The treatment of type 2 diabetes in the presence of renal impairment: what we should know about newer therapies

SGLT-2 inhibitors may increase ultrafiltration in incident peritoneal dialysis patients: a case report

BACKGROUND

Adequate fluid removal to achieve euvolemic status can be difficult in patients with incident peritoneal dialysis (PD). Limited treatments such as increased high dextrose PD solutions and icodextrin are currently available. We reported four incident PD patients whose' ultrafiltration volume was increased after sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors.

CASE PRESENTATION

The four reported cases were diabetic kidney disease stage 5 (cases 1-3) and IgA nephritis (case 4) patients whostartedt PD because of acute pulmonary edema (case 1 and 3), nausea vomiting (case 2), and hyperkalemia (case 4). They had an ultrafiltration volume of 700-1000 ml per day but hpersistentted peripheral pitting edema or pulmonary edema. Their ultrafiltration volincreased after dapagliflozin 5 mg daily, and the fluid overload symptoms ere improved. No hypotension, or hypoglycemia was found, and the urine was not increased during dapagliflozin treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

SGLT-2 inhibitors may increase ultrafiltration in incident PD patients. More studies are needed to support the safety of SGLT-2 inhibitors in PD patients.

Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy and Use of Common Oral Hypoglycemic Agents Increase the Risk of Diabetic Nephropathy-A Cross-Sectional Study in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the effect of amino acid metabolism on the risk of diabetic nephropathy under different conditions of the diabetic retinopathy, and the use of different oral hypoglycemic agents.

METHODS

This study retrieved 1031 patients with type 2 diabetes from the First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University in Jinzhou, which is located in Liaoning Province, China. We conducted a spearman correlation study between diabetic retinopathy and amino acids that have an impact on the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy. Logistic regression was used to analyze the changes of amino acid metabolism in different diabetic retinopathy conditions. Finally, the additive interaction between different drugs and diabetic retinopathy was explored.

RESULTS

It is showed that the protective effect of some amino acids on the risk of developing diabetic nephropathy is masked in diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, the additive effect of the combination of different drugs on the risk of diabetic nephropathy was greater than that of any one drug alone.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that diabetic retinopathy patients have a higher risk of developing diabetic nephropathy than the general type 2 diabetes population. Additionally, the use of oral hypoglycemic agents can also increase the risk of diabetic nephropathy.

Cardiovascular benefits from SGLT2 inhibition in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients is not impaired with phosphate flux related to pharmacotherapy

The beneficial cardiorenal outcomes of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been substantiated by multiple clinical trials, resulting in increased interest in the multifarious pathways by which their mechanisms act. The principal effect of SGLT2i (-flozin drugs) can be appreciated in their ability to block the SGLT2 protein within the kidneys, inhibiting glucose reabsorption, and causing an associated osmotic diuresis. This ameliorates plasma glucose elevations and the negative cardiorenal sequelae associated with the latter. These include aberrant mitochondrial metabolism and oxidative stress burden, endothelial cell dysfunction, pernicious neurohormonal activation, and the development of inimical hemodynamics. Positive outcomes within these domains have been validated with SGLT2i administration. However, by modulating the sodium-glucose cotransporter in the proximal tubule (PT), SGLT2i consequently promotes sodium-phosphate cotransporter activity with phosphate retention. Phosphatemia, even at physiologic levels, poses a risk in cardiovascular disease burden, more so in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). There also exists an association between phosphatemia and renal impairment, the latter hampering cardiovascular function through an array of physiologic roles, such as fluid regulation, hormonal tone, and neuromodulation. Moreover, increased phosphate flux is associated with an associated increase in fibroblast growth factor 23 levels, also detrimental to homeostatic cardiometabolic function. A contemporary commentary concerning this notion unifying cardiovascular outcome trial data with the translational biology of phosphate is scant within the literature. Given the apparent beneficial outcomes associated with SGLT2i administration notwithstanding negative effects of phosphatemia, we discuss in this review the effects of phosphate on the cardiometabolic status in patients with T2DM and cardiorenal disease, as well as the mechanisms by which SGLT2i counteract or overcome them to achieve their net effects. Content drawn to develop this conversation begins with proceedings in the basic sciences and works towards clinical trial data.

Effect of Dapagliflozin on the Functioning of Rat Liver Mitochondria In Vitro

We studied the effect of a new hypoglycemic compound dapagliflozin on the functioning of rat liver mitochondria. Dapagliflozin in concentrations of 10-20 μM had no effect on the parameters of respiration and oxidative phosphorylation of rat liver mitochondria. Increasing dapagliflozin concentration to 50 μM led to a significant inhibition of mitochondrial respiration in states 3 and 3U_DNP. Dapagliflozin in this concentration significantly reduced calcium retention capacity of rat liver mitochondria. These findings indicate a decline in the resistance of rat liver mitochondria to induction of Ca²⁺-dependent mitochondrial permeability transition pore. In a concentration of 10 μM, dapagliflozin significantly decreases the rate of H₂O₂ formation in rat liver mitochondria, which attested to an antioxidant effect of this compound. Possible mitochondrion-related mechanisms of the protective action of dapagliflozin on liver cells are discussed.

Advances in GLP-1 treatment: focus on oral semaglutide

BACKGROUND

There is currently a large arsenal of antidiabetic drugs available to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, this is a serious chronic disease that affects millions of adults worldwide and is responsible for severe complications, comorbidities, and low quality of life when uncontrolled due mainly to delays in initiating treatment or inadequate therapy. This review article aims to clarify the therapeutic role of the oral formulation of the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) semaglutide in treating typical T2D patients. The discussion focused on metabolic, glycemic, and weight alteration effects and the safety of the therapy with this drug.

MAIN TEXT

Therapy with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) promotes strategic changes in the pathophysiological pathway of T2D and improves the secretion of glucagon and insulin, which results in a reduction in blood glucose levels and the promotion of weight loss. Until recently, the only route for semaglutide administration was parenteral. However, an oral formulation of GLP-1 RA was recently developed and approved by the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) based on the Peptide Innovation for Early Diabetes Treatment (PIONEER) program results. A sequence of 10 clinical studies compared oral semaglutide with placebo or active standard-of-care medications (empagliflozin 25 mg, sitagliptin 100 mg, or liraglutide 1.8 mg) in different T2D populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral semaglutide effectively reduces glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and body weight in a broad spectrum of patients with T2D and shows cardiovascular safety. Oral semaglutide broadens therapy options and facilitates the adoption of earlier GLP-1 RA treatment once T2D patients present low rates of treatment discontinuation. The main adverse events reported were related to the gastrointestinal tract, common to GLP-1 RA class drugs.

Prescribing sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors for type 2 diabetes in primary care: influence of renal function and heart failure diagnosis

Background

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) are licenced for initiation for glucose lowering in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m²). However, recent trial data have shown that these medications have renal and cardio-protective effects, even for impaired kidney function. The extent to which trial evidence and updated guidelines have influenced real-world prescribing of SGLT-2is is not known, particularly with co-administration of diuretics.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of people with T2DM registered with practices in the Oxford-Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Research and Surveillance Centre (RSC) database on the 31st July 2019. We calculated the percentage of people prescribed SGLT-2is according to eGFR categories (< 45, 45–59, and ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m²), with a heart failure diagnosis and stratified by body mass index categories (underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese), and with concomitant prescription of a diuretic. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed to determine whether heart failure diagnosis and renal function were associated with SGLT-2i prescribing.

Results

From a population of 242,624 people with T2DM across 419 practices, 11.0% (n = 26,700) had been prescribed SGLT-2is. The majority of people initiated SGLT-2is had an eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m² (93.2%), and 4.3% had a heart failure diagnosis. 9,226 (3.8%) people were prescribed SGLT-2is as an add-on to their diuretic prescription. People in the highest eGFR category (≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m²) were more likely to be prescribed SGLT-2is than those in eGFR lower categories. Overweight (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.841–2.274) and obese people (OR 3.84, 95% CI 3.472–4.250) were also more likely to be prescribed these medications, whilst use of diuretics (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.682–0.804) and heart failure (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.653–0.998) were associated with lower odds of being prescribed SGLT-2is.

Conclusions

Prescribing patterns of SGLT-2is for glucose lowering in T2DM in primary care generally concur with licenced indications according to recommended renal thresholds. A small percentage of people with heart failure were prescribed SGLT-2is for T2DM. An updated analysis is merited should UK National Institute for Health Care and Excellence prescribing guidelines for T2DM be revised to incorporate new data on the benefits for those with reduced renal function or with heart failure.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-021-01316-4.

Effects of Renal Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics of the Dual GIP and GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Tirzepatide

Background and Aims

The pharmacokinetics (PK) and single-dose tolerability of tirzepatide, a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist being developed for once-weekly treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D), weight management, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, was evaluated in subjects with renal impairment versus healthy subjects with normal renal function.

Methods

Forty-five subjects, categorized by baseline renal status, i.e. mild (n = 8, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] 60–89 mL/min/1.73m²), moderate (n = 8, eGFR 30–59 mL/min/1.73m²), severe renal impairment (n = 7, eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m²), end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis (n = 8), and normal renal function (n = 14, eGFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73m²), received a single subcutaneous dose of tirzepatide 5 mg. Tirzepatide plasma concentrations up to 648 h postdose were measured to compute PK parameters. The primary analysis evaluated the ratios of area under the plasma concentration–time curves (AUCs) and maximum plasma drug concentration (C_max) of renal impairment versus the normal renal function group (90% confidence interval [CI]). In addition, the relationship between PK parameters and continuous variables of renal function was assessed by linear regression.

Results

Tirzepatide exposure was similar across renal impairment groups and healthy subjects. The 90% CI of ratios of AUCs and C_max comparing each renal impairment group versus normal renal function spanned unity, except for a 25–29% increase in AUCs in the moderate renal impairment group. There was no significant relationship between tirzepatide exposure and eGFR. Few adverse events were reported across the renal impairment and normal renal function groups. The majority were mild in severity and of a gastrointestinal nature in the renal impairment groups.

Conclusion

There were no clinically relevant effects of renal impairment on tirzepatide PK. Dose adjustment may not be required for patients with renal impairment.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03482024.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40262-021-01012-2.

Delphi-Based Consensus on Treatment Intensification in Type 2 Diabetes Subjects Failing Basal Insulin Supported Oral Treatment: Focus on Basal Insulin + GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Combination Therapies

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to elaborate a consensus on treatment intensification strategies in patients with type 2 diabetes failing basal insulin supported oral therapy (BOT). The panel focused on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and basal insulin (BI) combinations.

METHODS

The authors developed a Delphi questionnaire organized into ten statements and 77 items that focused on: the definition of BOT and BOT failure, intensification strategies, fixed-dose combinations in general and the BI/GLP-1RA fixed combination. The survey was administered in two rounds to a panel of 80 Italian diabetes specialists, who rated their level of agreement with each item on a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was predefined as > 66% of the panel agreeing/disagreeing on any given item.

RESULTS

Consensus was achieved for 71 of the 77 items. The panel agreed that the use of sulfonylureas in the BOT regimen is inappropriate. BOT failure was defined as individualized targets not being met for glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose and/or postprandial plasma glucose. There was agreement that postprandial hyperglycaemia and/or presence of nocturnal hypoglycaemia or weight gain define BOT failure. Addition of a GLP-1RA to BI therapy was considered to be the best option for BOT intensification. There was consensus for the use of BI/GLP-1RA fixed combinations as valuable options to increase compliance and safely improve glycaemic control. The panel agreed in considering the fixed-ratio combination insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) to be preferable to the fixed-ratio combination insulin glargine/lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) in the control of glycaemia, body weight and cardiovascular risk.

CONCLUSION

According to this Delphi consensus, the addition of a GLP-1RA may be the best option to intensify BOT. The BI/GLP-1RA fixed combinations may increase compliance and optimize the advantages of each of these molecules.

Overview of Atypical Diabetes

Although type 1 diabetes mellitus and, to a lesser extent, type 2 diabetes mellitus, are the prevailing forms of diabetes in youth, atypical forms of diabetes are not uncommon and may require etiology-specific therapies. By some estimates, up to 6.5% of children with diabetes have monogenic forms. Mitochondrial diabetes and cystic fibrosis related diabetes are less common but often noted in the underlying disease. Atypical diabetes should be considered in patients with a known disorder associated with diabetes, aged less than 25 years with nonautoimmune diabetes and without typical characteristics of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and/or with comorbidities associated with atypical diabetes.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors: extending the indication to non-diabetic kidney disease?

This year the medical community was pleasantly surprised by the results of the first large outcome trial that primarily examined the renal effects of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor canagliflozin (CANA) in subjects with diabetes and impaired kidney function. The Evaluation of the Effects of Canagliflozin on Renal and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Participants With Diabetic Nephropathy (CREDENCE) trial showed that CANA, relative to placebo, reduces the risk for end-stage renal disease, doubling of creatinine or renal death by 34% [hazard ratio 0.66 (95% confidence interval 0.53–0.81]. These effects were consistent across baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and haemoglobin A1c subgroups. In this review we combine the results of the CREDENCE trial with those of several cardiovascular outcome trials with SGLT2 inhibitors and show that, unexpectedly, patients with lower eGFR levels may have greater benefit with respect to cardiovascular outcome than patients with normal kidney function. The cardio- and renoprotective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors seem to be independent of their glucose-lowering effects, as shown in several post hoc analyses. In this review we discuss the alleged mechanisms of action that explain the beneficial effects of this novel class of drugs. Moreover, we discuss whether these findings indicate that this class of drugs may also be beneficial in non-diabetic chronic kidney diseases.

A Review on Semaglutide: An Oral Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonist in Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are a well-established class of glucose-lowering drugs. GLP-1 RAs can be classified according to their structure, duration of action and mode of administration. This review describes the basic and clinical pharmacology of orally administered semaglutide. It highlights the PIONEER clinical trial programme results, and reviews the efficacy, safety and tolerability.

Safety and Efficacy of Exenatide Once Weekly in Participants with Type 2 Diabetes and Stage 2/3 Chronic Kidney Disease

INTRODUCTION

The safety and efficacy of exenatide once weekly (EQW) is overall well established. EQW is primarily renally eliminated. In this study, the efficacy and renal and gastrointestinal tolerability of EQW were summarised in participants with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease stage 3 (CKD3; moderate renal impairment; estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] ≥ 30 to < 60 mL/min/1.73 m²) or CKD stage 2 (CKD2; mild renal impairment; eGFR ≥ 60 to < 90 mL/min/1.73 m²).

METHODS

Data on participants with type 2 diabetes and baseline CKD3 or CKD2 from eight phase 3, double-blind or open-label studies with 26- or 28-week controlled treatment periods were pooled. Participants received EQW or a placebo/non-glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist comparator (sitagliptin, metformin, pioglitazone, dapagliflozin and insulin).

RESULTS

Participants with baseline CKD3 (N = 182) or CKD2 (N = 772) receiving EQW differed in a number of baseline characteristics, such as age < 65 years, race, mean body mass index and mean type 2 diabetes duration, whereas mean blood pressure and glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c) were similar. Mean reductions in HbA_1c, body weight and systolic blood pressure from baseline to week 26/28 in participants receiving EQW were similar between the CKD subgroups. The proportions of participants (CKD3 and CKD2) with any adverse event (AE) were 81% and 72%, respectively, for EQW and 74% and 68%, respectively, for all comparators; those for serious AEs were 2.7% and 3.4%, respectively, for EQW and 6% and 5%, respectively, for all comparators. Gastrointestinal AE rates were higher in the EQW CKD3 subgroup (42.2% of participants) than in the CKD2 (32.8%) subgroup, although rates for nausea and vomiting were similar. There were no dehydration events; one participant in each treatment group had a serious AE of acute kidney injury (EQW with CKD3, n = 1; pioglitazone with CKD2, n = 1).

CONCLUSION

Exenatide once weekly was well tolerated and demonstrated similar efficacy in participants with type 2 diabetes with mild and moderate renal impairment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT00637273, NCT00676338, NCT02229383, NCT02229396, NCT00641056, NCT01652729, NCT00935532, NCT01003184.

Cardiovascular and kidney outcomes of linagliptin treatment in older people with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease and/or kidney disease: A prespecified subgroup analysis of the randomized, placebo-controlled CARMELINA® trial

AIMS

In CARMELINA®, linagliptin demonstrated cardiovascular and renal safety in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with high renal and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. We investigated safety and efficacy of this dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor in older participants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subjects aged ≥18 years with T2D and established CVD with urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) >30 mg/g, and/or prevalent kidney disease, were randomized to linagliptin or placebo added to usual care. The primary endpoint (time to first occurrence of 3P-MACE: cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke) and other outcomes were evaluated across age groups <65 (n = 2968), 65 to <75 (n = 2800) and ≥75 years (n = 1211).

RESULTS

Mean age was 65.9 years (17.4% and 5.9% aged ≥75 and 80, respectively) and median follow-up was 2.2 years. The hazard ratio (HR) for 3P-MACE with linagliptin versus placebo was 1.02 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89, 1.17] with no significant interaction between age and treatment effect (P = 0.0937). HRs for participants aged <65, 65 to <75 and ≥75 years were 1.11 (95% CI 0.89, 1.40), 1.09 (0.89, 1.33) and 0.76 (0.57, 1.02), respectively. Linagliptin did not increase the risk of adverse kidney outcomes or hospitalization for heart failure across age groups. The incidence of adverse events, including hypoglycaemia, increased with age but was similar with linagliptin and placebo despite glycated haemoglobin A1c reduction with linagliptin.

CONCLUSIONS

Linagliptin did not increase risk for cardiovascular events or hypoglycaemia and kidney function remained stable in older people with T2D and established CVD with albuminuria and/or kidney disease.

Safety of Liraglutide in Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist liraglutide demonstrated cardiovascular and kidney benefits in the LEADER trial, particularly in participants with CKD.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

This post hoc analysis evaluated the safety of liraglutide treatment in patients with CKD in LEADER. Overall, 9340 patients were randomized to liraglutide or placebo, both in addition to standard of care. Of those, 2158 patients had CKD versus 7182 without CKD (defined as eGFR <60 versus ≥60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, respectively); 966 patients had macroalbuminuria and 2456 had microalbuminuria (urine albumin-creatinine ratio >300 mg/g and ≥30 to ≤300 mg/g, respectively). At baseline, the mean eGFR in patients with CKD was 46±11 ml/min per 1.73 m2 versus 91±22 ml/min per 1.73 m2 in those without CKD. Time to first event within event groups was analyzed using Cox regression with treatment group, baseline eGFR group, or baseline albuminuria group as fixed factors.

RESULTS

Overall, serious adverse events were more frequently recorded in patients with CKD compared with those without CKD (59% versus 50%; interaction P=0.11); however, they occurred to the same extent in those on liraglutide versus placebo. Similarly, no interaction of adverse events with randomized therapy was observed in patients with micro- or macro- versus normoalbuminuria (interaction P=0.11). Risk of severe hypoglycemia was significantly reduced with liraglutide versus placebo in patients with CKD or with micro- or macroalbuminuria (hazard ratio, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.43 to 0.91] and 0.57 [95% CI, 0.40 to 0.82], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In LEADER, the use of liraglutide in those with CKD was safe, with no difference between patients with and without CKD.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT01179048 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01179048).

Polyethylene glycol loxenatide (PEX168) in subjects with renal impairment: A pharmacokinetic study

Aims

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is commonly complicated by renal impairment. Polyethylene glycol loxenatide (PEX168) is a novel long‐acting glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist for T2DM. PEX168 pharmacokinetics was studied to identify requirements for dose‐modification in T2DM complicated by renal impairment.

Methods

This was a single‐centre, open‐labelled, parallel‐group, single‐dose, phase I clinical trial of patients with mild and moderate renal impairment, and with or without T2DM. Age‐, sex‐ and body mass index‐matched subjects with normal renal function, and with or without T2DM were recruited as controls. Subjects received a single abdominal subcutaneous injection of PEX168 200 μg. Pharmacokinetic samples were taken at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, 216, 312, 480, 648 and 720 hours.

Results

Twenty‐three patients were included in the pharmacokinetics analysis. Vz/F and CL/F were lower in the moderate impairment group than in the other groups. The mean t_1/2 (163 hours) in the moderate impairment group was prolonged compared to the mild impairment (117 hours) and normal (121 hours) groups. AUC_0–inf increased by 13 and 100.7% in patients with mild and moderate renal impairment, respectively. Most adverse events were mild gastrointestinal disorders, with only 1 serious adverse event observed.

Conclusion

A single dose of 200 μg of PEX168 was in general well tolerated in patients with renal impairment. The in vivo clearance rate of PEX168 in patients with moderate renal impairment is slower than in patients with mild renal impairment and normal renal function and dose adjustment might be required (http://ClinicalTrials.org #NCT02467790).

Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Normal Renal Function, Renal Dysfunction and Renal Transplant Recipients, Focusing on Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonist: A Review Based upon Current Evidence

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a leading cause of both Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD). After 2008, there has been much evidence presented, and recently the guidelines for sugar control have changed to focus on being more disease orientated. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1R) and sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are suggested as the first line towards fighting all DM, CVD and ESRD. However, the benefits of GLP-1R in organ transplantation recipients remain very limited. No clinical trials have been designed for this particular population. GLP-1R, a gastrointestinal hormone of the incretin family, possesses antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and immunomodulatory actions. There are few drug–drug interactions, with delayed gastric emptying being the major concern. The trough level of tacrolimus may not be significant but should still be closely monitored. There are some reasons which support GLP-1R in recipients seeking glycemic control. Post-transplant DM is due to an impaired β-cell function and glucose-induced glucagon suppression during hyperglycemia, which can be reversed by GLP-1R. GLP-1R infusion tends to relieve immunosuppressant related toxicity. Until now, in some cases, glycemic control and body weight reduction can be anticipated with GLP-1R. Additional renal benefits have also been reported. Side effects of hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal discomfort were rarely reported. In conclusion, GLP-1R could be implemented for recipients while closely monitoring their tacrolimus levels and any potential side effects. Any added benefits, in addition to sugar level control, still require more well-designed studies to prove their existence.

Canagliflozin Inhibits Human Endothelial Cell Proliferation and Tube Formation

Recent clinical trials revealed that sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors significantly reduce cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetic patients, however, canagliflozin increased limb amputations, an effect not seen with other SGLT2 inhibitors. Since endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction promotes diabetes-associated vascular disease and limb ischemia, we hypothesized that canagliflozin, but not other SGLT2 inhibitors, impairs EC proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. Treatment of human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) with clinically relevant concentrations of canagliflozin, but not empagliflozin or dapagliflozin, inhibited cell proliferation. In particular, 10 μM canagliflozin reduced EC proliferation by approximately 45%. The inhibition of EC growth by canagliflozin occurred in the absence of cell death and was associated with diminished DNA synthesis, cell cycle arrest, and a striking decrease in cyclin A expression. Restoration of cyclin A expression via adenoviral-mediated gene transfer partially rescued the proliferative response of HUVECs treated with canagliflozin. A high concentration of canagliflozin (50 μM) modestly inhibited HUVEC migration by 20%, but markedly attenuated their tube formation by 65% and EC sprouting from mouse aortas by 80%. A moderate 20% reduction in HUVEC migration was also observed with a high concentration of empagliflozin (50 μM), while neither empagliflozin nor dapagliflozin affected tube formation by HUVECs. The present study identified canagliflozin as a robust inhibitor of human EC proliferation and tube formation. The anti-proliferative action of canagliflozin occurs in the absence of cell death and is due, in part, to the blockade of cyclin A expression. Notably, these actions are not seen with empagliflozin or dapagliflozin. The ability of canagliflozin to exert these pleiotropic effects on ECs may contribute to the clinical actions of this drug.

Renoprotective Effects of Additional SGLT2 inhibitor Therapy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3b-4: A Real World Report From A Japanese Specialized Diabetes Care Center

Background

Large randomized clinical trials of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and at high risk for cardiovascular disease revealed that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors significantly reduced renal events. However, the trials included small numbers of patients with moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, the renoprotective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors remain unknown in T2DM patients complicated with impaired renal function. We examined if SGLT2 inhibitors conferred beneficial effects on kidney function in T2DM patients with CKD.

Methods

We retrospectively recruited T2DM patients who were newly treated with add-on of SGLT2 inhibitors and suffered from moderate-to-severe renal impairment with CKD stages 3b-4 (15 < estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 45 mL/min/1.73 m²), at initiation of SGLT2 inhibitor therapy. We analyzed T2DM patients with moderate-to-severe renal impairment who continued to use SGLT2 inhibitors for at least 1 year. We investigated the effects of SGLT2 inhibitor therapy on 1-year changes in eGFR and urinary protein excretion before and after the treatment.

Results

We analyzed 42 T2DM patients with median eGFR of 40.4 mL/min/1.73 m². One-year SGLT2 inhibitor therapy lowered median hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels from 7.6% to 7.5% (not significant). Body weight and blood pressure were significantly decreased, and hemoglobin was significantly increased. The median value of eGFR after 1 year of SGLT2 inhibitor therapy was 41.0 mL/min/1.73 m², with no significant difference compared with baseline. The annual decline in eGFR improved significantly after SGLT2 inhibitor therapy (eGFR: (median), pre: -3.8, vs. post: 0.1 mL/min/1.73 m² per year, P < 0.01). We also found a significant decrease in urinary protein excretion after SGLT2 inhibitor therapy (urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio: (median), pre: 0.36, vs. post: 0.23 g/g creatinine, n = 35, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

This study revealed the promising observations that add-on treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors exerted significant renoprotective effects, culminating in improvements in annual decline in eGFR and urinary protein excretion in T2DM patients with CKD stages 3b-4, but did not significantly reduce HbA1c. Further prospective clinical trials are warranted to fully elucidate the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on glycemic control and renal function in T2DM patients with moderate-to-severe renal impairment.

Pharmacokinetics, Safety and Tolerability of Oral Semaglutide in Subjects with Renal Impairment

BACKGROUND

Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue, has been co-formulated with the absorption enhancer sodium N-(8-[2-hydroxybenzoyl] amino) caprylate (SNAC) as a tablet for oral administration. This trial (NCT02014259) investigated the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of oral semaglutide in subjects with and without renal impairment.

METHODS

Subjects were categorised as having normal renal function (n = 24), mild (n = 12), moderate (n = 12) or severe (n = 12) renal impairment, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring haemodialysis (n = 11) and received once-daily oral semaglutide (5 mg for 5 days followed by 10 mg for 5 days) in the fasting state, followed by 30 min fasting after dosing. Semaglutide plasma concentrations were measured during dosing and for up to 21 days after the last dose.

RESULTS

Semaglutide exposure (area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to 24 h after the tenth dose and maximum concentration after the tenth dose) did not vary in a consistent pattern across the renal function groups. Similarly, there was no apparent effect of renal impairment on the semaglutide half-life (geometric mean range 152-165 h). Except for one subject in the ESRD group, semaglutide was not detected in urine. Haemodialysis did not affect the pharmacokinetics of semaglutide. Adverse events were in line with those observed for other GLP-1 receptor agonists and no safety concerns were identified.

CONCLUSION

There was no apparent effect of renal impairment or haemodialysis on the pharmacokinetics of oral semaglutide. Based on this trial, renal impairment should not affect dose recommendations for oral semaglutide.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT00833716.

Canagliflozin mediated dual inhibition of mitochondrial glutamate dehydrogenase and complex I: an off-target adverse effect

Recent FDA Drug Safety Communications report an increased risk for acute kidney injury in patients treated with the gliflozin class of sodium/glucose co-transport inhibitors indicated for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. To identify a potential rationale for the latter, we used an in vitro human renal proximal tubule epithelial cell model system (RPTEC/TERT1), physiologically representing human renal proximal tubule function. A targeted metabolomics approach, contrasting gliflozins to inhibitors of central carbon metabolism and mitochondrial function, revealed a double mode of action for canagliflozin, but not for its analogs dapagliflozin and empagliflozin. Canagliflozin inhibited the glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complex I at clinically relevant concentrations. This dual inhibition specifically prevented replenishment of tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites by glutamine (anaplerosis) and thus altered amino acid pools by increasing compensatory transamination reactions. Consequently, canagliflozin caused a characteristic intracellular accumulation of glutamine, glutamate and alanine in confluent, quiescent RPTEC/TERT1. Canagliflozin, but none of the classical ETC inhibitors, induced cytotoxicity at particularly low concentrations in proliferating RPTEC/TERT1, serving as model for proximal tubule regeneration in situ. This finding is testimony of the strong dependence of proliferating cells on glutamine anaplerosis via GDH. Our discovery of canagliflozin-mediated simultaneous inhibition of GDH and ETC complex I in renal cells at clinically relevant concentrations, and their particular susceptibility to necrotic cell death during proliferation, provides a mechanistic rationale for the adverse effects observed especially in patients with preexisting chronic kidney disease or previous kidney injury characterized by sustained regenerative tubular epithelial cell proliferation.

Clinical Practice Recommendations for the Management of Obesity in the United Arab Emirates

With rapid urbanisation and improved living conditions as a result of rising incomes in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, obesity has become a major and growing health problem for the region. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a resident population of 9.3 million (in 2016), many of whom (85.5%) lived in urban areas and led sedentary lifestyles. Based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates for 2010, 25% of Emirati men and 40% of the women were obese. Obesity rates in this country has doubled from 16 to 34% compared to the year 2000, and severe obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m2) has risen dramatically from 2 to 11%. While a number of international guidelines for the management of obesity are already available in public domain, local guidelines for the UAE and the region, which are structured and individualized for the management of obesity, are sorely needed to help the family physician to provide affordable treatment for the patient at the point-of-care and to reduce the burden on the local healthcare system. A multi-disciplinary panel of international and regional experts who treat patients with overweight and obesity was convened with the aim of developing consensus recommendations for the UAE. The objective is to have a simple and easy-to-refer set of recommendations for busy clinicians as there were already many comprehensive international guidelines available. The panel reviewed and streamlined these recommendations in its entirety for relevance, coherence and usability in the local context. These recommendations for overweight and obesity management were circulated and endorsed by the local practising family medicine community, namely, the Emirates Medical Association and Family Medicine Society. We believe these recommendations would also be of interest to clinicians in other GCC countries. A summary and algorithm of these recommendations are provided.

The Use of Saxagliptin in People with Type 2 Diabetes in France: The Diapazon Epidemiological Study

INTRODUCTION

Saxagliptin is a potent, reversible inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 that is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The DIAPAZON study was a multicenter observational study intended to document the effectiveness, safety and patterns of saxagliptin use in France, including the saxagliptin retention rate, over 2 years of follow-up.

METHODS

A geographically representative sample of 304 French physicians (general practitioners and specialist endocrinologists or diabetologists) recruited 1131 adults with type 2 diabetes into an ambispective cohort; 1033 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All had started saxagliptin during the previous 6 months or at study inclusion, and follow-up was for 24 ± 3 months after starting saxagliptin.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study population when starting saxagliptin was 61 years, and the mean HbA1c level was 8.0%; 79% had an HbA1c level ≥7%. Prior to starting saxagliptin treatment, most participants (91%) were receiving treatment with oral glucose-lowering drugs alone. The most commonly prescribed regimen at starting saxagliptin (53% of participants) was a combination of saxagliptin and metformin. The overall saxagliptin retention rate at 2 years was 79%, as estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The most common reasons for discontinuation were inadequate glycemic control (52%) and intolerance (22%). During the course of the study, the mean HbA1c level decreased to 7.0%, and the percentage of people with HbA1c <7% increased from 21% to 49%. The mean change in body weight was -1.8 kg. A total of 294 hypoglycemic episodes were reported in 70 participants (6.8%) during the follow-up period. Of these, 143 episodes in 41 participants (4.0%) occurred when saxagliptin was used in combination with agents associated with hypoglycemia, such as insulin, sulfonylureas or glinides.

CONCLUSION

Saxagliptin is efficacious and well tolerated in a real-world practice setting, with almost 80% of participants remaining on treatment after 2 years.

FUNDING

AstraZeneca, France.

Heart Failure and Chronic Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetes

Complex hemodynamic, neurohormonal and biochemical changes occur in heart failure and chronic kidney disease, and hyperglycemia/diabetes further accentuate the multifactorial pathogenetic mechanisms. The acknowledgement of concomitant heart and kidney dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes has major clinical implications with regards to prognosis, as they significantly increase the risk of mortality, and to therapeutical strategy of both conditions, as well as of hyperglycemia. A comprehensive interdisciplinary approach is needed in these cases in order to improve the outcomes.

Cardio-renal protection with empagliflozin

Cardiovascular (CV) and kidney disease are common and significant complications in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). CV disease is the leading cause of death, morbidly and hospitalisations for people with T2DM. Furthermore, diabetic kidney disease is a major risk factor for CV disease and is the main reason why patients need renal replacement therapy. In this perspective, we highlight the results of the recent landmark EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial which has shown that empagliflozin, a member of the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor class of glucose lowering medications, reduces death from CV causes, hospitalisation for heart failure and progression to end stage kidney disease in patients with T2DM and established CV disease. The SGLT2 receptor mediates high-capacity glucose uptake in the early proximal tubule, and SGLT2 inhibitors, via their ability to promote glycosuria, have been developed as glucose lowering medications. As well as having a glucose lowering effect, SGLT-2 inhibitors also reduce blood pressure, promote weight loss and reduce uric acid levels. Potential side-effects or concerns related to the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors include increased rates of urinary tract infections, genital tract infections, postural hypotension, diabetic ketoacidosis, acute kidney injury and possible increased rates of fractures. The exact mechanisms that result in empagliflozin's dramatic CV and renal protective effects, with a very favourable safety/tolerability profile, in the EMPA-REG study remain to be fully defined. However, they are most likely distinct from the glucose lowering effects of empagliflozin. CV safety trials involving dapagliflozin and canagliflozin, members of the SGLT-2 class, are under way and the results from these studies will help to answer the question as to whether the cardio-renal benefits of empagliflozin are a class-effect or not. Without doubt, trials to investigate whether SGLT-2 inhibitors have cardio-renal protective effects in patients without diabetes will start soon.