Diabetic factors associated with gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes

Constipation in DM are associated with both poor glycemic control and diabetic complications: Current status and future directions

Constipation is a major complications of diabetes mellitus. With the accelerating prevalence of diabetes worldwide and an aging population, there is considerable research interest regarding the altered function and structure of the gastrointestinal tract in diabetic patients. Despite current advances in hyperglycemic treatment strategies, the specific pathogenesis of diabetic constipation remains unknown. Patients with constipation, may be reluctant to eat regularly, which may worsen glycemic control and thus worsen symptoms associated with underlying diabetic bowel disease. This paper presents a review of the complex relationship between diabetes and constipation, exploring the morphological alterations and biomechanical remodeling associated with intestinal motility dysfunction, as well as alterations in intestinal neurons, cellular signaling pathways, and oxidative stress. Further studies focusing on new targets that may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic constipation may, provide new ideas for the development of novel therapies to treat or even prevent diabetic constipation.

Prevalence and risk factors of diabetes mellitus and hypertension in North East Tunisia calling for efficient and effective actions

Diabetes and hypertension are a serious public health problem worldwide. In the last decades, prevalence of these two metabolic diseases has dramatically increased in the Middle East and North Africa region, especially in Tunisia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and High Blood Pressure (HBP) in Zaghouan, a North-East region of Tunisia. To this end, an exploratory study with stratified random sampling of 420 participants has been carried out. Various data were collected. Blood samples and urine were drawn for biochemical assay. Then, all data were analyzed using the statistical R software. Results showed an alarming situation with an inter-regional difference in prevalence of obesity (50.0%, CI 95.0%), HBP (39.0%, CI 95.0%) and T2D (32.0%, CI 95.0%). This study allowed the discovery of 24, 17 and 2 new cases of T2D, HBP and T2D&HBP respectively. The association of some socio-economic factors and biochemical parameters with these chronic diseases has been highlighted. To conclude, the health situation in the governorate of Zaghouan requires urgent interventions to better manage the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCD) in the region. This study demonstrated the importance of engaging health policy makers in road mapping and implementing national NCD prevention programs.

A real-world retrospective study of omeprazole-domperidone combination in managing acid peptic disease with PRoton-pump Inhibitors in patients with type 2 DiabEtes mellitus (PRIDE-2)

Background

Proton-pump inhibitors, along with a prokinetic agent, are widely used to provide symptomatic relief amongst patients with acid peptic disease (APD). This article evaluates the effectiveness and safety of the omeprazole-domperidone combination amongst patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus for the management of APD.

Methods

PRIDE-2 (PRoton-pump Inhibitor in patients with type 2 DiabEtes mellitus) is a retrospective study reviewing electronic medical records of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and APD who were receiving the omeprazole-domperidone combination and visiting multiple Indian healthcare settings between March 2018 and April 2021. The effectiveness outcome of the therapy was evaluated in terms of resolution of APD symptoms at visit 5 (120 days after baseline visit) compared with visit 1 (baseline visit). Safety was determined in terms of reported adverse events (AEs) during the treatment period (120 days).

Results

A total of 174 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 51.5±9.6 years, with the majority (59.8%) being men. A significant proportion of patients reported relief from APD symptoms, including abdominal pain (91.6%), epigastric burning (68.7%), nausea (89.5%), flatulence (100.0%), loss of appetite (93.6%), and altered bowel movements (94.7%) (p<0.001 for each) at visit 5 compared with visit 1. No serious AEs were reported.

Conclusion

Omeprazole-domperidone combination was beneficial in providing symptomatic relief to patients with diabetes and APD. The combination therapy was well tolerated, with few reports of minor AEs.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Chinese Community-Dwelling Adults with and without Diabetes

Background: Gastrointestinal symptoms have been reported to occur frequently in diabetes, but their prevalence in Chinese community-dwelling individuals with diabetes is unknown. The present study aimed to address this issue and explore the risk factors for gastrointestinal symptoms. Methods: A total of 1304 community-dwelling participants (214 with diabetes, 360 with prediabetes and 730 with normoglycemia) were surveyed for gastrointestinal symptoms using the Diabetes Bowel Symptom Questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were applied to identify risk factors for gastrointestinal symptoms. Results: Of the overall study population, 18.6% reported at least one gastrointestinal symptom, without a significant difference between subjects with normoglycemia (17.7%), prediabetes (19.7%) and diabetes (20.1%). In all three groups, lower gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly diarrhea and constipation, were the most frequent. There was an interaction between age (≥65 years) and diabetes on the prevalence of at least one gastrointestinal symptom (p = 0.01) and of constipation (p = 0.004), with these being most frequent in subjects with diabetes aged ≥ 65 years. After multivariable adjustment, female gender and older age were associated with increased odds of at least one gastrointestinal symptom, specifically lower gastrointestinal symptoms. Older age was also associated with an increase in upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusions: Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in Chinese community-dwelling adults with and without diabetes. Females, and the elderly with diabetes, are at an increased risk of symptoms.

Prevalence and associated factors of lower digestive symptoms in type 2 diabetics in Tunisia

AIMS

To estimate the prevalence of lower digestive symptoms according to the Rome III criteria among diabetic patients of type 2, and second to identify the factors associated with the digestive symptoms among these subjects.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out among recruited diabetes mellitus type 2 patients from basic health centers at Sousse and Monastir (Tunisia). Diagnosis of digestive symptoms was based on Rome III criteria. We studied the influence of socio-demographic characteristics, life style, diabetes mellitus characteristics, somatization, psychological state (HAD scale) and quality of life (SF-12 scale) on the prevalence of digestive symptoms.

RESULTS

Four hundred and seventeen patients were enrolled in our study. The average age was 61.3±10.4 years with a female predominance (68.8%). The overall prevalence of digestive symptoms was 44.8%. The main digestive symptoms found were abdominal bloating (23%), diarrhea (11.7%), constipation (8.6%), irritable bowel syndrome (8.6%) and fecal incontinence (8.1%). Logistic regression showed that digestive intolerance (OR=2.28; 95%CI[2-5.31]), request care for a digestive problem (OR=2.95; 95%CI [1.49-5.83]), anti-acid treatment (OR=4.22; 95%CI [1.13-15.69]), diabetic retinopathy (OR=2.66; 95%CI [1.52-4.7]), somatization (OR=1.75; 95%CI [1.06-2.88]), and a deteriorated mental health state (OR=2.8; [1.66- 4.72]) were the independent factors associated with digestive symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Digestive symptoms cause an important request for care and have a negative impact on quality of life of diabetics. Thus digestive symptoms should be systematically diagnosed in patients with type 2 diabete.

Effect of upper gastrointestinal disease on the pharmacokinetics of oral semaglutide in subjects with type 2 diabetes

AIM

To investigate whether upper gastrointestinal (GI) disease has any effect on the exposure of oral semaglutide, an important consideration given that its absorption occurs primarily in the stomach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In an open-label, parallel-group trial (NCT02877355), subjects aged 18-80 years with type 2 diabetes with mild-to-moderate upper GI disease (N = 36; chronic gastritis [n = 5], gastroesophageal reflux disease [n = 8], and both [n = 23]) or without upper GI disease (N = 19) received oral semaglutide 3 mg once daily for 5 days, followed by 7 mg for 5 days. The primary and key supportive endpoints were the area under the semaglutide plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) from 0 to 24 hours after last trial product administration on day 10 (AUC_0-24h,day10 ) and the maximum semaglutide plasma concentration (C_max,day10 ), respectively.

RESULTS

Semaglutide exposure was not statistically significantly different between subjects with and without upper GI disease. Estimated group ratios (subjects with/without upper GI disease) were 1.18 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80, 1.75) for AUC_0-24h,day10 and 1.16 (95% CI, 0.77, 1.76) for C_max . Time to C_max and semaglutide half-life were similar in subjects with and without upper GI disease. Oral semaglutide was well tolerated; all adverse events were mild-to-moderate, with no withdrawals because of adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in exposure to oral semaglutide in subjects with or without upper GI disease, hence no dose adjustment is required.

Patient-reported gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with peritoneal dialysis: the prevalence, influence factors and association with quality of life

Background

The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and the influence factors of gastrointestinal symptoms, and its association with the quality of life (QOL) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

Methods

Continuous ambulatory PD patients (CAPD) who followed up in our PD center between March 2016 and December 2017 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS) was used to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms. The related clinical data were also collected. Multiple linear regression analysis was test for the influence factors associated with score of GSRS and QOL.

Results

This study included 471 CAPD patients. The mean age was 48.5±13.9 years, 53.9% were male and 15.1% with diabetic nephropathy. The median duration of PD was 37.3 (17.5~66.5) months. The median score of GSRS was 1.2(1.1~1.3) scores. Totally 82.2% (n=387) CAPD patients had at least one gastrointestinal symptom. Higher glycosylated hemoglobin, higher score of depression, lower diastolic blood pressure, urine output, score of instrumental activities of daily living scale and more amount of pills per day were independently associated with higher score of GSRS (all P<0.05). Score of dyspepsia and eating dysfunction were independently associated with worse score of QOL and physical health (all P<0.05).

Conclusions

Gastrointestinal symptoms were common but not serious in CAPD patients. Glycemic control, depression, blood pressure, urine output, activity of daily life and amount of pills were all associated with gastrointestinal symptoms. Moreover, gastrointestinal symptoms were correlated with QOL of PD patients.

Effect of GLP-1R rs2254336 and rs3765467 polymorphisms on gastrointestinal adverse reactions in type 2 diabetes patients treated with liraglutide

PURPOSE

Gastrointestinal adverse reactions (GIARs) to liraglutide exhibit significant individual differences in type 2 diabetes. This study investigated the association between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and GIARs.

METHODS

Adverse events of liraglutide were observed in 376 T2DM patients. Seven tag SNPs at GLP-1R were sequenced in 152 participants. The influencing factors of GIARs and the genetic model of tag SNPs were examined by logistic regression analysis. The relationship between the tag SNPs and GIARs was determined by the chi-square test and cochran-armitage trend test. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis was used to explore interactive analysis in GIARs risk.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine percent of subjects had side effects, mainly GIARs. Nausea was the most common GIARs. Compared with males, females were more likely to develop GIARs (P = 0.043, OR = 1.895, 95% CI: 1.021-3.517). The T allele at GLP-1R rs2254336 (P = 0.028) and the A allele at GLP-1R rs3765467 (P = 0.007) were associated with GIARs of liraglutide. As the number of rs2254336 T alleles (P = 0.014) or rs3765467 A alleles (P = 0.008) increased, the subjects tended to develop GIARs. MDR analysis identified that there were no significant interactions among rs2254336, rs3765467 and sex.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that female sex, the T allele at GLP-1R rs2254336 and the A allele at GLP-1R rs3765467 could be predictors of GIARs with liraglutide in T2DM patients.

The Prevalence of Enteropathy Symptoms from the Lower Gastrointestinal Tract and the Evaluation of Anorectal Function in Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Complications affecting the gastrointestinal tract often occur in the course of diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this study was to evaluate enteropathy symptoms and anorectal function using high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM). Fifty DM patients and 20 non-DM controls were enrolled into the study. Clinical data and laboratory tests were collected, physical examination and HRAM were performed. Symptoms in the lower gastrointestinal tract were reported by 72% of patients. DM patients with a long disease duration reported anal region discomfort (p = 0.028) and a sensation of incomplete evacuation (p = 0.036) more often than patients with shorter diabetes duration. Overall, DM patients had a lower maximal squeeze pressure (MSP) (p = 0.001) and a higher mean threshold of minimal rectal sensation (p < 0.01) than control subjects. They presented with enhanced features of dyssynergic defection than the control group. MSP and maximal resting pressure (MRP) were significantly lower in the group of long-term diabetes (p = 0.024; p = 0.026 respectively) than in patients with a short-term diabetes. The same observation was noted for patients with enteropathy symptoms that control for MSP (p < 0.01; p < 0.01; p = 0.03) and MRP (p < 0.001; p = 0.0036; p = 0.0046), respectively, for incontinence, constipation, and diarrhea. Symptoms in the lower gastrointestinal tract are often reported by DM patients. All DM patients have impaired function of the external anal sphincter and present enhanced features of dyssynergic defecation and also impaired visceral sensation. Patients with long-standing DM and patients with enteropathy symptoms have severely impaired function of both anal sphincters.

Switching of Hormone Therapies in Breast Cancer Women

OBJECTIVE

 The objective of the present study was to analyze the reasons that led to hormone therapies (HTs) regimen changes in women with breast cancer.

METHODS

 This was a retrospective cross-sectional study from a single-institution Brazilian cancer center with patient records diagnosed with breast cancer between January 2012 and January 2017.

RESULTS

 From 1,555 women who were in treatment with HT, 213 (13.7%) women had HT switched, either tamoxifen to anastrozole or vice-versa. Most women included in the present study who switched HT were > 50 years old, postmenopausal, Caucasian, and had at least one comorbidity. From the group with therapy change, 'disease progression' was reason of change in 124 (58.2%) cases, and in 65 (30.5%) patients, 'presence of side effects' was the reason. From those women who suffered with side effects, 24 (36.9%) had comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

 The present study demonstrated a low rate of HT switch of tamoxifen to anastrozole. Among the reasons for changing therapy, the most common was disease progression, which includes cancer recurrence, metastasis or increased tumor. Side effects were second; furthermore, age and comorbidities are risk factors for side effects.

Diabetic Gastroparesis: Perspectives From a Patient and Health Care Providers

Gastroparesis is defined as a delay in gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction in the stomach. Gastroparesis has a number of causes, including postsurgical, secondary to medications, postinfectious, idiopathic, and as a complication of diabetes mellitus, where it is underrecognized. The cardinal symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis are nausea, early satiety, bloating, and vomiting. Diabetic gastroparesis is more common in females and has a cumulative incidence of 5% in type 1 diabetes and 1% in type 2 diabetes. It is associated with a reduction in quality of life and exerts a significant burden on health care resources. The pathophysiology of this disorder is incompletely understood. Diagnosis is made based on typical symptoms associated with the demonstration of delayed gastric emptying in the absence of gastric outlet obstruction. Gastric emptying scintigraphy is the gold standard for demonstrating delayed gastric emptying, but other methods exist including breath testing and the wireless motility capsule. Diabetic gastroparesis should be managed within a specialist multidisciplinary team, and general aspects involve dietary manipulations/nutritional support, pharmacological therapy, and surgical/endoscopic interventions. Specific pharmacological therapies include prokinetics and antiemetics, with several new medications in the drug development pipeline. Surgical/endoscopic interventions include botulinum toxin injection into the pylorus, gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy and gastric electrical stimulation. This article provides a detailed review and summary of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, investigation, and management of diabetic gastroparesis, and also gives an individual patient's perspective of living with this disabling disorder.

Gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with diabetes mellitus and non-diabetic: A cross-sectional study in north of Iran

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), which involved in high cost of health care and low quality of life. The aim of this study to investigate the prevalence of GI symptoms in diabetic patients referred to the Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center (GLDRC), Guilan University of Medical Sciences (Rasht, Iran) using a validated questionnaire.

METHODS

In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, 255 diabetic patients and 255 non-diabetic subjects were recruited. Participants were randomly selected. The questionnaire recorded GI symptoms among the study population.

RESULTS

GI symptoms were reported in 91.4% of diabetic patients, and 42.1% of them were male. The common GI symptoms in diabetic patients were flatulence (33.0%), followed by retrosternal pain (14.9%), belching (13.7%), postprandial fullness (12.5%), and constipation (11.4%). Retrosternal pain, constipation, flatulence, loss of appetite, and abdominal distention were more prevalent in diabetic women than men.

CONCLUSIONS

DM is associated with high prevalence rate of upper and lower GI symptoms. This effect may be linked to gender and poor glycemic control in diabetic patients, but not to type and duration of diabetes.

Prevalence of Chronic Constipation and Chronic Diarrhea in Diabetic Individuals in the United States

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic individuals commonly report disordered bowel habits. This study aims to report the prevalence and associated factors of chronic diarrhea (CD) and chronic constipation (CC) in diabetics using a nationally representative sample of US adults.

METHODS

Analyses were performed using data from subjects in the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset who completed the Bowel Health Questionnaire. The NHANES dataset provides medical comorbidities, demographics, and dietary habits of a nationally representative group of adult survey participants in the United States. CC and CD were defined by Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) Types 1 & 2 and BSFS Types 6 & 7 as the "usual or most common stool type," respectively, and frequent laxative users were also defined as having CC. Co-variables for all subjects included demographic and lifestyle factors, and co-variables evaluated only in diabetics included treatment and severity markers for diabetes.

RESULTS

We identified 661 diabetic subjects and 4488 non-diabetic subjects. Diabetic subjects (25.8%) reported disordered bowel habits. In unadjusted analysis, CD was more prevalent in diabetics than in non-diabetics (11.2% vs. 6.0%; p < 0.0001); however, the prevalence of CC was not significantly different between groups (14.6% vs. 11.2%; p = 0.126). When adjusting for covariates (e.g., BMI, gender, age, race/ethnicity, education level, etc.), diabetes itself remained associated with CD. Diabetic individuals with CD more frequently used drugs to lower blood sugar, and diabetic subjects with CC more frequently had poor kidney function.

CONCLUSIONS

CD is significantly more prevalent in diabetics than in non-diabetics, whereas CC is not, and the association between CD and diabetes remains significant when adjusting for covariates. Use of medications that lower blood sugar is associated with CD in diabetic individuals, whereas poor kidney function is associated with CC in diabetics.

Prediabetes and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms; a cross-sectional study

AIMS

Prediabetes associate with known micro and macrovascular complications of diabetes. Also gastrointestinal symptoms are present in diabetics higher than general population. The aim of this study was evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms in subjects with prediabetes.

METHODS

This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 persons 30-65 years old, 65 pre-diabetic patients and 65 persons without glucose disorders from 2014 to 2015 in YAZD province. FBS and HbA1c used for diagnosis prediabetes. Demographic and medical history were collected. A questionnaire according to Rome III Criteria was used to collect digestive information (diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, abdominal bloating, heartburn, increased gas passing, nausea, intermittent diarrhea and constipation in the last 6 months ago). Frequency of GI symptoms in subjects with and without glucose disorders were compared. Data were analyzed by SPSS software Version 20. Data were reported as mean ± standard deviation or frequency and T-test, Chi Square and Spearman correlation coefficient tests were used. P-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Higher frequency of bloating, early satiety, nausea, heartburn, gas passing and constipation are seen in the pre-diabetes group than in the control group; (p-value 0.0001, 0.0001, 0.0001, 0.0001, 0.001 and 0.0001 respectively). 96.9% in prediabetics had at least one gastrointestinal symptom, while in the normal groups 50% had at least one GI symptom (p-value: 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Gastrointestinal symptoms were seen in prediabetics higher than healthy persons. So, prediabetes can not be considered an entirely benign and asymptomatic condition. Lifestyle interventions maybe necessary at this state.

Machine Learning to Compare Frequent Medical Problems of African American and Caucasian Diabetic Kidney Patients

Objectives

End-stage renal disease (ESRD), which is primarily a consequence of diabetes mellitus, shows an exemplary health disparity between African American and Caucasian patients in the United States. Because diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients of these two groups show differences in their medical problems, the markers leading to ESRD are also expected to differ. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to compare their medical complications at various levels of kidney function and to identify markers that can be used to predict ESRD.

Methods

The data of type 2 diabetic patients was obtained from the 2012 Cerner database, which totaled 1,038,499 records. The data was then filtered to include only African American and Caucasian outpatients with estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR), leaving 4,623 records. A priori machine learning was used to discover frequently appearing medical problems within the filtered data. CKD is defined as abnormalities of kidney structure, present for >3 months.

Results

This study found that African Americans have much higher rates of CKD-related medical problems than Caucasians for all five stages, and prominent markers leading to ESRD were discovered only for the African American group. These markers are high glucose, high systolic blood pressure (BP), obesity, alcohol/drug use, and low hematocrit. Additionally, the roles of systolic BP and diastolic BP vary depending on the CKD stage.

Conclusions

This research discovered frequently appearing medical problems across five stages of CKD and further showed that many of the markers reported in previous studies are more applicable to African American patients than Caucasian patients.

Upper and/or lower gastrointestinal adverse events with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists: Incidence and consequences

AIMS

To characterize gastrointestinal adverse events (AEs) with different glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs).

METHODS

Two retrospective intention-to-treat analyses of 6-month patient-level data were conducted. Data from three studies comparing exenatide once weekly (n = 617) with exenatide twice daily (n = 606) were pooled, and one (DURATION-6) comparing exenatide once weekly (n = 461) with liraglutide (n = 450) was analysed separately. Patient-reported gastrointestinal AEs were classified as upper or lower, AE incidences and timing were determined, subgroups were analysed, and associations of gastrointestinal AEs with efficacy were examined.

RESULTS

Nausea was the most common gastrointestinal AE for all treatments. Fewer exenatide once-weekly-treated vs exenatide twice-daily- or liraglutide-treated patients reported gastrointestinal AEs (34% vs 45% and 25% vs 41%, respectively; both P  < .0001). Fewer exenatide once-weekly-treated patients reported upper plus lower events than liraglutide-treated patients ( P  < .001); the difference between exenatide once weekly and twice daily was not significant. Within each group, more women than men reported gastrointestinal AEs. Events occurrred early and were predominantly mild. Glycated haemoglobin reductions were similar for patients with or without gastrointestinal AEs. Weight loss was greater for patients with gastrointestinal AEs with exenatide once weekly and exenatide twice daily ( P  < .05); no difference was observed in DURATION-6.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastrointestinal AEs were less frequent with exenatide once weekly vs exenatide twice daily or liraglutide, and combined upper and lower events occurred less often. Gastrointestinal AEs were typically mild and occurred early. Gastrointestinal AEs did not affect glycaemic control but may be associated with greater weight loss.

Tangshen Formula Attenuates Colonic Structure Remodeling in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Aim. This study investigated the effect and mechanism of the Chinese herbal medicine Tangshen Formula (TSF) on GI structure remodeling in the rat model of diabetes. Methods. Type 2 diabetic rats were used. Wet weight per unit length, layer thicknesses, levels of collagens I and III, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and Smad2/3 expression in the rat colon were measured. Results. Compared with the control group animals, wet weight and layer thicknesses of the colon increased, and expressions of collagens I and III, NF-κB, IFN-γ, IL-6, TGF-β1, and Smad2/3 increased significantly in the diabetic animals. TSF inhibited increase in colonic wet weight and layer thicknesses, downregulated expressions of collagens I and III in the mucosal layer, and downregulated expressions of NF-κB, IFN-γ, IL-6, TGF-β1, and Smad2/3 in the colon wall. Furthermore, level of expression of NF-κB was associated with those of TGF-β1 and Smad2/3. Expression of TGF-β1 was associated with the most histomorphometric parameters including colonic weight, mucosal and muscle thicknesses, and levels of collagens I and III in mucosal layer. Conclusion. TSF appears to attenuate colonic structure remodeling in type 2 diabetic rats through inhibiting the overactivated pathway of NF-κB, thus reducing expressions of TGF-β1.

Safety and tolerability of exenatide once weekly in patients with type 2 diabetes: an integrated analysis of 4,328 patients

BACKGROUND

Exenatide once weekly (QW) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Safety and tolerability are key considerations in treatment selection. This analysis examines the safety and tolerability profile of exenatide QW, other approved GLP-1RAs (exenatide twice daily and liraglutide once daily), and a pooled population of commonly used non-GLP-1RA treatments.

METHODS

Intent-to-treat populations from eight randomized Phase III trials with 24-week and 30-week comparator-controlled periods were analyzed. Data were pooled for exenatide QW, exenatide twice daily, and non-GLP-1RA comparator groups; comparisons between exenatide QW and liraglutide were analyzed separately to better match study groups. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events with 95% confidence intervals and exposure-adjusted incidence were calculated. Duration and recurrence were analyzed for gastrointestinal adverse events and adverse events of special interest.

RESULTS

Incidences of serious adverse events did not differ between treatments. Discontinuations due to adverse events occurred numerically less frequently with exenatide QW than with other GLP-1RAs but numerically more frequently than with non-GLP-1RA comparators. The most frequent adverse events in the GLP-1RA groups were gastrointestinal and generally mild, with decreasing incidence over time. Gastrointestinal adverse event incidences appeared lower with exenatide QW versus other GLP-1RAs and greater than with non-GLP-1RA comparators. Injection site-related adverse events seemed highest with exenatide QW, but generally did not lead to withdrawal and abated over time. Hypoglycemia was infrequent overall, but occurred numerically more frequently in the non-GLP-1RA comparator group and increased with concomitant sulfonylurea use. Pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, renal failure, and gallbladder disease were rarely reported.

CONCLUSION

The overall safety and tolerability profile of exenatide QW was similar to that of other GLP-1RAs, with improved gastrointestinal tolerability. The safety and tolerability profile of exenatide QW compared with non-GLP-1RA comparators was similar overall, with the exception of a lower incidence of hypoglycemia and anticipated differences in gastrointestinal and injection site-related adverse events.

Advanced glycation end-product expression is upregulated in the gastrointestinal tract of type 2 diabetic rats

AIM: To investigate changes in advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their receptor (RAGE) expression in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in type 2 diabetic rats.

METHODS: Eight inherited type 2 diabetic rats Goto-Kakizak (GK) and ten age-matched normal rats were used in the study. From 18 wk of age, the body weight and blood glucose were measured every week and 2 wk respectively. When the rats reached 32 wk, two-centimeter segments of esophagus, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon were excised and the wet weight was measured. The segments were fixed in 10% formalin, embedded in paraffin and five micron sections were cut. The layer thickness was measured in Hematoxylin and Eosin-stained slides. AGE [N epsilon-(carboxymethyl) lysine and N epsilon-(carboxyethyl)lysine] and RAGE were detected by immunohistochemistry staining and image analysis was done using Sigmascan Pro 4.0 image analysis software.

RESULTS: The blood glucose concentration (mmol/L) at 18 wk age was highest in the GK group (8.88 ± 1.87 vs 6.90 ± 0.43, P < 0.001), a difference that continued to exist until the end of the experiment. The wet weight per unit length (mg/cm) increased in esophagus, jejunum and colon from the normal to the GK group (60.64 ± 9.96 vs 68.56 ± 11.69, P < 0.05 for esophagus; 87.01 ± 9.35 vs 105.29 ± 15.45, P < 0.01 for jejunum; 91.37 ± 7.25 vs 97.28 ± 10.90, P < 0.05 for colon). Histologically, the layer thickness of the GI tract was higher for esophagus, jejunum and colon in the GK group [full thickness (μm): 575.37 ± 69.22 vs 753.20 ± 150.41, P < 0.01 for esophagus; 813.51 ± 44.44 vs 884.81 ± 45.31, P < 0.05 for jejunum; 467.12 ± 65.92 vs 572.26 ± 93.60, P < 0.05 for colon]. In esophagus, the AGE and RAGE mainly distributed in striated muscle cells and squamous epithelial cells. The AGE distribution was much stronger in the GK group compared to the normal group both in the striated muscle layer and mucosa layer (immuno-positive area/ total measuring area %: 4.52 ± 0.89 vs 10.96 ± 1.34, P < 0.01 for muscle; 8.90 ± 2.62 vs 22.45 ± 1.26, P < 0.01 for mucosa). No visible difference was found for RAGE distribution between the two groups. In the intestine AGE and RAGE distributed in epithelial cells of villi and crypt. RAGE was also found in neurons in the myenteric and submucosal plexus. The intensity of AGE staining in mucosa of all segments and RAGE staining in neurons in all segments were strongest in the diabetes group. Significant difference for AGE was found in the epithelial cells of villi and crypt in duodenum (immuno-positive area/total measuring area %: 13.37 ± 3.51 vs 37.48 ± 8.43, P < 0.05 for villi; 0.38 ± 0.12 vs 1.87 ± 0.53, P < 0.05 for crypt) and for RAGE in neurons of all segments (e.g., for jejunum: no staining neurons% 0 vs 0, mild 36.0 ± 5.2 vs 28.7 ± 3.5, moderate 53.2 ± 4.8 vs 55.8 ± 5.4, strong 10.7 ± 1.1 vs 15.4 ± 2.0, P < 0.05). In the colon, RAGE was primarily found in neurons in the myenteric and submucosal plexus. It was stronger in the diabetes group than in the normal group (no staining neurons% 6.2 ± 0.2 vs 0.3 ± 0.04, mild 14.9 ± 2.1 vs 17.6 ± 1.5, moderate 53.1 ± 4.6 vs 44.7 ± 4.4, strong 25.6 ± 18 vs 43.6 ± 4.0, P < 0.05). In the rectum, RAGE was primarily found in the mucosa epithelial cells.

CONCLUSION: The AGE and RAGE expression was up-regulated in the GI tract of GK diabetic rats and may contribute to GI dysfunction in type 2 diabetic patients.

Diabetes and gastric cancer: The potential links

This article reviews the epidemiological evidence linking diabetes and gastric cancer and discusses some of the potential mechanisms, confounders and biases in the evaluation of such an association. Findings from four meta-analyses published from 2011 to 2013 suggest a positive link, which may be more remarkable in females and in the Asian populations. Putative mechanisms may involve shared risk factors, hyperglycemia, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, high salt intake, medications and comorbidities. Diabetes may increase the risk of gastric cancer through shared risk factors including obesity, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and smoking. Hyperglycemia, even before the clinical diagnosis of diabetes, may predict gastric cancer in some epidemiological studies, which is supported by in vitro, and in vivo studies. Patients with diabetes may also have a higher risk of gastric cancer through the higher infection rate, lower eradication rate and higher reinfection rate of H. pylori. High salt intake can act synergistically with H. pylori infection in the induction of gastric cancer. Whether a higher risk of gastric cancer in patients with diabetes may be ascribed to a higher intake of salt due to the loss of taste sensation awaits further investigation. The use of medications such as insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas, aspirin, statins and antibiotics may also influence the risk of gastric cancer, but most of them have not been extensively studied. Comorbidities may affect the development of gastric cancer through the use of medications and changes in lifestyle, dietary intake, and the metabolism of drugs. Finally, a potential detection bias related to gastrointestinal symptoms more commonly seen in patients with diabetes and with multiple comorbidities should be pointed out. Taking into account the inconsistent findings and the potential confounders and detection bias in previous epidemiological studies, it is expected that there are still more to be explored for the clarification of the association between diabetes and gastric cancer.

Pseudodyslipidemia: are we over-treating dyslipidemia in diabetic patients with undiagnosed gastroparesis?

Management of dyslipidemia in diabetic patients poses a major burden on both patients and healthcare providers. Gastroparesis, a condition in which gastric emptying is delayed, is a common condition in diabetes. Given the fact that normal values of plasma lipids are standardized to be measured after several hours of fasting, delayed transit of food and nutrients into the small bowel (as occurs in gastroparesis) may result in an artificial increase in plasma lipids, causing misdiagnosis of dyslipidemia (pseudodyslipidemia), and lead to overtreatment with lipid-lowering agents.

Recto-anal manometric characteristics of type 2 diabetic patients who have sensation of incomplete defecation

INTRODUCTION

Many diabetic patients report symptoms of incomplete defecation. We aimed to clarify the recto-anal manometric characteristics related to these symptoms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A questionnaire regarding gastrointestinal symptoms was distributed to 35 diabetics (19 women and 16 men) aged between 39 and 81 years. Nineteen reported incomplete defecation sensation (WS) and 16 did not (NS). Recto-anal manometry was performed for all patients. Data are presented as mean±SD.

RESULTS

Resting rectal pressure was 14.4±10.1 mmHg and 8.8±3.9 mmHg, p<.03; first sensation was 61.0±27.8 ml and 83.1±35.7 ml, p<.04; and maximum tolerable volume was 174.2±81.5 ml and 235.0±89.5 ml, p<.04 for WS and NS, respectively. The WS group was further divided into 2 groups according to symptom severity (less severe and very severe). Significant differences were found in resting external anal sphincter pressure (50.4±15.6 and 34.3±17.4, p<.04) and the recto anal inhibitory reflex (48.6±19.8 and 26.3±23.2, p<.03) between the less severe and very severe groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Resting rectal pressure was significantly higher in symptomatic individuals. (2) First sensation and maximum tolerable volume were higher in asymptomatic diabetics. (3) In diabetics with more severe symptoms, the resting external anal sphincter pressures were significantly lower. (4) The degree of relaxation in the recto-anal inhibitory reflex was significantly higher in individuals without complaints.

Gastric ulceration in diabetes mellitus: protective role of vitamin C

The effect of vitamin C administration on gastric acid secretion and ulcer in diabetic rats was studied. Vitamin C (200 mg/kg b.w.) was administered to both streptozotocin-induced diabetic and control groups orally for 28 days. Gastric acid secretion was measured and ulcer was induced using ethanol. Histological changes were observed in the stomach. Basal and stimulated acid secretion in diabetic control rat was significantly (P < 0.01) decreased when compared to vitamin C-treated diabetic group and control. Administration of vitamin C significantly (P < 0.05) increased the histamine-stimulated gastric acid secretion in diabetics than control while reduction in gastric secretion by ranitidine was similar compared with control. Vitamin C treatment significantly (P < 0.05) reduced ulcer index in diabetic group and increased mucus weight when compared with diabetic group which was also confirmed with photomicrographs. The mean body weight of diabetic rats treated with vitamin C was comparable to the control. The blood glucose level was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced in diabetic group given vitamin C (8.9 ± 1.8 mMol/L) compared to the diabetic control (32.2 ± 2.1 g). It is concluded that vitamin C is beneficial in improving gastric acid secretion and protects against ulceration in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in rats due to its antioxidant potential.

Safety and tolerability of exenatide twice daily in patients with type 2 diabetes: integrated analysis of 5594 patients from 19 placebo-controlled and comparator-controlled clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Exenatide twice daily is a first-in-class glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the safety profile of exenatide twice daily and to compare its profile with that of a pooled comparator (placebo and insulin) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Data from 19 completed, randomized, controlled clinical trials of exenatide twice daily (5 μg and 10 μg) were pooled and analyzed; the pooled data included 5594 intent-to-treat patients who were followed for 12-52 weeks. Incidence rates, exposure-adjusted incidence rates, and 95% confidence intervals around risk differences between groups were calculated.

RESULTS

Baseline demographics and exposure time were comparable between groups (exenatide, N = 3261; pooled comparator, N = 2333; mean exposure time 166-171 days). Transient, mild- to-moderate nausea was the most frequent adverse event with exenatide (36.9% versus 8.3% in the pooled comparator). The incidence of hypoglycemia (minor or major) with concomitant sulfonylurea (exenatide 26.5%, pooled comparator 20.7%) was higher than that without sulfonylurea (exenatide 3.1%, pooled comparator 2.7%) in all groups. Serious adverse events, discontinuations due to serious adverse events, and deaths were reported with similar frequency in the exenatide and pooled comparator groups. Composite exposure-adjusted incidence rates were not statistically different between groups for pancreatitis, renal impairment, or major adverse cardiac events; there was a difference in incidence rates for benign thyroid neoplasm (0.3% versus 0%).

CONCLUSION

Overall, this analysis, representing over 1500 patient-years of exposure, demonstrated that exenatide twice daily was safe and generally well tolerated in patients with type 2 diabetes. The incidence of most adverse events, including serious adverse events, was similar in both exenatide-treated and comparator-treated patients. The most distinct differences between groups were in gastrointestinal-related adverse events, which is consistent with other therapies within the glucagon-like peptide class.

Diagnosis, comorbidities, and management of irritable bowel syndrome in patients in a large health maintenance organization

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) imposes significant clinical and economic burdens. We aimed to characterize practice patterns for patients with IBS in a large health maintenance organization, analyzing point of diagnosis, testing, comorbidities, and treatment.

METHODS

Members of Kaiser Permanente Northern California who were diagnosed with IBS were matched to controls by age, sex, and period of enrollment. We compared rates of testing, comorbidities, and interventions.

RESULTS

From 1995-2005, IBS was diagnosed in 141,295 patients (mean age, 46 years; standard deviation, 17 years; 74% female). Internists made 68% of diagnoses, gastroenterologists 13%, and others 19%. Lower endoscopy did not usually precede IBS diagnosis. Patients with IBS were more likely than controls to have blood, stool, endoscopic, and radiologic tests and to undergo abdominal or pelvic operations (odds ratios, 1.5-10.7; all P < .0001). Only 2.7% were tested for celiac disease, and only 1.8% were eventually diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. Chronic pain syndromes, anxiety, and depression were more common among IBS patients than among controls (odds ratios, 2.7-4.6; all P < .0001). Many patients with IBS were treated with anxiolytics (61%) and antidepressants (55%). Endoscopic and radiologic testing was most strongly associated with having IBS diagnosed by a gastroenterologist. Psychotropic medication use was most strongly associated with female sex.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large, managed care cohort, most diagnoses of IBS were made by generalists, often without endoscopic evaluation. Patients with IBS had consistently higher rates of testing, chronic pain syndromes, psychiatric comorbidity, and operations than controls. Most patients with IBS were treated with psychiatric medications.

Treatment of patients with diabetic gastroparesis

Gastroparesis, or chronic delayed gastric emptying without mechanical obstruction, affects about 40% of patients with type 1 diabetes and up to 30% of patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) typically causes nausea, vomiting, early satiety, bloating, and postprandial fullness. These symptoms can be extremely troubling and result in poor quality of life. The diagnosis of DGP is made by documenting the presence of chronic upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, ruling out mechanical obstruction, and demonstrating delayed gastric emptying. The usual treatment for DGP includes dietary modifications, prokinetic agents, and antiemetic agents. Although the majority of patients have mild-to-moderate disease that can be managed using these measures, a substantial percentage of patients have severe DGP that is characterized by inadequate oral intake, malnutrition, weight loss, and frequent hospitalizations. Optimal management of these patients presents a difficult challenge for the clinician, although emerging treatment options, such as gastric neurostimulation, are encouraging. Patients with DGP often present with gastric comorbidities, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, intestinal dysmotility, and fungal and bacterial infections of the GI tract. This monograph will present an overview of the pathophysiology of DGP, review diagnostic testing with a discussion of emerging technology, and present the latest research in treatment options for DGP. In addition, management strategies for refractory DGP and gastric comorbidities will be described.