Pioglitazone Therapy and Fractures: Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis

Pharmacological Approaches to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Current and Future Therapies

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its more severe form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), can promote the development of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Similarly, type 2 diabetes confers the greatest risk for the development of NASH, especially when associated with obesity. Although lifestyle changes are critical to success, early implementation of pharmacological treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes are essential to treat NASH and avoid disease progression. This article reviews current guidance regarding the use of pharmacological agents such as pioglitazone, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in the setting of NAFLD and NASH. It also reviews the latest information on new drugs currently being investigated for the treatment of NASH.

Osteosarcopenia in NAFLD/MAFLD: An Underappreciated Clinical Problem in Chronic Liver Disease

Chronic liver disease (CLD), including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its advanced form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), affects a significant portion of the population worldwide. NAFLD is characterised by fat accumulation in the liver, while NASH is associated with inflammation and liver damage. Osteosarcopenia, which combines muscle and bone mass loss, is an emerging clinical problem in chronic liver disease that is often underappreciated. The reductions in muscle and bone mass share several common pathophysiological pathways; insulin resistance and chronic systemic inflammation are the most crucial predisposing factors and are related to the presence and gravity of NAFLD and to the worsening of the outcome of liver disease. This article explores the relationship between osteosarcopenia and NAFLD/MAFLD, focusing on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of this condition in patients with CLD.

Will lobeglitazone rival pioglitazone? A systematic review and critical appraisal

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Lobeglitazone (LGZ), a newly researched thiazolidinedione (TZD) thought to have lesser side effects compared with pioglitazone (PGZ), has been recently approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in India. We aim to conduct an updated systematic review of LGZ to critically appraise its efficacy and safety in the context of PGZ.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was carried out in the electronic database of PubMed until Jan 15, 2023, using specific keywords and MeSH terms. All studies which evaluated LGZ in people with T2D were retrieved and data were synthesized with regard to its efficacy and safety. A comparative critical appraisal was additionally made in the context of PGZ in T2D.

RESULTS

Four randomized controlled, one prospective observational, and two real-world studies have evaluated the safety and efficacy of LGZ against placebo or active comparators either as monotherapy or in combination therapy. HbA1c reduction with LGZ 0.5 mg was superior to the placebo but similar to PGZ 15 mg and sitagliptin (SITA) 100 mg. Weight gain with LGZ was significantly higher compared to placebo and SITA but similar to PGZ. Edema was more frequently observed with LGZ compared to placebo, PGZ, and SITA.

CONCLUSION

No substantial evidence is yet available that suggests LGZ could be a better alternative to PGZ both in the context of glycemic or extra-glycemic effects. At least in the short-term, adverse events of LGZ are indifferent from PGZ. More data is additionally needed to claim any advantage of LGZ over PGZ.

High fat diet exacerbates long-term metabolic, neuropathological, and behavioral derangements in an experimental mouse model of traumatic brain injury

AIMS

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) constitutes a serious public health concern. Although TBI targets the brain, it can exert several systemic effects which can worsen the complications observed in TBI subjects. Currently, there is no FDA-approved therapy available for its treatment. Thus, there has been an increasing need to understand other factors that could modulate TBI outcomes. Among the factors involved are diet and lifestyle. High-fat diets (HFD), rich in saturated fat, have been associated with adverse effects on brain health.

MAIN METHODS

To study this phenomenon, an experimental mouse model of open head injury, induced by the controlled cortical impact was used along with high-fat feeding to evaluate the impact of HFD on brain injury outcomes. Mice were fed HFD for a period of two months where several neurological, behavioral, and molecular outcomes were assessed to investigate the impact on chronic consequences of the injury 30 days post-TBI.

KEY FINDINGS

Two months of HFD feeding, together with TBI, led to a notable metabolic, neurological, and behavioral impairment. HFD was associated with increased blood glucose and fat-to-lean ratio. Spatial learning and memory, as well as motor coordination, were all significantly impaired. Notably, HFD aggravated neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration. Also, cell proliferation post-TBI was repressed by HFD, which was accompanied by an increased lesion volume.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our research indicated that chronic HFD feeding can worsen functional outcomes, predispose to neurodegeneration, and decrease brain recovery post-TBI. This sheds light on the clinical impact of HFD on TBI pathophysiology and rehabilitation as well.

Macromolecular Dexamethasone Prodrug Ameliorates Neuroinflammation and Prevents Bone Loss Associated with Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability among children and young adults in the United States. In this manuscript, we assessed the utility of an N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer-based dexamethasone (Dex) prodrug (P-Dex) in the treatment of TBI. Using a controlled cortical impact TBI mouse model, P-Dex was found to passively target and sustain at the traumatic/inflammatory brain tissue for over 14 days after systemic administration. The histological evidence supports P-Dex's therapeutic potential in ameliorating neuroinflammation and mitigating neurodegeneration. Behaviorally, the P-Dex-treated animals showed statistically significant improvement in balance recovery. A trend of neurological severity score improvement at the early time point post-TBI was also noted but did not achieve statistical significance. While probing the potential glucocorticoid side effects that may associate with P-Dex treatment, we discovered that the TBI mice develop osteopenia. Interestingly, the P-Dex-treated TBI mice demonstrated higher bone mineral density and better bone microarchitecture parameters when compared to free Dex and the saline control, revealing the osteoprotective effect of P-Dex in addition to its neuronal protection benefits post-TBI.

Risk of fracture caused by anti-diabetic drugs in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A network meta-analysis

AIMS

Diabetes is associated with increased risk of fracture. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between anti-diabetic agents and fracture risk in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Literature research was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Search-term included "type 2 diabetes," "fracture," "randomized controlled trial," and seven kinds of anti-diabetic agents. Random-effect models established fractures in the follow-up period as the primary outcome. A network meta-analysis was performed to compare available treatments within a single Bayesian analytical framework.

RESULTS

A total of 191,361 patients were included in 161 studies, with 2916 fractures. DPP-4i (risk ratio [RR] 1.76 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.21-2.55]), SGLT-2i (RR 1.5 [95 % CI 1.05-2.16]) and placebo (RR 1.44 [95 % CI 1.04-1.98]) increased fracture risk when compared to GLP1-RA. GLP1-RA (RR 0.5 [95 % CI 0.31-0.79]) and SU (RR 0.56 [95 % CI 0.41-0.77]) provided greater protection against fracture than TZD. DPP-4i increased fracture risk when compared to SU (RR 1.55 [95 % CI 1.08-2.22]), and was comparable in effect to TZD.

CONCLUSIONS

GLP1-RA offered better protection against fracture than placebo. Insulin and SU had effects comparable with GLP1-RA. SU offered greater protection against fractures than TZD and DPP-4i. SGLT-2i increased risk of fracture when compared to GLP1-RA.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and osteoporosis: A potential association with therapeutic implications

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and osteoporosis are two highly prevalent metabolic diseases. Increasing experimental evidence supports a pathophysiological link between NAFLD and osteoporosis. A key feature could be chronic, low-grade inflammation, which characterizes NAFLD and possibly affects bone metabolism. In this context, several factors, including but not limited to receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand, osteoprotegerin, osteopontin and osteocalcin, may serve as mediators. In the clinical setting, most but not all epidemiological evidence indicates that NAFLD is associated with lower bone mineral density or osteoporosis in adults. Although an association between NAFLD and osteoporosis has not yet been established, and thus remains speculative, pharmacological considerations already exist. Some of the current and emerging pharmacological options for NAFLD have shown possible anti-osteoporotic properties (eg, vitamin E, obeticholic acid, semaglutide), while others (eg, pioglitazone, canagliflozin) have been associated with increased risk of fractures and may be avoided in patients with NAFLD and concomitant osteoporosis, especially those at high fracture risk. Conversely, some anti-osteoporotic medications (denosumab) might benefit NAFLD, while others (raloxifene) might adversely affect it and, consequently, may be avoided in patients with osteoporosis and NAFLD. If an association between NAFLD and osteoporosis is established, a medication that could target both diseases would be a great advancement. This review summarizes the main experimental and clinical evidence on the potential association between NAFLD and osteoporosis and focuses on treatment considerations derived from this potential association.

Changes in Oral Microbial Diversity in a Piglet Model of Traumatic Brain Injury

Dynamic changes in the oral microbiome have gained attention due to their potential diagnostic role in neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, but no studies have examined the changes in oral microbiome during the acute stage of TBI using a clinically translational pig model. Crossbred piglets (4-5 weeks old, male) underwent either a controlled cortical impact (TBI, n = 6) or sham surgery (sham, n = 6). The oral microbiome parameters were quantified from the upper and lower gingiva, both buccal mucosa, and floor of the mouth pre-surgery and 1, 3, and 7 days post-surgery (PS) using the 16S rRNA gene. Faith's phylogenetic diversity was significantly lower in the TBI piglets at 7 days PS compared to those of sham, and beta diversity at 1, 3, and 7 days PS was significantly different between TBI and sham piglets. However, no significant changes in the taxonomic composition of the oral microbiome were observed following TBI compared to sham. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential diagnostic role of the oral microbiome during the chronic stage of TBI with a larger number of subjects.

Proanthocyanidin from Vitis vinifera attenuates memory impairment due to convulsive status epilepticus

This study investigated the effects of proanthocyanidin-rich fraction (PRF) of Vitis vinifera seed extract on the markers of hippocampal-dependent memory in convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) rat model. One hundred juvenile Wistar rats were randomized into 6 groups. Group 1 (n = 10) received propylene glycol (PG 0.1 ml/100 g) intraperitoneally (i.p), while convulsion was induced in groups 2-6 (n = 18 each) using lithium (127 mg/kg i.p) and pilocarpine hydrochloride (40 mg/kg i.p). The established CSE rats in groups 2-6 received a daily treatment of PG (0.1 ml i.p), PRF (30 mg/kg i.p), PRF (20 mg/kg BW i.p), PRF (10 mg/kg BW i.p) or diazepam (5 mg/kg BW i.p) for seven days. Thereafter, they were kept untreated but with access to feed and water for 21 days. The control and CSE-treated rats were subjected to behavioral tests, while the biochemical and histomorphological evaluations of the hippocampus were done after the sacrifice. The results were presented as mean ± SEM in graphs or tables. The level of significance was considered when p < 0.05. There was significant decrease in the hippocampal-dependent memory, hippocampal weight and an increased malondialdehyde concentration following CSE. The activities of acetylcholinesterase decreased significantly in the PRF-treated CSE rats. The hippocampal glial cells and granule count increased significantly following CSE, with various neurodegenerative features in the CA1 of the hippocampus. These derangements were attenuated significantly following PRF treatment. Memory impairment following CSE may be attenuated with the administration of PRF from V. vinifera seed in rats.

Management of bone fragility in type 2 diabetes: Perspective from an interdisciplinary expert panel

AIM

Bone fragility is increasingly recognized as a relevant complication of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and diabetic patients with fragility fractures have higher mortality rates than non diabetic individuals or diabetic patients without fractures. However, current diagnostic approaches for fracture risk stratification, such as bone mineral density measurement or the use of risk assessment algorithms, largely underestimate fracture risk in T2D patients. A multidisciplinary expert panel was established in order to in order to formulate clinical consensus recommendations on bone health assessment and management of fracture risk in patients with T2D.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The following key questions were addressed: a) which are the risk factors for bone fragility in T2D?, b) which diagnostic procedures can be currently used to stratify fracture risk in T2D patients?, c) which are the effects of antidiabetic treatments on bone?, and d) how to prevent and treat bone fragility in T2D patients? Based on the available data members of this panel suggest that the stratification of fracture risk in patients with diabetes should firstly rely on the presence of a previous fragility fracture and on the individual risk profile, with the inclusion of T2D-specific risk factors (namely T2D duration above 10 yrs, presence of chronic T2D complications, use of insulin or thiazolidinediones and persistent HbA1c levels above 8% for at least 1 year). Two independent diagnostic approaches were then suggested in the presence or the absence of a prevalent fragility fracture, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical trials in T2D patients at risk for fragility fractures are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of available antiresorptive and anabolic agents in this specific setting.

Traumatic Brain Injury: A Perspective on the Silent Epidemic

Background: Epidemiological data regarding the causes, patterns, severity, and outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are essential to plan for preventive strategies addressing this public health epidemic. The main aim of this study is to explore the patterns and causes of traumatic brain injury at two trauma centers.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a pre-tested validated data collection sheet. Data were collected from the medical records and electronic database of patients who presented to the emergency department with head trauma. Variables including the mechanisms, patterns of the injury, accompanying injuries, level of consciousness, and hospitalization duration were investigated for any possible association.

Results: A total of 269 patients (78% males, 22% females) who satisfied our study criteria were included in the final analysis. Motor vehicle collisions were the most common reason for traumatic brain injury (57.6%) followed by falls (28.3%). There was a statistically significant association observed between type of hemorrhage and Glasgow coma scale at initial presentation (P < 0.05). 

Conclusion: The most common cause of traumatic brain injury is motor vehicle collisions, followed by falls. The public should be made aware of the importance of using safety and precautionary measures to minimize the impact of traumatic brain injuries. Educational programs for neurotrauma prevention can be developed and utilized as a blueprint for local hospitals and officials in the country.

Neuropathophysiological Mechanisms and Treatment Strategies for Post-traumatic Epilepsy

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death in young adults and a risk factor for acquired epilepsy. Severe TBI, after a period of time, causes numerous neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative problems with varying comorbidities; and brain homeostasis may never be restored. As a consequence of disrupted equilibrium, neuropathological changes such as circuit remodeling, reorganization of neural networks, changes in structural and functional plasticity, predisposition to synchronized activity, and post-translational modification of synaptic proteins may begin to dominate the brain. These pathological changes, over the course of time, contribute to conditions like Alzheimer disease, dementia, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE). PTE is one of the most common, devastating complications of TBI; and of those affected by a severe TBI, more than 50% develop PTE. The etiopathology and mechanisms of PTE are either unknown or poorly understood, which makes treatment challenging. Although anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are used as preventive strategies to manage TBI, control acute seizures and prevent development of PTE, their efficacy in PTE remains controversial. In this review, we discuss novel mechanisms and risk factors underlying PTE. We also discuss dysfunctions of neurovascular unit, cell-specific neuroinflammatory mediators and immune response factors that are vital for epileptogenesis after TBI. Finally, we describe current and novel treatments and management strategies for preventing PTE.

Randomized, phase 1/2, double-blind pioglitazone repositioning trial combined with antifungals for the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis - PIO study

Background

Cryptococcosis affects more than 220,000 patients/year, with high mortality even when the standard treatment [amphotericin B (AMB), 5-flucytosin (5-FC) and fluconazole] is used. AMB presents high toxicity and 5-FC is not currently available in Brazil. In a pre-clinical study, pioglitazone (PIO - an antidiabetic drug) decreased AMB toxicity and lead to an increased mice survival, reduced morbidity and fungal burden in brain and lungs. The aim of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PIO combined with standard antifungal treatment for human cryptococcosis.

Methods

A phase 1/2, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial will be performed with patients from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. They will be divided into three groups (placebo, PIO 15 mg/day or PIO 45 mg/day) and will receive an additional pill during the induction phase of cryptococcosis' treatment. Our hypothesis is that treated patients will have increased survival, so the primary outcome will be the mortality rate. Patients will be monitored for survival, side effects, fungal burden and inflammatory mediators in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The follow up will occur for up 60 days.

Conclusions

We expect that PIO will be an adequate adjuvant to the standard cryptococcosis' treatment.

Trial registration

ICTRP/WHO (and International Clinical Trial Registry Plataform (ICTRP/WHO) (http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=RBR-9fv3f4), RBR-9fv3f4 (http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-9fv3f4). UTN Number: U1111-1226-1535. Ethical approvement number: CAAE 17377019.0.0000.5149.

Adipsin promotes bone marrow adiposity by priming mesenchymal stem cells

Background

Marrow adipose tissue (MAT) has been shown to be vital for regulating metabolism and maintaining skeletal homeostasis in the bone marrow (BM) niche. As a reflection of BM remodeling, MAT is highly responsive to nutrient fluctuations, hormonal changes, and metabolic disturbances such as obesity and diabetes mellitus. Expansion of MAT has also been strongly associated with bone loss in mice and humans. However, the regulation of BM plasticity remains poorly understood, as does the mechanism that links changes in marrow adiposity with bone remodeling.

Methods

We studied deletion of Adipsin, and its downstream effector, C3, in C57BL/6 mice as well as the bone-protected PPARγ constitutive deacetylation 2KR mice to assess BM plasticity. The mice were challenged with thiazolidinedione treatment, calorie restriction, or aging to induce bone loss and MAT expansion. Analysis of bone mineral density and marrow adiposity was performed using a μCT scanner and by RNA analysis to assess adipocyte and osteoblast markers. For in vitro studies, primary bone marrow stromal cells were isolated and subjected to osteoblastogenic or adipogenic differentiation or chemical treatment followed by morphological and molecular analyses. Clinical data was obtained from samples of a previous clinical trial of fasting and high-calorie diet in healthy human volunteers.

Results

We show that Adipsin is the most upregulated adipokine during MAT expansion in mice and humans in a PPARγ acetylation-dependent manner. Genetic ablation of Adipsin in mice specifically inhibited MAT expansion but not peripheral adipose depots, and improved bone mass during calorie restriction, thiazolidinedione treatment, and aging. These effects were mediated through its downstream effector, complement component C3, to prime common progenitor cells toward adipogenesis rather than osteoblastogenesis through inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Conclusions

Adipsin promotes new adipocyte formation and affects skeletal remodeling in the BM niche. Our study reveals a novel mechanism whereby the BM sustains its own plasticity through paracrine and endocrine actions of a unique adipokine.

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health T32DK007328 (NA), F31DK124926 (NA), R01DK121140 (JCL), R01AR068970 (BZ), R01AR071463 (BZ), R01DK112943 (LQ), R24DK092759 (CJR), and P01HL087123 (LQ).

Neuroimmune connections between corticotropin-releasing hormone and mast cells: novel strategies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Corticotropin-releasing hormone is a critical component of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, which plays a major role in the body’s immune response to stress. Mast cells are both sensors and effectors in the interaction between the nervous and immune systems. As first responders to stress, mast cells can initiate, amplify and prolong neuroimmune responses upon activation. Corticotropin-releasing hormone plays a pivotal role in triggering stress responses and related diseases by acting on its receptors in mast cells. Corticotropin-releasing hormone can stimulate mast cell activation, influence the activation of immune cells by peripheral nerves and modulate neuroimmune interactions. The latest evidence shows that the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone induces the degranulation of mast cells under stress conditions, leading to disruption of the blood-brain barrier, which plays an important role in neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorder and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Recent studies suggest that stress increases intestinal permeability and disrupts the blood-brain barrier through corticotropin-releasing hormone-mediated activation of mast cells, providing new insight into the complex interplay between the brain and gastrointestinal tract. The neuroimmune target of mast cells is the site at which the corticotropin-releasing hormone directly participates in the inflammatory responses of nerve terminals. In this review, we focus on the neuroimmune connections between corticotropin-releasing hormone and mast cells, with the aim of providing novel potential therapeutic targets for inflammatory, autoimmune and nervous system diseases.

Effects of Anti-Diabetic Drugs on Fracture Risk: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Available data on the effects of anti-diabetic drugs on fracture risk are contradictory. Therefore, our study aimed to analyze all available data on the effects of anti-diabetic drugs on fracture risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

METHODS

Embase, Medline, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched for relevant trials. All data analyses were performed with STATA (12.0) and R language (3.6.0). Risk ratio (RR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated by combining data for the fracture effects of anti-diabetic drugs, including sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, meglitinides, α-glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, biguanides, insulin, and sulfonylureas.

RESULTS

One hundred seventeen eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 221,364 participants were included in this study. Compared with placebo, trelagliptin (RR 3.51; 1.58-13.70) increased the risk of fracture, whereas albiglutide (RR 0.29; 0.04-0.93) and voglibose (RR 0.03; 0-0.11) decreased the risk of fracture. Other medications were comparable in terms of their effects on fracture risk, and no statistical significance was observed. In terms of fractures, voglibose (0.01%) may be the safest option, and trelagliptin (13.64%) may be the worst. Sensitivity analysis results were consistent with those of the main analysis. No statistically significant differences were observed in the regression coefficients of age (1.03; 0.32-2.1), follow-up duration (0.79; 0.27-1.64), and sex distribution (0.63; 0.15-1.56).

CONCLUSIONS

We found varied results on the association between the use of anti-diabetic drugs and fracture risk. Specifically, trelagliptin raised the risk of fracture, whereas voglibose and albiglutide showed benefit with statistical difference. Other drugs were comparable in terms of their effects on fracture risk. Some drugs (omarigliptin, sitagliptin, vildagliptin, saxagliptin, empagliflozin, ertugliflozin, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, and nateglinide) may increase the risk of fracture, while others (such as dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, semaglutide, lixisenatide, linagliptin, alogliptin, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, glipizide, gliclazide, glibenclamide, glimepiride, metformin, and insulin) may show benefits. The risk of fracture was independent of age, sex distribution, and the duration of exposure to anti-diabetic drugs. When developing individualized treatment strategies, the clinical efficacy of anti-diabetic drugs must be weighed against their benefits and risks brought about by individual differences of patients.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

This Systematic Review was prospectively registered on the PROSPERO (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, registration number CRD42020189464).

Effects of Transient Receptor Potential Cation 5 (TRPC5) Inhibitor, NU6027, on Hippocampal Neuronal Death after Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause physical, cognitive, social, and behavioral changes that can lead to permanent disability or death. After primary brain injury, translocated free zinc can accumulate in neurons and lead to secondary events such as oxidative stress, inflammation, edema, swelling, and cognitive impairment. Under pathological conditions, such as ischemia and TBI, excessive zinc release, and accumulation occurs in neurons. Based on previous research, it hypothesized that calcium as well as zinc would be influx into the TRPC5 channel. Therefore, we hypothesized that the suppression of TRPC5 would prevent neuronal cell death by reducing the influx of zinc and calcium. To test our hypothesis, we used a TBI animal model. After the TBI, we immediately injected NU6027 (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), TRPC5 inhibitor, and then sacrificed animals 24 h later. We conducted Fluoro-Jade B (FJB) staining to confirm the presence of degenerating neurons in the hippocampal cornus ammonis 3 (CA3). After the TBI, the degenerating neuronal cell count was decreased in the NU6027-treated group compared with the vehicle-treated group. Our findings suggest that the suppression of TRPC5 can open a new therapeutic window for a reduction of the neuronal death that may occur after TBI.

Drug Repurposing in Neurological Disorders: Implications for Neurotherapy in Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a significant leading cause of death and disability among adults and children globally. To date, there are no Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs that can substantially attenuate the sequelae of TBI. The innumerable challenges faced by the conventional de novo discovery of new pharmacological agents led to the emergence of alternative paradigm, which is drug repurposing. Repurposing of existing drugs with well-characterized mechanisms of action and human safety profiles is believed to be a promising strategy for novel drug use. Compared to the conventional discovery pathways, drug repurposing is less costly, relatively rapid, and poses minimal risk of the adverse outcomes to study on participants. In recent years, drug repurposing has covered a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders including brain injury. This review highlights the advances in drug repurposing and presents some of the promising candidate drugs for potential TBI treatment along with their possible mechanisms of neuroprotection. Edaravone, glyburide, ceftriaxone, levetiracetam, and progesterone have been selected due to their potential role as putative TBI neurotherapeutic agents. These drugs are Food and Drug Administration-approved for purposes other than brain injuries; however, preclinical and clinical studies have shown their efficacy in ameliorating the various detrimental outcomes of TBI.

Why Do Falls and Lower Limb Fractures Occur More Frequently in the Diabetic Patient and How Can They Be Prevented?

Due to primarily sarcopenia and hypoglycemia but also neuropathy, hypotension, analgesics and polypharmacy, there is an increased incidence of falls and hip fractures in both the type 1 and type 2 diabetic patient. Utilization of insulin, hypotensive drugs, analgesics and perhaps canagliflozin further increases the risk. Thiazolidinedione use may increase the risk of osteoporosis and fracture. Prolonged hyperglycemia resulting in cross-linking of collagen and advanced glycosylation end products alter the microarchitecture and increase bone fragility. Higher serum vitamin D levels seem to decrease the incidence of both falls and fractures. Following a hip fracture, mortality in the diabetic patient is increased largely because of cardiovascular events and pneumonia. Prevention of sarcopenia includes dietary therapy, vitamin D and testosterone replacement when appropriate.

Non-neurologic organ dysfunction plays a major role in predicting outcomes in pediatric traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Nonneurological organ dysfunction (NNOD) occurs after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is associated with mortality. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of NNOD and its association with outcomes in pediatric patients with TBI. We hypothesized that NNOD is associated with worse outcomes in pediatric patients with severe TBI.

METHODS

We performed a 4-year (2013-16) analysis of our prospectively maintained TBI database. All patients (age < 18) with an isolated-severe TBI (head-abbreviated injury scale: AIS ≥ 3 & extracranial-AIS < 3) were included. NNOD was measured using the pediatric multiple organ dysfunction (P-MOD) score. Outcomes were in-hospital mortality, Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E), and adverse discharge disposition: rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility (SNF). Regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

We analyzed 292 patients. Mean age was 11 ± 6 years, 57% were male and the mortality rate was 18.1%. The incidence of NNOD was 35%. The most common dysfunctional organ system was the respiratory (25%) followed by the cardiovascular (12%). On regression analysis, the presence of at least one NNOD was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (OR 2.1 [1.7-2.9]; p < 0.01), low GOS-E (OR 1.8 [1.5-2.3]; p < 0.01), and SNF disposition (OR 1.7 [1.2-2.1]; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

NNOD develops in one of every three severe TBI pediatric patients and is independently associated with adverse outcomes. Identification of NNOD in pediatric TBI and focusing on management of NNOD could improve outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III Prognostic.

Ormosanine improves neuronal functions in spinal cord-injured rats by blocking peroxynitrite/calpain activity

The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of ormosanine against spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats and to examine the possible molecular mechanism of action. SCI was induced using an impactor device, and rats were treated with ormosanine 10, 50 or 100 mg/kg, p.o., for 10 days after induction of SCI. The effect of ormosanine on SCI was determined by estimating neurological functions and cytokines and parameters of oxidative stress level were estimated in SCI rats. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting analysis and histopathological study were performed on spinal tissue of SCI rats. The data suggested that treatment with ormosanine reversed the alterations of neurological function in SCI rats. Moreover, the levels of cytokines, oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species production were reduced in the ormosanine treatment group compared to the SCI group. The levels of calpain and neuronal nitric oxide synthase activity were significantly reduced in the spinal tissue of the ormosanine treatment group compared to the SCI group. Moreover, ormosanine treatment reduced the percentage of viable neurons in the spinal tissue of SCI rats. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that ormosanine treatment had a protective effect against neuronal injury in spinal cord-injured rats by regulating the peroxynitrite/calpain activity.

Reducing the Burden of Diabetes Treatment: A Review of Low-cost Oral Hypoglycemic Medications

BACKGROUND

The vast majority of individuals diagnosed with diabetes are low/middle income and may have access to only three of the 11 oral hypoglycemic medications (OHMs) due to cost: metformin intermediate release (IR) or extended release (ER), sulfonylureas (glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide), and pioglitazone. Sulfonylureas and pioglitazone have had significant controversy related to potential adverse events, but it remains unclear whether these negative outcomes are class, drug, or dose-related.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a narrative review of low-cost OHMs.

METHODS

We evaluated the maximum recommended (MAX) compared to the most effective (EFF) daily dose, time-to-peak change in HbA1c levels, and adverse events of low-cost oral hypoglycemic medications.

RESULTS

We found that the MAX was often greater than the EFF: metformin IR/ER (MAX: 2,550/2,000 mg, EFF: 1,500-2,000/1,500-2,000 mg), glipizide IR/ER (MAX: 40/20 mg, EFF: 20/5 mg), glyburide (MAX: 20 mg, EFF: 2.5-5.0 mg), pioglitazone (MAX: 45 mg, EFF: 45 mg). Time-to-peak change in HbA1c levels occurred at weeks 12-20 (sulfonylureas), 25-39 (metformin), and 25 (pioglitazone). Glimepiride was not associated with weight gain, hypoglycemia, or negative cardiovascular events relative to other sulfonylureas. Cardiovascular event rates did not increase with lower glyburide doses (p<0.05). Glimepiride and pioglitazone have been successfully used in renal impairment.

CONCLUSION

Metformin, glimepiride, and pioglitazone are safe and efficacious OHMs. Prescribing at the EFF rather than the MAX may avoid negative dose-related outcomes. OHMs should be evaluated as individual drugs, not generalized as a class, due to different dosing and adverse-event profiles; Glimepiride is the preferred sulfonylurea since it is not associated with the adverse events as others in its class.

Drugs Causing Bone Loss

Drugs may cause bone loss by lowering sex steroid levels (e.g., aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer, GnRH agonists in prostate cancer, or depot medroxyprogestone acetate - DMPA), interfere with vitamin D levels (liver inducing anti-epileptic drugs), or directly by toxic effects on bone cells (chemotherapy, phenytoin, or thiazolidinedions, which diverts mesenchymal stem cells from forming osteoblasts to forming adipocytes). However, besides effects on the mineralized matrix, interactions with collagen and other parts of the unmineralized matrix may decrease bone biomechanical competence in a manner that may not correlate with bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual energy absorptiometry (DXA).Some drugs and drug classes may decrease BMD like the thiazolidinediones and consequently increase fracture risk. Other drugs such as glucocorticoids may decrease BMD, and thus increase fracture risk. However, glucocorticoids may also interfere with the unmineralized matrix leading to an increase in fracture risk, not mirrored in BMD changes. Some drugs such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), paracetamol, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may not per se be associated with bone loss, but fracture risk may be increased, possibly stemming from an increased risk of falls stemming from effects on postural balance mediated by effects on the central nervous system or cardiovascular system.This paper performs a systematic review of drugs inducing bone loss or associated with fracture risk. The chapter is organized by the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification.

Pioglitazone Therapy Decreases Bone Mass Density and Increases Fat Mass: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Pioglitazone is mainly used for the management of type 2 diabetes and other insulinassociated diseases. However, the molecular mechanism of pioglitazone can lead to an imbalance in bone metabolism, thus decreasing bone mass density (BMD) and increasing the risk for fractures.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the effect of pioglitazone therapy on bone metabolism and fat mass.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Central databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of pioglitazone therapy on BMD and fat mass was performed. The primary outcome measures were the measured values of BMD, percentage changes in BMD, measured values of bone turnover markers and bone metabolic hormones, changes in BMI, body and leg fat mass, and fracture rates. The final search was performed in May 2019.

RESULTS

Six RCTs were included. A total of 749 patients met the inclusion criteria. Pioglitazone therapy was shown to significantly reduce the BMD of the whole body, lumbar spine, and total hip and serum PTH levels and increase BMI, total body fat mass and leg fat mass. In addition, 30 mg/d and 30 mg/d initially for one month followed by 45 mg/d pioglitazone could reduce the BMD of the lumbar spine. Pioglitazone therapy exerted no significant influence on the BMD of the femoral neck, serum BSAP or 25-OHD levels, or fracture rates.

CONCLUSION

Compared with placebo, pioglitazone therapy reduced BMD and serum PTH levels and increased fat mass and BMI with no difference in serum BSAP or 25-OHD levels or fracture rates; 30 mg/d pioglitazone was sufficient to reduce the BMD of the lumbar spine.

Diabetes pharmacotherapy and effects on the musculoskeletal system

Persons with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have a significantly higher fracture risk than age-matched persons without diabetes, attributed to disease-specific deficits in the microarchitecture and material properties of bone tissue. Therefore, independent effects of diabetes drugs on skeletal integrity are vitally important. Studies of incretin-based therapies have shown divergent effects of different agents on fracture risk, including detrimental, beneficial, and neutral effects. The sulfonylurea class of drugs, owing to its hypoglycemic potential, is thought to amplify the risk of fall-related fractures, particularly in the elderly. Other agents such as the biguanides may, in fact, be osteo-anabolic. In contrast, despite similarly expected anabolic properties of insulin, data suggests that insulin pharmacotherapy itself, particularly in type 2 diabetes, may be a risk factor for fracture, negatively associated with determinants of bone quality and bone strength. Finally, sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors have been associated with an increased risk of atypical fractures in select populations, and possibly with an increase in lower extremity amputation with specific SGLT2I drugs. The role of skeletal muscle, as a potential mediator and determinant of bone quality, is also a relevant area of exploration. Currently, data regarding the impact of glucose lowering medications on diabetes-related muscle atrophy is more limited, although preclinical studies suggest that various hypoglycemic agents may have either aggravating (sulfonylureas, glinides) or repairing (thiazolidinediones, biguanides, incretins) effects on skeletal muscle atrophy, thereby influencing bone quality. Hence, the therapeutic efficacy of each hypoglycemic agent must also be evaluated in light of its impact, alone or in combination, on musculoskeletal health, when determining an individualized treatment approach. Moreover, the effect of newer medications (potentially seeking expanded clinical indication into the pediatric age range) on the growing skeleton is largely unknown. Herein, we review the available literature regarding effects of diabetes pharmacotherapy, by drug class and/or by clinical indication, on the musculoskeletal health of persons with diabetes.