was greater with sitagliptin than with ipragliflozin, but with no difference in efficacy related to HbA1c and body weight at 52 weeks. However, some ASCVD risk factors improved with ipragliflozin.

DPP4 Inhibitors and COVID-19-Holy Grail or Another Dead End?

A novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, has emerged as a global public health issue. Clinical course of disease significantly correlates with the occurrence of some comorbidities, among them type 2 diabetes. According to recent structural studies the dipeptidyl peptidase 4, a key molecule in the pathophysiology of diabetes, may influence the course of COVID-19. Since DPP4 inhibitors, gliptins, are widely used in diabetes patients, the exact role of DPP4 modulation in SARS-CoV-2 infection, at least in that group, urgently needs to be clarified. In this short review, we discuss this issue with more detail.

Efficacy and safety of linagliptin as add-on therapy to insulin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

This 24-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of linagliptin in 206 Chinese patients with inadequately controlled (glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c] 7.5%-10.0%) type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) receiving insulin (basal or premixed) ± metformin. Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive linagliptin 5 mg/d or placebo. The decrease from baseline in HbA1c (primary endpoint) was greater with linagliptin than with placebo (-0.61% vs. -0.20%, adjusted mean difference -0.40%; P = 0.0016). Linagliptin demonstrated significantly greater improvement in 2-hour postprandial glucose (-1.77 mmol/L [-31.95 mg/dL]; P < 0.001), and a numerical reduction in fasting plasma glucose (-0.34 mmol/L [-6.2 mg/dL]; P = 0.2241) versus placebo. Proportionally more patients on linagliptin achieved a HbA1c reduction of ≥0.5% versus those on placebo (odds ratio 2.293, P < 0.01). Adverse events in both groups were similar, with no new safety findings or clinically relevant changes in body weight. Among investigator-defined hypoglycaemic events (linagliptin: 17.3%; placebo: 12.7%; odds ratio 1.48, P = 0.337), none were severe. In Chinese patients with T2DM, linagliptin add-on to insulin improved glycaemic control and was well tolerated, without increased risk of hypoglycaemia or weight gain.

SGLT-2 inhibitors and the risk of hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia: A population-based cohort study

PURPOSE

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) have been associated with an increased risk of genitourinary tract infections. Through similar biological mechanisms, they may also increase the risk of community-acquired pneumonia. Our objective was to compare the rate of hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia (HCAP) with SGLT-2i compared to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) among patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We used the United Kingdom's Clinical Practice Research Datalink Gold, linked to hospitalization data, to construct a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes. Using a time-dependent Cox proportional hazards model, we estimated the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for HCAP with current use of SGLT-2i versus DPP-4i.

RESULTS

Among 29 896 patients, 705 HCAPs occurred over a mean follow-up of 1.7 years (SD: 1.2). Incidence rates for SGLT-2i and DPP-4i users were 6.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.7, 10.2) and 17.8 (95% CI: 15.3, 20.7) per 1000 person-years, respectively. Current use of SGLT-2i was associated with a decreased risk of HCAP compared to current use of DPP-4i (adjusted HR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.82). However, a comparison of SGLT-2i versus glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) found no difference in risk of HCAP (adjusted HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.44, 1.89).

CONCLUSIONS

SGLT-2i are associated with a decreased rate of HCAP compared to DPP-4i, but not when compared to GLP-1 RA, among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Current Perspectives on Management of Type 2 Diabetes in Youth

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in children and adolescents is on the rise, and the increase in prevalence of this disorder parallels the modern epidemic of childhood obesity worldwide. T2DM affects primarily post-pubertal adolescents from ethnic/racial minorities and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Youth with T2DM often have additional cardiovascular risk factors at diagnosis. T2DM in youth is more progressive in comparison to adult onset T2DM and shows lower rates of response to pharmacotherapy and more rapid development of diabetes-related complications. Lifestyle modifications and metformin are recommended as the first-line treatment for youth with T2DM in the absence of significant hyperglycemia. Assessment of pancreatic autoimmunity is recommended in all youth who appear to have T2DM. Pharmacotherapeutic options for youth with T2DM are limited at this time. Liraglutide, a GLP-1 agonist, was recently approved for T2DM in adolescents 10 years of age and older. Several clinical trials are currently underway with youth with T2DM with medications that are approved for T2DM in adults. Bariatric surgery is associated with excellent rates of remission of T2DM in adolescents with severe obesity and should be considered in selected adolescents.

Long-term safety and efficacy of alogliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes: a 3-year prospective, controlled, observational study (J-BRAND Registry)

INTRODUCTION

Given an increasing use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors to treat patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the real-world setting, we conducted a prospective observational study (Japan-based Clinical Research Network for Diabetes Registry: J-BRAND Registry) to elucidate the safety and efficacy profile of long-term usage of alogliptin.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We registered 5969 patients from April 2012 through September 2014, who started receiving alogliptin (group A) or other classes of oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs; group B), and were followed for 3 years at 239 sites nationwide. Safety was the primary outcome. Symptomatic hypoglycemia, pancreatitis, skin disorders of non-extrinsic origin, severe infections, and cancer were collected as major adverse events (AEs). Efficacy assessment was the secondary outcome and included changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin and urinary albumin.

RESULTS

Of the registered, 5150 (group A: 3395 and group B: 1755) and 5096 (3358 and 1738) were included for safety and efficacy analysis, respectively. Group A patients mostly (>90%) continued to use alogliptin. In group B, biguanides were the primary agents, while DPP-4 inhibitors were added in up to ~36% of patients. The overall incidence of AEs was similar between the two groups (42.7% vs 42.2%). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed the incidence of cancer was significantly higher in group A than in group B (7.4% vs 4.8%, p=0.040), while no significant incidence difference was observed in the individual cancer. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the imbalanced patient distribution (more elderly patients in group A than in group B), but not alogliptin usage per se, contributed to cancer development. The incidence of other major AE categories was with no between-group difference. Between-group difference was not detected, either, in the incidence of microvascular and macrovascular complications. HbA1c and fasting glucose decreased significantly at the 0.5-year visit and nearly plateaued thereafter in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Alogliptin as a representative of DPP-4 inhibitors was safe and durably efficacious when used alone or with other OHAs for patients with type 2 diabetes in the real world setting.

Cost-Effectiveness of Dipeptidylpeptidase-4 Inhibitors Added to Metformin in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in China

PURPOSE

Dipeptidylpeptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, including linagliptin, alogliptin, saxagliptin, sitagliptin, and vildagliptin, are used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in China. This study assessed the economic outcomes of different DPP-4 inhibitors in patients with T2DM inadequately controlled with metformin in the Chinese context.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, the validated Chinese Outcomes Model for T2DM (COMT) was conducted to project economic outcomes from the perspective of Chinese healthcare service providers. Efficacy and safety, medical expenditure, and utility data were derived from the literature, which were assigned to model variables. The primary outputs of the model included the lifetime costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). One-way and probability sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the potential uncertainties of parameters.

RESULTS

Of the five competing strategies, alogliptin 25 mg strategy yielded the most significant health outcome, which associated with improvements in discounted QALY of 0.007, 0.014, 0.011, and 0.022 versus linagliptin 5 mg, saxagliptin 5 mg, sitagliptin 100 mg and vildagliptin50 mg, respectively. The sitagliptin 100 mg strategy was the cheapest option. The ICER of alogliptin 25 mg against sitagliptin 100 mg strategy was $6,952 per additional QALY gained, and the rest of the strategies were dominated or extended dominated. The most influential parameters were the cost of DPP-4 inhibitors and their treatment efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that alogliptin was a preferred treatment option compared with other DPP-4 inhibitors for Chinese patients whose T2DM are inadequately controlled on metformin monotherapy.

COVID-19 and diabetes mellitus: Unraveling the hypotheses that worsen the prognosis (Review)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the caused disease - coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has affected so far >6,000,000 people worldwide, with variable grades of severity, and has already inflicted >350,000 deaths. SARS-CoV-2 infection seems severely affected by background diseases such as diabetes mellitus and its related complications, that seem to be favoring the most severe manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 and, therefore, require special attention in clinical care units. The present literature review focus on addressing several hypotheses explaining why diabetic patients could develop multi-organ failure in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) infections. Undoubtedly, as diabetes related complications are present it is expected to emphasize the severity of the COVID-19. Dermatological complications can occur and worsen in diabetic patients, and diseases such as acanthosis nigricans and psoriasis are prone to more severe manifestations of COVID-19. Approaches to treat SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, based on different solutions i.e. plasma therapy, use of antiviral compounds, development of vaccines or new therapeutic agents are ongoing.

Infectious complications of newer agents in the fight against diabetes

Infectious complications have been reported with antidiabetic medications. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors have been associated with upper respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors have been associated with lower limb amputations, urinary tract infections, genital mycotic infections, and Fournier gangrene.

Blood Glucose Control Strategy for Type 2 Diabetes Patients With COVID-19

Since December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a novel coronavirus has spread all over the world affecting tens of millions of people. Another pandemic affecting the modern world, type 2 diabetes mellitus is among the major risk factors for mortality from COVID-19. Current evidence, while limited, suggests that proper blood glucose control may help prevent exacerbation of COVID-19 even in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Under current circumstances where the magic bullet for the disease remains unavailable, it appears that the role of blood glucose control cannot be stressed too much. In this review the profile of each anti-diabetic agent is discussed in relation to COVID-19.

Exposure to dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors and COVID-19 among people with type 2 diabetes: A case-control study

Because other coronaviruses enter the cells by binding to dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 (DPP-4), it has been speculated that DPP-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is) may exert an activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. In the absence of clinical trial results, we analysed epidemiological data to support or discard such a hypothesis. We retrieved information on exposure to DPP-4is among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) hospitalized for COVID-19 at an outbreak hospital in Italy. As a reference, we retrieved information on exposure to DPP-4is among matched patients with T2D in the same region. Of 403 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 85 had T2D. The rate of exposure to DPP-4is was similar between T2D patients with COVID-19 (10.6%) and 14 857 matched patients in the region (8.8%), or 793 matched patients in the local outpatient clinic (15.4%), 8284 matched patients hospitalized for other reasons (8.5%), and when comparing 71 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia (11.3%) with 351 matched patients with pneumonia of another aetiology (10.3%). T2D patients with COVID-19 who were on DPP-4is had a similar disease outcome as those who were not. In summary, we found no evidence that DPP-4is might affect hospitalization for COVID-19.

Exposure to dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 inhibitors and the risk of pneumonia among people with type 2 diabetes: Retrospective cohort study and meta-analysis

AIM

Concerns have been raised that dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) may increase the risk of pneumonia. We analysed observational data and clinical trials to explore whether use of DPP-4i modifies the risk of pneumonia.

METHODS

We identified patients with diabetes in the Veneto region administrative database and performed propensity score matching between new users of DPP-4 inhibitors and new users of other oral glucose-lowering medications (OGLMs). We compared the rate of hospitalization for pneumonia between matched cohorts using the Cox proportional hazard model. The same analysis was repeated using the database of a local diabetes outpatient clinic. We retrieved similar observational studies from the literature to perform a meta-analysis. Results from trials reporting pneumonia rates among patients randomized to DPP-4 inhibitors versus placebo/active comparators were also meta-analysed.

RESULTS

In the regional database, after matching 6495 patients/group, new users of DPP-4 inhibitors had a lower rate of hospitalization for pneumonia than new users of other OGLMs (HR 0.76; 95% CI 0.61-0.95). In the outpatient database, after matching 867 patients/group, new users of DPP-4 inhibitors showed a non-significantly lower rate of hospitalization for pneumonia (HR 0.65; 95% CI 0.41-1.04). The meta-analysis of observational studies yielded an overall non-significant lower risk of hospitalization for pneumonia among DPP-4 inhibitor users (RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.65-1.01). The meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials showed no overall effect of DPP-4 inhibitors on pneumonia risk (RR 1.06; 95% CI 0.93-1.20).

CONCLUSION

The use of DPP-4 inhibitors can be considered as safe with regard to the risk of pneumonia.

A Narrative Review of the Anti-Hyperglycemic and Satiating Effects of Fish Protein Hydrolysates and Their Bioactive Peptides

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes and overweight/obesity are increasing globally. Food supplementation as a preventative option has become an attractive option in comparison to increased pharmacotherapy dependency. Hydrolysates of fish processing waste and by-products have become particularly interesting in a climate of increased food wastage awareness and are rapidly gaining traction in food research. This review summarizes the available research so far on the potential effect of these hydrolysates on diabetes and appetite suppression. Scopus and Web of Science are searched using eight keywords (fish, hydrolysate, peptides, satiating, insulinotropic, incretin, anti-obesity, DPP-4 [dipeptidylpeptidase-4/IV]) returning a total of 2549 results. Following exclusion criteria (repeated appearances, non-fish marine sources [e.g., macroalgae], and irrelevant bioactivities [e.g., immunomodulatory, anti-thrombotic]), 44 relevant publications are included in this review. Stimulation of hormone secretion, regulation of glucose uptake, anorexigenic potential, identified mechanisms of action, and research conducted on the most potent bioactive peptides identified within these hydrolysates are all specifically addressed. Results of this review conclude that despite wide methodological variation between studies, there is significant potential for the application of fish protein hydrolysates in the management of bodyweight and hyperglycemia.

Efficacy and safety of evogliptin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes: A multicentre, active-controlled, randomized, double-blind study with open-label extension (the EVERGREEN study)

AIM

To investigate the efficacy and safety of evogliptin compared with linagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this 12-week, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, and 12-week open-label extension study, a total of 207 patients with type 2 diabetes who had HbA1c levels of 7.0%-10.0% were randomized 1:1 to receive evogliptin 5 mg (n = 102) or linagliptin 5 mg (n = 105) daily for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline HbA1c at week 12. The secondary endpoint was the change in the mean amplitude of glycaemic excursion (MAGE) assessed by continuous glucose monitoring. In the extension study conducted during the following 12 weeks, evogliptin 5 mg daily was administered to both groups: evogliptin/evogliptin group (n = 95) and linagliptin/evogliptin group (n = 92).

RESULTS

After 12 weeks of treatment, the mean change in HbA1c in the evogliptin group and in the linagliptin group was -0.85% and -0.75%, respectively. The between-group difference was -0.10% (95% CI: -0.32 to 0.11), showing non-inferiority based on a non-inferiority margin of 0.4%. The change in MAGE was -24.6 mg/dL in the evogliptin group and -16.7 mg/dL in the linagliptin group. These values were significantly lower than the baseline values in both groups. However, they did not differ significantly between the two groups. In the evogliptin/evogliptin group at week 24, HbA1c decreased by -0.94%, with HbA1c values of <7.0% in 80.2% of the patients. The incidence and types of adverse events were comparable between the two groups for 24 weeks.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the glucose-lowering efficacy of evogliptin was non-inferior to linagliptin. It was maintained at week 24 with a 0.94% reduction in HbA1c. Evogliptin therapy improved glycaemic variability without causing any serious adverse events in patients with type 2 diabetes.

DPP4 and ACE2 in Diabetes and COVID-19: Therapeutic Targets for Cardiovascular Complications?

COVID-19 outbreak, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 coronavirus has become an urgent health and economic challenge. Diabetes is a risk factor for severity and mortality of COVID-19. Recent studies support that COVID-19 has effects beyond the respiratory tract, with vascular complications arising as relevant factors worsening its prognosis, then making patients with previous vascular disease more prone to severity or fatal outcome. Angiotensin-II converting enzime-2 (ACE2) has been proposed as preferred receptor for SARS-CoV-2 host infection, yet specific proteins participating in the virus entry are not fully known. SARS-CoV-2 might use other co-receptor or auxiliary proteins allowing virus infection. In silico experiments proposed that SARS-CoV-2 might bind dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4/CD26), which was established previously as receptor for MERS-CoV. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) component ACE2 and DPP4 are proteins dysregulated in diabetes. Imbalance of the RAAS and direct effect of soluble DPP4 exert deleterious vascular effects. We hypothesize that diabetic patients might be more affected by COVID-19 due to increased presence ACE2 and DPP4 mediating infection and contributing to a compromised vasculature. Here, we discuss the role of ACE2 and DPP4 as relevant factors linking the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severity of COVID-19 in diabetic patients and present an outlook on therapeutic potential of current drugs targeted against RAAS and DPP4 to treat or prevent COVID-19-derived vascular complications. Diabetes affects more than 400 million people worldwide, thus better understanding of how they are affected by COVID-19 holds an important benefit to fight against this disease with pandemic proportions.

The efficacy and safety of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors compared to other oral glucose-lowering medications in the treatment of type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

The dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is), which belong to the class of incretin-based medications, are recommended as second or third-line therapies in guidelines for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. They have a favorable drug tolerability and safety profile compared to other glucose-lowering agents.

OBJECTIVE

This review discusses data concerning the use of DPP-4is and their cardiovascular profile, and gives an updated comparison with the other oral glucose-lowering medications with regards to safety and efficacy. Currently available original studies, abstracts, reviews articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included in the review.

DISCUSSION

DPP4is are moderately efficient in decreasing the HbA1c by an average of 0.5% as monotherapy, and 1.0% in combination therapy with other drugs. They have a good tolerability and safety profile compared to other glucose-lowering drugs. However, there are possible risks pertaining to acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

CONCLUSION

Cardiovascular outcome trials thus far have proven the cardiovascular safety for ischemic events in patients treated with sitagliptin, saxagliptin, alogliptin, linagliptin and vildagliptin. Data showing increased rate of hospitalisation in the case of saxagliptin did not seem to be a class effect.

Coronavirus Infections and Type 2 Diabetes-Shared Pathways with Therapeutic Implications

Individuals with diabetes are at increased risk for bacterial, mycotic, parasitic, and viral infections. The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 (also referred to as COVID-19) coronavirus pandemic highlights the importance of understanding shared disease pathophysiology potentially informing therapeutic choices in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Two coronavirus receptor proteins, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) are also established transducers of metabolic signals and pathways regulating inflammation, renal and cardiovascular physiology, and glucose homeostasis. Moreover, glucose-lowering agents such as the DPP4 inhibitors, widely used in subjects with T2D, are known to modify the biological activities of multiple immunomodulatory substrates. Here, we review the basic and clinical science spanning the intersections of diabetes, coronavirus infections, ACE2, and DPP4 biology, highlighting clinical relevance and evolving areas of uncertainty underlying the pathophysiology and treatment of T2D in the context of coronavirus infection.

Comparison of the effects of gemigliptin and dapagliflozin on glycaemic variability in type 2 diabetes: A randomized, open-label, active-controlled, 12-week study (STABLE II study)

AIMS

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of gemigliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, and dapagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor, on glycaemic variability in type 2 diabetes patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this randomized, blinded end point, multicentre clinical trial, we enrolled 71 patients with type 2 diabetes who were inadequately controlled with metformin alone or were drug naïve. The participants were randomized to receive gemigliptin 50 mg (n = 35) or dapagliflozin 10 mg (n = 36) daily for 12 weeks. Glycaemic variability was estimated by mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions (MAGE), standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) using a 6-day continuous glucose monitoring system. The primary efficacy endpoint was change in MAGE after 12 weeks compared to baseline.

RESULTS

Intergroup differences in baseline characteristics were not significant. The adjusted mean change (± standard error) in MAGE after 12 weeks in the gemigliptin and dapagliflozin groups was -27.2 ± 4.4 mg/dL and -7.9 ± 4.9 mg/dL, respectively. Between-group comparisons showed a significantly larger reduction in MAGE in the gemigliptin group (-19.2 mg/dL; 95% CI, -31.3 to -7.2; P = .002). Measures of SD and CV also showed a significantly larger reduction in the gemigliptin group. Average glycaemic control, estimated by HbA1c, fasting glucose and safety profiles, was comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to dapagliflozin, gemigliptin significantly improved glycaemic variability, with similar glucose-lowering efficacy and safety profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes who were inadequately controlled with metformin alone or were drug naïve.

Risk of any hypoglycaemia with newer antihyperglycaemic agents in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

For patients with type 2 diabetes, newer antihyperglycaemic agents (AHA), including the dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors (DPP4i), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RA) and sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) offer a lower risk of hypoglycaemia relative to sulfonylurea or insulin. However, it is not clear how AHA compare to placebo on risk of any hypoglycaemia. This study evaluates the risk of any and severe hypoglycaemia with AHA and metformin relative to placebo.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted of randomized, placebo-controlled trials ≥12 weeks in duration. MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched up to April 16, 2019. Studies allowing use of other diabetes medications were excluded. Mantel-Haenszel risk ratio with 95% confidence intervals were used to pool estimates based on class of AHA and number of concomitant therapies used.

PATIENTS

Eligible studies enrolled patients with type 2 diabetes ≥18 years of age.

RESULTS

144 studies met our inclusion criteria. Any hypoglycaemia was not increased with AHA when used as monotherapy (DPP4i (RR 1.12; 95% CI 0.81-1.56), GLP1RA (1.77; 0.91-3.46), SGLT2i (1.34; 0.83-2.15)), or as add-on to metformin (DPP4i (0.95; 0.67-1.35), GLP1RA (1.24; 0.80-1.91), SGLT2i (1.29; 0.91-1.83)) or as triple therapy (1.13; 0.67-1.91). However, metformin monotherapy (1.73; 1.02-2.94) and dual therapy initiation (3.56; 1.79-7.10) was associated with an increased risk of any hypoglycaemia. Severe hypoglycaemia was rare not increased for any comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS

Metformin and the simultaneous initiation of dual therapy, but not AHA used alone or as single add-on combination therapy, was associated with an increased risk of any hypoglycaemia relative to placebo.

GLP-1 Analogs and DPP-4 Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetes Therapy: Review of Head-to-Head Clinical Trials

The incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are released from enteroendocrine cells in response to the presence of nutrients in the small intestines. These homones facilitate glucose regulation by stimulating insulin secretion in a glucose dependent manner while suppressing glucagon secretion. In patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), an impaired insulin response to GLP-1 and GIP contributes to hyperglycemia. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors block the breakdown of GLP-1 and GIP to increase levels of the active hormones. In clinical trials, DPP-4 inhibitors have a modest impact on glycemic control. They are generally well-tolerated, weight neutral and do not increase the risk of hypoglycemia. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are peptide derivatives of either exendin-4 or human GLP-1 designed to resist the activity of DPP-4 and therefore, have a prolonged half-life. In clinical trials, they have demonstrated superior efficacy to many oral antihyperglycemic drugs, improved weight loss and a low risk of hypoglycemia. However, GI adverse events, particularly nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are seen. Both DPP-4 inhibitors and GLP-1 RAs have demonstrated safety in robust cardiovascular outcome trials, while several GLP-1 RAs have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in persons with T2DM with pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Several clinical trials have directly compared the efficacy and safety of DPP-4 inhibitors and GLP-1 RAs. These studies have generally demonstrated that the GLP-1 RA provided superior glycemic control and weight loss relative to the DPP-4 inhibitor. Both treatments were associated with a low and comparable incidence of hypoglycemia, but treatment with GLP-1 RAs were invariably associated with a higher incidence of GI adverse events. A few studies have evaluated switching patients from DPP-4 inhibitors to a GLP-1RA and, as expected, improved glycemic control and weight loss are seen following the switch. According to current clinical guidelines, GLP-1RA and DPP-4 inhibitors are both indicated for the glycemic management of patients with T2DM across the spectrum of disease. GLP-1RA may be preferred over DPP- 4 inhibitors for many patients because of the greater reductions in hemoglobin A1c and weight loss observed in the clinical trials. Among patients with preexisting CVD, GLP-1 receptor agonists with a proven cardiovascular benefit are indicated as add-on to metformin therapy.

Fish and fish side streams are valuable sources of high-value components

The current practice of fish processing generates increasing quantities of side streams and waste, such as skin, heads, frames, viscera, and fillet cut offs. These may account for up to 70% of the fish used in industrial processing. Low-value fish catches, and under-utilized fish species comprise another source of side streams. These side streams have been discarded in the environment leading to environmental problems or they have ended up as low commercial value products, such as feed for fur animals and aquaculture. However, several studies have shown that fish side streams contain valuable bioactive ingredients and fractions, such as fish oils, proteins and peptides, collagen, gelatin, enzymes, chitin, and minerals. These compounds and fractions may provide the opportunity to develop novel applications in health promoting foods, special feeds, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic products. Better utilization of side streams and low-value fish would simultaneously improve both the environmental and ecological sustainability of production. This review summarizes the current knowledge on fish and fish side streams as sources of high-value components such as peptides with antimicrobial, antioxidative, antihypertensive, and antihyperglycemic properties, proteins such as fish collagen and gelatin, fish enzymes, fish oils and fatty acids, polysaccharides like glucosaminoglycans, chitin and chitosan, vitamin D, and minerals. Production technologies for recovering the high-value fractions and potential product applications are discussed. Furthermore, safety aspects related to the raw material, technologies, and fractions are considered.

Linagliptin-associated bullous pemphigoid treated with rituximab

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are increasingly used these days in management of diabetes. There has been reported in a few case reports of increasing association between DPP-4 inhibitor use and bullous pemphigoid (BP). We report a case of association between linagliptin use and BP and subsequent treatment with rituximab.

Antidiabetic agents in patients with hepatic impairment

Chronic liver disease (CLD) often coexists with type 2 diabetes mellitus, making diabetes management a challenge to the clinician. It is well known that liver is the major site of drug metabolism, and, therefore, its impairment affects hepatic metabolism of many antidiabetic agents. Furthermore, patients with CLD have serious comorbidities such as impaired renal function, hypoalbuminemia, lactic acidosis, hypoglycemia and malnutrition, making their treatment even more difficult. On the other hand, most of the antidiabetic agents, with the exception of insulin, need dosage titration due to alterations to their pharmacokinetics in patients with CLD. For well-established antidiabetic treatments, like metformin and sulfonylureas there are studies regarding their dosage chance in these patients. However, despite the growing problem of management of diabetes in patients with CLD the existing literature data, especially on newer antidiabetic agents, are limited and, furthermore, no direct guidelines exist. Therefore, in the present review article we try to summarize the existing literature data regarding management of diabetes in patients with CLD.

Association between vildagliptin and risk of angioedema, foot ulcers, skin lesions, hepatic toxicity, and serious infections in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A European multidatabase, noninterventional, postauthorization safety study

OBJECTIVES

This noninterventional, multidatabase, analytical cohort study explored whether vildagliptin is associated with an increased risk of specific safety events of interest, namely angioedema, foot ulcers, or skin lesions, adverse hepatic events, or serious infections compared with other noninsulin antidiabetic drugs (NIADs) using real-world data from five European electronic healthcare databases.

DESIGN

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged ≥18 years on NIAD treatment were included between January 2005 and June 2014. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the outcomes of interest were estimated using negative binomial regression.

PATIENTS

Approximately 2.8% of the included patients (n = 738 054) used vildagliptin at any time during the study, with an average follow-up time of 1.4 years.

RESULTS

The adjusted IRRs (vildagliptin vs. other NIADs) were in the range of 0.87-3.71 (angioedema), 0.73-1.19 (foot ulcers), 0.37-1.18 (skin lesions), 0.24-1.14 (composite of foot ulcer or skin lesions), 0.29-0.55 (serious hepatic events), and 0.59-1.04 (serious infections), with no lower bound of the 95% CIs > 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, there was no increased risk of the events of interest in association with vildagliptin use compared with other NIADs.

Development of a Patient Decision Aid on the Choice of Diabetes Medication for Filipino Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To develop a locally adapted patient decision aid (PtDA) on treatment intensification among Filipino patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and to test the feasibility of using PtDAs in a low middle-income country.

METHODOLOGY

A qualitative approach and an iterative process of development of a PtDA were employed for this study. We describe the process of developing a Filipino version of the Diabetes Medication Decision Aid. This PtDA was designed to help the patient choose the appropriate treatment intensification based on his own values and preferences, in consultation with his physician. The process involved decisional needs assessment through focus group discussions and key informant interviews, systematic literature review, iterative process of the development of a PtDA with clinical encounters (pilot testing), and preliminary field testing.

RESULTS

Decisional needs assessment revealed that Filipino patients are open to participate in shared decision-making if given the opportunity, including those with low socioeconomic status who likely have low health literacy. Physicians prefer to have visual aid tools to help them support their patient's decision-making. A PtDA prototype of a set of flash cards in Filipino was created and revised in an iterative method. We developed a more visually appealing tool after inputs from the expert panel and patient advisory group. Its use during clinical encounters provided additional insights from patients and clinicians on how to improve the PtDA. Preliminary field testing showed that its use is feasible in the target patient population.

CONCLUSION

Filipino patients, clinicians, and diabetes nurse educators have contributed to the creation of the first Filipino PtDA for diabetes treatment intensification.

DPP-4 inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a methodology overview of systematic reviews

AIMS

To evaluate the methodological quality of systematic reviews (SRs), and summarize evidence of important outcomes from dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4-I) in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

We included SRs of DPP4-I for the treatment of T2DM until January, 2018 by searching the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE and three Chinese databases. We evaluated the methodological qualities with the AMSTAR (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews) tool and the GRADE (The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach.

RESULTS

Sixty-three SRs (a total of 2,603,140 participants) receiving DPP4-I for the treatment of T2DM were included. The results of AMSTAR showed that the lowest quality was "a list of studies (included and excluded) item" with only one (1.6%) study provided, followed by the "providing a priori design" item with only four (6.3%) studies conforming to this item, the next were "the status of publication (gray literature) used as an inclusion criterion item", with only 18 (28.9%) studies conforming to these items. Only seven (11.1%) studies scored more than nine points in AMSTAR, indicating high methodological quality. For GRADE, of the 128 outcomes, high quality evidence was provided in only 28 (21.9%), moderate in 70 (54.7%), low in 27 (21.1%), and very low in three (2.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

The methodological quality of SRs of DPP4-I for type 2 diabetes mellitus is not high and there are common areas for improvement. Furthermore, the quality of evidence level is moderate and more high quality evidence is needed.

Oral formulation of DPP-4 inhibitor plus Quercetin improves metabolic homeostasis in type 1 diabetic rats

This study aimed to investigate the potential of an oral formulation (QV formulation) containing Quercetin and a Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor (DPP-4 inhibitor), Vildagliptin, in improving metabolic homeostasis in type 1 diabetes model. Female albino Fischer rats were divided into four groups: untreated control animals (C), untreated diabetic animals (D), diabetic animals treated with QV formulation (DQV), and diabetic animals treated with insulin (DI). Diabetes was induced by injection of alloxan (135 mg kg body mass)^-1 and confirmed by glycemic test. After the 30-day treatment period, biochemical parameters were analyzed in the pancreas, liver, and serum. Histopathological changes in pancreatic tissue were examined by Hematoxyline & Eosin staining and the insulin content in the islet measured by immunohistochemistry with anti-insulin antibody. The glycogen content in the hepatocytes was quantified by Periodic Schiff Acid staining. The QV formulation reduced the glycemia, preserved the pancreatic architecture, increased insulin levels, furthermore ameliorated lipid profile and to promote higher survival rate of animals. Together, our data suggest that the QV formulation treatment was able to normalize metabolic homeostasis in type 1 diabetic rats.

Kombiglyze (metformin and saxagliptin)-induced hepatotoxicity in a patient with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

A 33‐year‐old man was referred with hyperosmotic symptoms of 4 weeks. Clinical examination showed palpable hepatomegaly and no stigmata of liver disease. Findings were random glucose 16.6 mmol/L, HbA1c 12.4%, triglyceride 6.2 mmol/L, normal LFTs and ultrasound liver: increased echogenicity. Management consisted of dietician referral and commencement of metformin 500 mg bd, diamicron MR 60 mg od, and fenofibrate 145 mg od. He was non‐compliant, complaining of “heaviness of head” after consuming oral diabetic agents, without symptoms of hypoglycemia. Treatment was switched to Kombiglyze XR (saxaglipitin 5 mg + metformin 1000 mg) and empagliflozin 25 mg od. He presented 1 week later with generalised pruritus with ALT 307 IU/L and serum GGT 808 IU/L. Following this, a percutaneous liver biopsy was performed, revealing steatohepatitis and marked intra‐hepatic cholestasis. Kombiglyze XR was withheld, with resolution of LFTs to baseline. Phenotypes of liver injury are categorised according to R value, defined as ratio ALT/ULN:ALP/ULN. R value of ≥5:hepatocellular injury, ≤2:cholestatic injury, 2–5:mixed‐type injury. Here, R value points toward mixed type (R = 3.203). Hepatotoxicity in patients with NASH is difficult to diagnose, based on laboratory parameters. Liver histology was useful in indicating additional changes apart from NASH, causing liver derangement. The Rousal Uclaf Causality Assessment Method is a scoring method to determine the probability of drug induced liver injury. RUCAM score for this case was 6 (probable adverse drug reaction). Hepatotoxicity from saxagliptin not been reported prior. Clinicians need to be more vigilant, particularly in patients with NASH.

Drugs that increase the risk of community-acquired pneumonia: a narrative review

INTRODUCTION

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), a major cause of morbidity and mortality, is the leading infectious cause of death in the developed world. Population-based studies and systematic reviews have identified a large number of risk factors for the development of pneumonia in adults. In addition to age, lifestyle habits, and comorbidities, some forms of pharmacotherapy may also increase the risk for CAP.

AREAS COVERED

MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science were used in 2017 to search for case-control, cohort studies, as well as randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis that involved outpatient proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs), antipsychotics, oral antidiabetics, and CAP diagnosis in patients aged >18 years.

EXPERT OPINION

Our review confirmed that the use of ICSs, PPIs or antipsychotic drugs was independently associated with an increased risk for CAP. We also identified a positive association between specific oral antidiabetics and the development of pneumonia.

Interplay of DDP4 and IP-10 as a Potential Mechanism for Cell Recruitment to Tuberculosis Lesions

INTRODUCTION

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is one of the world's most successful pathogens equipped to establish itself within the human host as a subclinical infection without overt disease. Unable to eradicate the bacteria, the immune system contains the infection in a granuloma structure. Th1 cells that are essential for infection control are recruited to the site of infection directed by chemokines, predominantly CXCL10. It has previously been shown that CXCL10 in the plasma of patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus is present primarily in an antagonist form. This is due to N-terminal truncation by the enzyme DPP4, which results in the antagonist form that is capable of binding its receptor CXCR3, but does not induce signaling. We aimed to explore whether such CXCL10 antagonism may have an impact on the pathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB).

RESULTS

We measured plasma levels of agonist and antagonist CXCL10 by Simoa digital ELISA, as well as DPP4 enzyme activity in the plasma of 20 patients with active TB infection, 10 patients with pneumonia infection, and a group of 10 healthy controls. We found higher levels of total and antagonist CXCL10 and reduced DPP4 enzyme activity in the plasma of TB patients compared to controls. We traced the source of CXCL10 secretion using immunohistochemical and confocal analysis to multinucleated giant cells in the TB lesions, and variable expression by macrophages. Interestingly, these cells were associated with DPP4-positive T cells. Moreover, the analysis of lymphocytes at the site of TB infection (bronchoalveolar lavage) showed a reduced frequency of CXCR3+ T cells.

INTERPRETATION

Our data suggests that CXCL10 antagonism may be an important regulatory mechanism occurring at the site of TB pathology. CXCL10 can be inactivated shortly after secretion by membrane bound DPP4 (CD26), therefore, reducing its chemotactic potential. Given the importance of Th1 cell functions and IFN-γ-mediated effects in TB, our data suggest a possible unappreciated regulatory role of DPP4 in TB.

PERSPECTIVES

DPP4 is the target for a class of enzyme inhibitors used in the treatment of diabetes, and the results from this study suggest that these drugs could be repurposed as an adjunct immunotherapy of patients with TB and MDR-TB.

Pharmacovigilance Evaluation of the Association Between DPP-4 Inhibitors and Heart Failure: Stimulated Reporting and Moderation by Drug Interactions

INTRODUCTION

In the SAVOR-TIMI trial, the risk of heart failure (HF) was increased by 27% in T2D patients randomized to the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i) saxagliptin. Other studies have provided inconsistent results regarding this association. Herein, we performed a pharmacovigilance analysis of the rate of HF associated with DPP4is, focusing on stimulated reporting and moderation by drug-drug interactions.

METHODS

We mined the FDA adverse event (AE) reporting system (FAERS) from 2004q1 to 2017q3, including a total of 9906,642 AE reports. Rates (/1000 reports) of HF within the reports for DPP4is and reports for other antidiabetic drugs were calculated for the period up to 2013q3 (date of publication of the SAVOR-TIMI trial results) and from 2013q4 to 2017q3. Analyses were refined by filtering according to therapeutic area, concomitant diseases and drugs, and competing AEs.

RESULTS

The rate of HF among the AE reports filed for DPP4is significantly increased after 2013q3, especially for saxagliptin. When compared to non-insulin non-glitazone antidiabetic drugs, the proportional reporting ratio (PRR) of HF for DPP4is was 0.62 (95% CI 0.56-0.68) up to 2013q3 and 2.12 (95% CI 1.96-2.28) from 2013q4 to 2017q3. This stimulated reporting was consistent in subanalyses based on the presence/absence of cardiac disorders and after controlling for competing AEs. The rate of HF among AE reports for DPP4is was modestly moderated by the concomitant use of metformin (- 15%) and strongly moderated by the concomitant use of SGLT2 inhibitors (- 63%), even after excluding competing AEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the FAERS, the association between HF and DPP4is was biased by stimulated reporting, implying that the publication of the SAVOR-TIMI trial and the subsequent regulatory warnings primed clinicians to report HF events in DPP4i users as drug-related AEs. The rate of HF associated with DPP4is was moderated when they were used in combination with SGLT2 inhibitors.

What have we learnt from "real world" data, observational studies and meta-analyses

The incretin therapies glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors are now well-established as second and third-line therapies and in combination with insulin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Over the last decade, there is accumulating evidence of their efficacy and safety from both large multicentre randomized clinical trials (RCT) and observational studies. Cardiovascular outcome trials have confirmed that several of these agents are also non-inferior to placebo with the GLP-1 RA liraglutide and semaglutide recently found to be superior in terms of major adverse cardiovascular events. Observational studies and post-marketing surveillance provide real world evidence of safety and effectiveness of these agents and have provided reassurance that signals for pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer seen in clinical trials are not of major concern in large patient populations. Well-designed real world studies complement RCTs and systematic reviews but appropriate data and methodologies, which are constantly improving, are necessary to answer appropriate clinical questions relating to the use of incretin therapies.

Pharmacotherapy of type 2 diabetes: An update

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and a major economic burden. The prevalence of T2DM is rising, suggesting more effective prevention and treatment strategies are necessary. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the pharmacologic treatment options available for patients with T2DM. Each therapeutic class is presented in detail, outlining medication effects, side effects, glycemic control, effect on weight, indications and contraindications, and use in selected populations (heart failure, renal insufficiency, obesity and the elderly). We also present representative cost for each antidiabetic category. Then, we provide an individualized guide for initiation and intensification of treatment and discuss the considerations and rationale for an individualized glycemic goal.