Acute effects of a somatostatin analogue on kidney function in type 1 diabetic patients

Renal effects of growth hormone in health and in kidney disease

Growth hormone (GH) and its mediator insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) have manifold effects on the kidneys. GH and IGF receptors are abundantly expressed in the kidney, including the glomerular and tubular cells. GH can act either directly on the kidneys or via circulating or paracrine-synthesized IGF-1. The GH/IGF-1 system regulates glomerular hemodynamics, renal gluconeogenesis, tubular sodium and water, phosphate, and calcium handling, as well as renal synthesis of 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D3 and the antiaging hormone Klotho. The latter also acts as a coreceptor of the phosphaturic hormone fibroblast-growth factor 23 in the proximal tubule. Recombinant human GH (rhGH) is widely used in the treatment of short stature in children, including those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Animal studies and observations in acromegalic patients demonstrate that GH-excess can have deleterious effects on kidney health, including glomerular hyperfiltration, renal hypertrophy, and glomerulosclerosis. In addition, elevated GH in patients with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus was thought to induce podocyte injury and thereby contribute to the development of diabetic nephropathy. This manuscript gives an overview of the physiological actions of GH/IGF-1 on the kidneys and the multiple alterations of the GH/IGF-1 system and its consequences in patients with acromegaly, CKD, nephrotic syndrome, and type 1 diabetes mellitus. Finally, the impact of short- and long-term treatment with rhGH/rhIGF-1 on kidney function in patients with kidney diseases will be discussed.

Novel insights in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetes is currently one of the leading causes of end-stage renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy in the Western World. About 15% to 20% of type 1 diabetic patients and 30% to 40% of type 2 diabetic patients will eventually develop end-stage renal failure. To prevent the development or progression of diabetic kidney disease, good glycaemic control remains the cornerstone in the management of diabetic patients. Beyond glycaemic control, other metabolic factors have been shown to be involved in the development of diabetic kidney disease, i.e. advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) and the aldose reductase pathway. Furthermore, an adequate control of high blood pressure and treatment of microalbuminuria are major therapeutic targes. To achieve adequate blood pressure control, a combination therapy with different classes of antihypertensive agents is often necessary, especially including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. Other vasoactive factors involved in diabetic nephropathy such as endothelin and nitric oxide will be covered briefly. Besides hyperglycaemia and high blood pressure, other risk factors have been identified in the development or progression of diabetic kidney disease: smoking, hyperlipidaemia, obesity and high protein intake. Their impact on renal function will be highlighted. Finally, recent research has also identified intracellular pathways such as the diacylglycerol-protein kinase C pathway and several growth factors, such as growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta, vascular endothelial growth factor, and platelet derived growth factor as players in diabetic kidney disease.

Diabetic microangiopathy: IGFBP control endothelial cell growth by a common mechanism in spite of their species specificity and tissue peculiarity

Endothelial cells (EC) play a role in many diseases including diabetes mellitus. EC share common functions, such as angiogenesis and vascular remodeling both regulated by proliferation and apoptosis, anti-thrombotic properties, regulation of vascular tone, control in the passage of nutrients and secretion of peptides and growth factors. However, EC are characterized by site-specificity so their characteristics depend on the organs and tissues where they are. The IGF system induces important growth factors that control cell growth in different microvascular EC (mEC). This family includes IGF-I and IGF-II peptides, their receptors and regulatory proteins IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP-1 to IGFBP-6). The IGFBP modulate their interaction with the IGF membrane receptors and might be regulated at a transcriptional and post-transcriptional level, thus determining the biological IGF-dependent effects on target cells. The IGF system is also a mediator of vascular diseases, and its altered balance might contribute to endothelial dysfunction with the development and evolution of diabetic microangiopathy. We reported here the reviewed literature of IGFBP production from various sources of mEC, showing that they predominantly express IGFBP-2 through IGFBP-5 mRNA. The different pattern of IGFBP secretion depends on the anatomical district and on the species of the tissues. Nevertheless, based on our and other experimental observations, we suggested that a common mechanism of IGFBP regulation in mEC could be hypothized. In retinal and glomerular EC the IGFBP4/IGFBP5 ratio controls the response of these cells to IGF-I and high levels of glucose, in terms of cellular growth.

Somatostatin treatment attenuates proteinuria and prevents weight loss in NZB/W F1 mice

Somatostatin, a naturally occurring neuropeptide, is an immunomodulator which inhibits humoral and cell mediated immunity as well as secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of a somatostatin analogue on the severity of glomerulonephritis in the female NZB/W F1 murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Twenty female NZB/W F1 mice were treated at 23 weeks of age with 10 mg/kg of the somatostatin analogue Sandostatin- LAR, IM every four weeks. Ten control mice received IM injection of vehicle. Mice were assessed at four-week intervals for weight change, proteinuria, anti-DNA antibodies and splenocyte cytokine profile. The mice were sacrificed at age 34.5 weeks. Kidneys were collected and evaluated by light and immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy. Spleens were collected and splenocyte intracellular cytokines were measured by FACS analysis. In the treatment group significantly less proteinuria was observed four weeks after the second somatostatin analogue injection (dipstik scale: +2.07 +/- 0.95 versus. +3.5 +/- 1.08, P = 0.0002). The treated mice did not lose weight while the control group lost weight over time (P = 0.016). No differences were noted between the groups in anti-DNA antibody titres, cytokine profile or the severity of lupus nephritis as assessed by light and IF microscopy. Somatostatin analogue treatment attenuated proteinuria and prevented weight loss in NZB/W F1 mice, suggesting a possible beneficial effect on renal parameters and systemic manifestations of the disease. Further studies will be needed to assess the value of somatostatin analogue treatment in lupus nephritis, utilizing higher doses, at different stages of the disease, for longer periods.

Safety and efficacy of long-acting somatostatin treatment in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

The fluid filling renal cysts in human polycystic kidneys is secreted chiefly by the tubular epithelium lining the cysts via secondary chloride transport. Inhibiting this process by somatostatin therapy should induce shrinking of renal cysts.

METHODS

In this randomized, cross-over, placebo-controlled trial we compared the risk/benefit profile of 6-month treatment with long-acting somatostatin (octreotide-LAR, 40 mg intramuscularly every 28 days) or placebo in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients with mild-to-moderate renal insufficiency and no evidence of other kidney disease. Volumes of kidney structures were evaluated by a two-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner; while glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated by iohexol plasma clearance.

RESULTS

One patient on somatostatin and one on placebo were prematurely withdrawn because of nonsymptomatic, reversible colelithiasis and asthenia, respectively. In the remaining 12 patients somatostatin was well tolerated. Kidney volume increased by 71 +/- 107 mL (P < 0.05) on somatostatin and by 162 +/- 114 mL (P < 0.01) on placebo. The percent increase was significantly lower on somatostatin (2.2 +/- 3.7% vs. 5.9 +/- 5.4%) (P < 0.05). Cystic volume tended to increase less on somatostatin than on placebo (3.0 +/- 6.5% vs. 5.6 +/- 5.8%). The "parenchymal" volume nonsignificantly increased by 2.5 +/- 8.4% on placebo and slightly decreased by 4.4 +/- 8.9% on somatostatin. The GFR did not change significantly during both treatment periods.

CONCLUSION

In ADPKD patients, 6-month somatostatin therapy is safe and may slow renal volume expansion. This may reflect an inhibited growth in particular of smallest cysts beyond the detection threshold of CT scan evaluation. Whether this effect may prove renoprotective in the long term should be tested in additional trials of longer duration.

Progression of diabetic retinopathy during improved metabolic control may be treated with reduced insulin dosage and/or somatostatin analogue administration -- a case report

It is well known that intensified insulin treatment of poorly controlled type 1 diabetic patients may worsen an existing diabetic retinopathy (DR). This observation has been explained by an insulin-induced stimulation of the GH/IGF-I axis. Here, we report on three cases, where the progression of DR during intensified metabolic control was treated with manipulation of insulin therapy and/or by administration of octreotide. Serum concentrations of IGF-I, IGFBP-3, insulin, cystatin C, creatinine, endogenous creatinine clearance and HbA1c-levels were assessed by routine laboratory methods; serum IGF-I bioactivity was estimated by a highly specific kinase receptor activation assay. Visual acuity and retinopathy stage was assessed by established clinical methods including fluorescein angiography. After glycaemic control was improved by intensified insulin therapy, serum IGF-I levels acutely increased. Subsequently, DR progressed to an advanced stage ("florid retinopathy"), with macular edema, and proliferation of new vessels (in two cases). Immediate reduction of insulin dosage and administration of octreotide lowered serum total IGF-I levels (and IGF-I bioactivity as measured in one patient). Subsequently, macular edema resolved partly, and visual acuity improved, allowing laser photocoagulation to be performed. In conclusion, in poorly controlled type 1 diabetic patients, intensified insulin therapy is able to cause florid DR with acute macular edema. These sight-threatening changes may improve by short-term reduction of insulin dosage or by administration of octreotide, and we speculate that this may be related to down-regulation of (serum) IGF-I.

Chromosomal mapping of a quantitative trait locus for the development of albuminuria in diabetic KK/Ta mice

BACKGROUND

The KK/Ta mouse strain serves as a suitable polygenic model for human type 2 diabetes. We previously reported a genome-wide linkage analysis of KK/Ta alleles contributing to type 2 diabetes and related phenotypes such as fasting hyperglycaemia, glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinaemia, obesity and dyslipidaemia.

METHODS

Since KK/Ta mice spontaneously develop renal lesions closely resembling those in human diabetic nephropathy, we investigated the susceptibility loci using the KK/Ta x (BALB/c x KK/Ta) F1 backcross progeny in the present study.

RESULTS

A genome-wide analysis of susceptibility loci for albuminuria with microsatellite-based chromosomal maps showed a contributing KK/Ta locus, provisionally designated UA-1, with a significant linkage with the interval on chromosome 2 at 83.0 cM close to the microsatellite marker D2Mit311 with a maximum LOD of 3.5 (chi(2) = 13.2, P = 0.0003). UA-1 was different from the susceptibility loci contributing to type 2 diabetes, which we earlier identified. The mode of inheritance differed from that of hypertension. The progeny homozygous for UA-1 showed significantly higher urinary albumin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there were no significant correlations between urinary albumin levels and other diabetic phenotypes, the group of progeny homozygous for both UA-1 and alleles for fasting hyperglycaemia showed the highest urinary albumin levels. Thus, UA-1 appears to increase the risk of diabetic nephropathy, particularly in individuals susceptible to fasting hyperglycaemia, in a gene dosage-dependent manner. There are potentially important candidate genes that may be relevant to diabetic nephropathy.

From hyperglycemia to diabetic kidney disease: the role of metabolic, hemodynamic, intracellular factors and growth factors/cytokines

At present, diabetic kidney disease affects about 15-25% of type 1 and 30-40% of type 2 diabetic patients. Several decades of extensive research has elucidated various pathways to be implicated in the development of diabetic kidney disease. This review focuses on the metabolic factors beyond blood glucose that are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease, i.e., advanced glycation end-products and the aldose reductase system. Furthermore, the contribution of hemodynamic factors, the renin-angiotensin system, the endothelin system, and the nitric oxide system, as well as the prominent role of the intracellular signaling molecule protein kinase C are discussed. Finally, the respective roles of TGF-beta, GH and IGFs, vascular endothelial growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor are covered. The complex interplay between these different pathways will be highlighted. A brief introduction to each system and description of its expression in the normal kidney is followed by in vitro, experimental, and clinical evidence addressing the role of the system in diabetic kidney disease. Finally, well-known and potential therapeutic strategies targeting each system are discussed, ending with an overall conclusion.

Gene expression profile in diabetic KK/Ta mice

BACKGROUND

To identify susceptibility genes for diabetic nephropathy, GeneChip Expression Analysis was employed to survey the gene expression profile of diabetic KK/Ta mouse kidneys.

METHODS

Kidneys from three KK/Ta and two BALB/c mice at 20 weeks of age were dissected. Total RNA was extracted and labeled for hybridizing to the Affymetrix Murine Genome U74Av2 array. The gene expression profile was compared between KK/Ta and BALB/c mice using GeneChip expression analysis software. Competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to confirm the results of GeneChip for a selected number of genes.

RESULTS

Out of 12,490 probe pairs present on GeneChip, 98 known genes and 31 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were found to be differentially expressed between KK/Ta and BALB/c kidneys. Twenty-one known genes and seven ESTs that increased in expression and 77 known genes and 24 ESTs that decreased in KK/Ta kidneys were identified. These genes are related to renal function, extracellular matrix expansion and degradation, signal transduction, transcription regulation, ion transport, glucose and lipid metabolism, and protein synthesis and degradation. In the vicinity of UA-1 (quantitative trait locus for the development of albuminuria in KK/Ta mice), candidate genes that showed differential expression were identified, including the Sdc4 gene for syndecan-4, Ahcy gene for S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase, Sstr4 gene for somatostatin receptor 4, and MafB gene for Kreisler leucine zipper protein.

CONCLUSION

The gene expression profile in KK/Ta kidneys is different from that in age-matched BALB/c kidneys. Altered gene expressions in the vicinity of UA-1 may be responsible for the development of albuminuria in diabetic KK/Ta mice.

Therapeutic Potential of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and its receptors share considerable homology with insulin and insulin receptors, and their respective signaling pathways interact at the post receptor level. While the growth hormone (GH)-IGF-1 axis principally regulates tissue growth and differentiation, insulin exerts it primary effects on fuel metabolism. However, these two endocrine systems interact at multiple levels and in diabetes mellitus the GH-IGF-1 axis is grossly disturbed, with increased secretion of GH, reduced plasma levels of IGF-1, and complex tissue-specific changes in IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs). These observations have given rise to the view that GH-IGF-1 axis dysfunction, particularly low plasma levels of circulating IGF-1, probably play a significant role in several aspects of the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus, including insulin resistance and poor glycemic control, and may also influence the development of microvascular complications. The availability of recombinant human IGF-1 (rhIGF-1; mecasermin), used either alone or in combination with insulin, has led to experimental studies and clinical trials in humans testing these hypotheses. These studies have examined the impact of subcutaneous rhIGF-1 injections on sensitivity and metabolic parameters. In patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin sensitivity is significantly improved, insulin requirements are reduced, and glycemic control of dyslipidemia is generally improved in short-term studies. rhIGF-1 is a particularly attractive possibility in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, where insulin resistance is the fundamental problem. Some patients with genetic syndromes of severe insulin resistance also benefit from treatment with rhIGF-1, which can bypass blocks in the insulin signaling pathway. The common adverse effects reported for rhIGF-1 are dose-related and include edema, jaw pain, arthralgia, myalgia, hypotension, injection site pain, and less commonly, Bell's palsy and raised intracranial pressure. Although disturbance of the GH-IGF-1 axis participates in the development of diabetic complications, the functional consequences of the complex changes in IGFBP expression at the tissue level are uncertain, and it is not known whether systemic IGF-1 therapy or other manipulations of the GH-IGF-1 axis would be helpful or harmful. Experimentally, IGF-1 has a protective effect on neuropathy, and could find an application in the healing of neuropathic ulcers. The potential benefits of IGF-1 therapy in diabetes mellitus have yet to be realised.

Effects of the somatostatin analogue octreotide on renal function in conscious diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Studies performed during the last decade have indicated that growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) may mediate the early renal changes in diabetes mellitus, i.e. hypertrophy and hyperfiltration. This and other observations have led to the suggestion that GH/IGF inhibitors, such as long-acting somatostatin analogue (e.g. octreotide and lanreotide), may be useful in order to inhibit or prevent development of long-term diabetic complications.

METHODS

The present study examined the acute and chronic effects of octreotide on renal function following induction of streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetes in rats. The studies were carried out in conscious, non-fasted diabetic animals.

RESULTS

Chronic administration of octreotide for 7 days, from onset of diabetes, prevented the decrease of effective renal vascular resistance (ERVR), and the increases in filtration fraction (FF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and absolute proximal tubular fluid reabsorption (APR) induced by diabetes. The renal hypertrophy was only partially prevented. In the acute study, similar changes were observed in effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) and ERVR but FF increased and GFR remained unaltered.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic but not acute treatment with octreotide prevented the renal hyperfiltration caused by diabetes. This effect is most likely due to an increase in afferent arteriolar resistance.

Octreotide (somatostatin analog) treatment reduces endothelial cell dysfunction in patients with diabetes mellitus

Octreotide is a long-acting somatostatin analog that has been shown to have various effects in diabetes. This study was performed to evaluate whether octreotide affects the vascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Albuminuria and serum thrombomodulin were used as markers of vascular and renal dysfunction. We studied the effect of octreotide in 27 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). They received 200 microg octreotide per day over a period of 6 months. As a marker of endothelial cell damage, we measured the serum thrombomodulin level. We also measured urinary albumin excretion, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and other parameters. IGF-1 decreased from 123 ng/mL before treatment to 114 ng/mL after 6 months of octreotide treatment (P = .009), while no significant change was observed in the unblinded control group (from 103 ng/mL to 102 ng/mL after 6 months of treatment). Urinary albumin excretion in patients with macroalbuminuria declined from 1,124 mg/L before octreotide treatment to 556 mg/L after 6 months of treatment (P < .05), whereas no change was observed in the control group. There was also a reduction of the plasma thrombomodulin level from 61.8 ng/mL to 46.1 ng/mL (P < .07) after 6 months of treatment. Furthermore, HbA1c decreased from 8.75% +/- 1.27% to 8.12% +/- 1.23% (P < .07) after octreotide treatment.

Pathophysiological Role of Growth Factors in Diabetic Kidney Disease: Focus on Innovative Therapy

Various growth factors have been proposed to be players in the development of diabetic microvascular complications. In particular, the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor system and the transforming growth factor beta system have measurable effects on the development of diabetic kidney disease through a complex intrarenal system. Recent findings indicating that these growth factors might be responsible for early renal changes in diabetes have provided insight into processes that might be relevant to the future development of new drugs useful in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease.

Hemodynamic effects of intravenous somatostatin administered in the postoperative period

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the hemodynamic effects of intravenous somatostatin administration in patients during the early postoperative period.

DESIGN

Prospective, case-controlled trial.

SETTING

Postanesthesia care unit.

PATIENTS

Ten postoperative, noncirrhotic, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status II patients, after resection of nonsecretory (i.e., non-neuroendocrine) tumors. No patient received any vasoactive medication perioperatively.

INTERVENTIONS

Three hours after the end of surgery, normal saline or somatostatin was intravenously administered in two phases: a) in phase 1, patients received a 20-mL bolus of normal saline within 1 min, followed by a continuous infusion of 20 mL of normal saline for the next 30 mins. Patients were left undisturbed for the subsequent 30 mins. b) in phase 2, patients received somatostatin (3.5 micrograms/kg, 20-mL bolus) over 1 min, followed by a continuous infusion of somatostatin (3.5 micrograms/kg/hr) for 72 hrs.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Anesthesia was managed according to a prospectively designed protocol. Patients' hemodynamic profiles and pressure waveforms were recorded immediately before the bolus injections of normal saline and somatostatin, and at every minute thereafter for 30 mins. Bolus doses of somatostatin produced a transient, nonsignificant decrease in heart rate, along with short-lived increases in systolic arterial pressure, diastolic arterial pressure, systolic pulmonary arterial pressure, diastolic pulmonary arterial pressure, and central venous pressure.

CONCLUSION

Bolus intravenous somatostatin administered postoperatively after tumor resection in patients produced transient cardiovascular changes that were not sustained during a subsequent continuous infusion.

The pharmacokinetics of octreotide in cirrhosis and in healthy man

BACKGROUND/AIM

The aim of the study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of octreotide in patients with cirrhosis compared to healthy volunteers.

METHODS

Seventeen patients with cirrhosis and nine normals received an intravenous bolus of octreotide (0.75 microgram/kg), followed by a continuous infusion of 0.75 microgram.kg-1.h-1 for 12 h. Eight patients were decompensated with ascites, while nine were without signs of decompensation. Serum octreotide levels were followed by blood sampling during the infusion period and for 24 h afterwards.

RESULTS

The average clearance (+/-SEM) was 151 +/- 15 ml/min in normals compared to 102 +/- 9 (p < 0.05) and 105 +/- 9 (p < 0.05) in patients with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis, respectively. The average area under the serum octreotide curve was significantly increased by 53% (p < 0.05) in decompensated and 46% (p < 0.05) in compensated cirrhosis compared to healthy volunteers, while no difference was observed between the groups with cirrhosis. This difference was also reflected by an increased maximum serum concentration during the infusion period of 9797 +/- 580 ng/l in the patients with cirrhosis compared to 7081 +/- 547 ng/l (p = 0.006) in normals. The serum half-life for the beta-phase (T1/2 beta) was 165 +/- 26 min in normals, 200 +/- 21 min in the compensated and 216 +/- 26 min in the decompensated group (NS). The volume of distribution (Vd beta) showed no difference between the three groups. Because of the slow equilibration between plasma and ascitic fluid in decompensated cirrhosis, the calculated clearance may have been overestimated and T1/2 beta and Vd beta underestimated in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that the pharmacokinetics of octreotide in cirrhosis is substantially different from that found in normals.

Effect of octreotide and insulin on manifest renal and glomerular hypertrophy and urinary albumin excretion in long-term experimental diabetes in rats

Treatment of diabetic rats with octreotide can inhibit early diabetic renal hypertrophy. Octreotide administration for 6 months from the day of diabetes induction inhibits renal hypertrophy and diminishes increase in urinary albumin excretion. To investigate the effect of octreotide on manifest diabetic renal changes, octreotide treatment was given for 3 weeks after an untreated diabetic period of 3 or 6 months. In addition, following 6 months of diabetes, a group of diabetic rats was treated with insulin for 3 weeks. Renal and glomerular hypertrophy, and increased urinary albumin excretion were observed in diabetic rats compared to non-diabetic control rats from 3 months and throughout the study period. Octreotide treatment did not affect body weight, food intake, blood glucose or serum fructosamine levels. We observed no effect of octreotide treatment on renal and glomerular hypertrophy or urinary albumin excretion compared to placebo-treated diabetic rats. Insulin treatment for 3 weeks after 6 months of untreated diabetes normalized blood glucose and serum fructosamine levels, and furthermore renal hypertrophy was significantly diminished compared to the placebo-treated diabetic rats. However, insulin treatment had no effect on glomerular hypertrophy or urinary albumin excretion. In conclusion, octreotide treatment for 3 weeks following an untreated diabetic period of 3 or 6 months is unable to reduce the increased renal and glomerular volume or urinary albumin excretion. However, insulin treatment for 3 weeks with induction of euglycaemia diminishes the renal hypertrophy but has no effect on glomerular volume or urinary albumin excretion.

Contributory roles of circulatory glucagon and growth hormone to increased renal haemodynamics in type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus

The stimulatory effects of growth hormone (GH) and glucagon on renal function are well known, but it is uncertain whether these hormones are involved in the increase in renal function, characteristic of type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the circulatory levels of GH and glucagon were measured in 10 type 1 diabetic patients with an elevated glomerular filtration rate (GFR > 130 ml min-1 1.73 m-2) and in 20 age and sex matched normofiltering patients (GFR ranging from 90-130 ml min-1 1.73 m-2). In the patients, fasting glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) were determined using 125I-iothalamate and 131I-hippuran, respectively, during near-normoglycaemia. On a separate day, the levels of glucagon and GH were determined in the fasting basal state and after exercise. Multiple regression analysis disclosed that GFR was positively correlated with HbA1 (r2 = 0.18, p < 0.01), glucagon (r2 = 0.14, p < 0.03) as well as exercise-stimulated GH (r2 = 0.10, p < 0.05). ERPF was independently associated with HbA1 (r2 = 0.24, p < 0.005) and glucagon (r2 = 0.18, p < 0.01), whereas renal vascular resistance (RVR) was negatively correlated with stimulated GH (r2 = 0.18, p < 0.02). Kidney volume was positively correlated with HbA1 (r2 = 0.26, p < 0.001) and inversely with RVR (r2 = 0.16, p < 0.01), but not with glucagon or stimulated GH. The present study suggests that circulatory GH and glucagon play a contributory role in the renal haemodynamic changes in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Effects of somatostatin and captopril on glomerular prostaglandin E2 production in normal and diabetic rats

Somatostatin (SRIH) has recently been shown to be effective in reversing many of the early changes of diabetic nephropathy. It is unknown whether SRIH exerts its protective effects via its ability to suppress growth hormone (GH) or via other direct renal effects. Since changes in glomerular prostaglandin (PG) E2 production are thought to be an important part of the underlying pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy, we sought to determine if SRIH altered glomerular PG E2 production in the rat. Whole glomeruli isolated from streptozotocin-diabetic rats and from controls were incubated with either saline, captopril, or varying concentrations of SRIH, and PG E2 production was determined by direct radioimmunoassay of media. Incubation with captopril (10(-4) M) resulted in equivalent increases in PG E2 production in glomeruli from both control and diabetic rats (140.8 +/- 12.8% and 150.2 +/- 18.9% respectively). Incubation with high concentrations of SRIH (10(-6) M) also resulted in significant increases in glomerular PG E2 production in both diabetic and control rats. However, at low SRIH concentrations (10(-10) M), glomerular PG E2 production was increased only in the diabetic rats (167.0 +/- 11.4% vs 95.3 +/- 9.2% in normals). We conclude that SRIH increases glomerular PG E2 production, and that glomeruli from diabetic rats appear to be more sensitive to lower concentrations of SRIH when compared to normal rats. It is possible that this effect on PG E2 production may underlie the favorable effects of SRIH on the glomerulus in diabetes.

Acute renal effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition in microalbuminuric type 1 diabetic patients

The renal effects of intravenous injection of 10 mg enalapril were investigated in 16 normotensive microalbuminuric type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients. After enalapril the following changes were observed: fractional albumin clearance (theta Alb) decreased from 9.9 (3.0-23.8) to 8.2 (2.0-18.3) x 10(-6) (2 P < 0.01); filtration fraction (FF) decreased from 0.260 (0.225-0.312) to 0.253 (0.190-0.297) (2 P < 0.01); renal plasma flow (RPF) increased from 565 (411-690) to 623 (449-785) (2 P < 0.01); and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) remained stable at 149 (128-181) versus 150 (124-185) ml.min-1 (NS). These values were unchanged after placebo (n = 8), except for RFP which decreased from 606 (401-701) to 559 (381-677) ml.min-1 (2 P < 0.05) and GFR which was reduced from 148 (111-173) to 138 (111-167) (2 P < 0.05). A reduction in mean blood pressure from 94 (87-103) to 89 (79-101) mmHg (2 P < 0.05) was found in the enalapril group and a minor reduction in the placebo group from 97 (83-106) to 96 (81-104) mmHg (2 P < 0.05) was also noted. The relative changes in systolic blood pressure in the enalapril group correlated with changes in theta Alb (Spearman's r = 0.66, 2 P < 0.02) and FF (r = 0.53, 2 P < 0.05). Acute inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme does not reduce the pathological hyperfiltration in these patients and a reduction in theta Alb and FF can not be dissociated from the reduction in blood pressure.

Effects of somatostatin on renal function in cirrhosis

To investigate the renal effects of somatostatin in cirrhosis, renal function and plasma and urinary levels of endogenous neurohumoral vasoactive substances were measured in conditions of intravenous water overload (20 mL/kg body wt with 5% glucose) before and during the intravenous infusion of somatostatin (250-500 micrograms/h) in 6 cirrhotic patients without ascites and 17 nonazotemic cirrhotic patients with ascites. Somatostatin induced a significant reduction of renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate, and free water clearance in both groups of patients. In patients with ascites, somatostatin also reduced urinary sodium excretion. Changes in renal function were significantly more marked in patients with ascites than in those without ascites and occurred in the absence of changes in mean arterial pressure and plasma levels of renin, aldosterone, norepinephrine, antidiuretic hormone, and atrial natriuretic peptide. Somatostatin induced a significant reduction in the plasma concentration of glucagon and urinary excretion of prostaglandin E2 that was not related to changes in renal function. These findings indicate that somatostatin administration induces renal vasoconstriction and impairs glomerular filtration rate, free water clearance, and sodium excretion in cirrhosis by a mechanism unrelated to systemic hemodynamics and endogenous neurohumoral vasoactive systems.

Octreotide and diabetes: theoretical and experimental aspects

Diabetes is characterized by paradoxical hypersomatotropinemia and hyperglucagonemia. The latter appears to enhance the tendency in imperfect metabolic control to reduce nitrogen balance, and the former appears to accelerate the deterioration of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and also to induce peripheral insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. In addition to direct metabolic effects, increasing evidence points to an association between hypersomatotropinemia and a number of metabolically dependent, characteristic functional abnormalities linked to the development of late diabetic manifestations. These include increased capillary fragility, lipid and hemostatic aberrations, tissue hyperperfusion, including increased cardiac output and renal plasma flow, and kidney hypertrophy. In theory, octreotide's actions could reduce these aberrations, and, in fact, this has been confirmed in recent experimental trials.

Renal reserve filtration capacity in growth hormone deficient subjects

In normal subjects, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) acutely increase in response to infusion of amino acids and to low doses of dopamine. It is uncertain whether circulatory growth hormone (GH) is a permissive factor for these stimulatory effects. GFR and ERPF (constant infusion technique using 125I-iothalamate and 131I-hippuran, respectively) were measured before and during the infusion of dopamine and amino acids in 8 GH deficient subjects. The clearance study was repeated during concomitant administration of octreotide to investigate whether this somatostatin analogue would modify the amino acid and dopamine-induced renal haemodynamic changes. Dopamine increased baseline GFR from 89 +/- 3 (mean +/- SEM, n = 8) to 102 +/- 4 ml min-1 1.73 m-2 and ERPF from 352 +/- 19 to 476 +/- 26 ml min-1 1.73 m-2, P less than 0.001 for both. During amino acid infusion GFR and ERPF increased to 108 +/- 3 and 415 +/- 23 ml min-1 1.73 m-2, respectively, P less than 0.001 for both. Octreotide did not significantly decrease baseline and dopamine-stimulated renal haemodynamics but lowered the amino acid-stimulated GFR (98 +/- 4 ml min-1 1.73 m-2, P less than 0.05) and ERPF (381 +/- 18 ml min-1 1.73 m-2, P less than 0.05). Basal plasma glucagon concentrations were not suppressed by octreotide, whereas the amino acid-induced increments in plasma glucagon were partially inhibited. It is concluded that GH is not a necessary factor for the stimulatory effects of amino acids and dopamine on renal haemodynamics.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of a somatostatin analogue, octreotide, on renal haemodynamics and albuminuria in acromegalic patients

Although insulin-like growth factor I increases renal function, the renal haemodynamic abnormality underlying the glomerular hyperfiltration in acromegaly is unknown. In normal subjects, amino acids and low doses of dopamine increase the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), presumably by a predominant vasodilation of the afferent and efferent glomerular arterioles, respectively. We studied baseline GFR and ERPF (determined with 125I-iothalamate and 131I-hippuran, respectively), the renal stimulatory effects of amino acid and dopamine infusion, and albuminuria before and after 3 months octreotide treatment in seven acromegalic patients with metabolically active disease. Octreotide reduced growth hormone concentrations from 14.7 +/- 3.0 to 5.5 +/- 1.0 micrograms l-1 (mean +/- SEM, n = 7; P less than 0.001) and insulin-like growth factor I levels from 4.12 +/- 1.31 to 2.44 +/- 0.68 kU l-1 (P less than 0.02). Glucagon concentrations did not change. Baseline GFR and ERPF declined from 132 +/- 5 to 117 +/- 6 and from 547 +/- 32 to 478 +/- 31 ml min-1 1.73 m-2, respectively (P less than 0.05 for both). Initially the response to amino acids was impaired (increment in GFR: 4.8 +/- 6.0%, NS; ERPF: -1.5 +/- 6.8%, NS), whereas the response to dopamine was normal (GFR: 10.6 +/- 1.1%, P less than 0.05: ERPF: 33.2 +/- 3.1%, P less than 0.01). After octreotide, amino acid infusion increased GFR by 15.0 +/- 6.8% (P less than 0.02) and ERPF by 11.3 +/- 5.6% (P less than 0.02), while the dopamine response was unchanged.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Octreotide administration in diabetic rats: effects on renal hypertrophy and urinary albumin excretion

Initial renal hypertrophy in experimental diabetes is prevented by administration of a long-acting somatostatin analogue octreotide (SMS). To investigate the long-term effects of SMS on renal hypertrophy and urinary albumin excretion (UAE), streptozotocin-diabetic and non-diabetic rats were treated with two daily subcutaneous injections of SMS (100 micrograms x 2) for six months. Untreated diabetic and non-diabetic animals were used as reference groups. No differences were seen between the two diabetic groups in respect to body weight, food intake, blood glucose levels, urinary glucose output, hemoglobin A1C(HbA1C), fructosamine, serum growth hormone (rGH) or creatinine clearance, but kidney weight (896 +/- 36 vs. 1000 +/- 24 mg, P less than 0.02), UAE (417 +/- 131 vs. 1098 +/- 187 micrograms/24 hr, P less than 0.02), kidney insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) (167 +/- 16 vs. 239 +/- 17 ng/g, P less than 0.01) and serum IGF-I (301 +/- 26 vs. 407 +/- 17 micrograms/liter, P less than 0.01) were all reduced in the SMS-treated diabetic animals when compared to the untreated diabetic group. In non-diabetic rats SMS reduced body weight (274 +/- 3 vs. 293 +/- 5 g, P less than 0.01), kidney weight (695 +/- 9 vs. 764 +/- 17 mg, P less than 0.01), UAE (83 +/- 29 vs. 364 +/- 114 micrograms/24 hr, P less than 0.02), kidney IGF-I (202 +/- 12 vs. 280 +/- 12 ng/g, P less than 0.01), serum IGF-I (428 +/- 21 vs. 601 +/- 54 micrograms/liter, P less than 0.01) and serum rGH (67 +/- 6 vs. 126 +/- 27 micrograms/liter, P less than 0.05) when compared to untreated controls. When kidney weights were expressed in relation to body weight no difference was found between SMS-treated and untreated controls, while the difference between SMS-treated and untreated diabetic animals was still present (P less than 0.01). In conclusion, chronic administration of SMS has abating effects on diabetic renal hypertrophy and UAE, and thus indicates that SMS may reduce development of diabetic kidney lesions in experimental diabetes. The long-term suppressive effects of SMS on renal enlargement and UAE may in part be mediated through reduction in circulating and kidney IGF-I levels.

Future medical prospects for Sandostatin

Because of its widespread distribution within the nervous system and gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) system, and its diverse physiological inhibitory actions on various gastrointestinal functions, including endocrine and exocrine secretion, motility, liver and splanchnic blood flow and absorption, native somatostatin has been viewed as a possible therapy for many diseases. However, its short duration of action and consequent limited clinical usefulness have been overcome with the availability of Sandostatin (octreotide, Sandoz Ltd), a long-acting, synthetic octapeptide analog of the naturally occurring hormone. Sandostatin represents a significant advance in the treatment of growth hormone (GH) and thyrotropin (TSH)-secreting pituitary tumors and GEP endocrine tumors (carcinoid tumor, VIPoma, glucagonoma, insulinoma, and gastrinoma). Preclinical in vitro and animal studies have shown the antineoplastic activity of the compound. Moreover, because of a possible direct effect on somatostatin receptor-positive endocrine tumor cells and an indirect effect whereby Sandostatin lowers GH, insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF-1), and numerous gastrointestinal peptides, Sandostatin may prove useful as an adjunctive therapy in cancer patients. In vivo labeling of somatostatin receptor-positive tumors with radiolabeled somatostatin analogs now allows localization of such tumors and their metastases. In addition, targeted irradiation of these tumors by beta particle-emitting isotopes attached to such somatostatin analogs may become possible. The use of Sandostatin in acute esophageal variceal bleeding, pancreatic pseudocysts, gastrointestinal, and pancreatic external fistulae, short bowel syndrome, dumping syndrome and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related refractory hypersecretory diarrhea has provided encouraging results.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)