Effects of liraglutide on obesity-associated functional hypogonadism in men

Lifestyle measures (LSMs) should be the first-line approach offered for obesity-related functional hypogonadism (FH). When LSMs fail, the role of testosterone replacement treatment (TRT) is unclear. GLP1 receptor agonist liraglutide is linked to progressive and sustained weight loss. A potential direct impact of GLP1 on hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis was reported in animal models. We aimed to compare the effects of liraglutide and TRT on FH in obese men that had been poor responders to LSM, by means of reversal of FH and weight reduction. We designed a 16-week prospective randomized open-label study with 30 men (aged 46.5 ± 10.9 years, BMI 41.2 ± 8.4 kg/m2, mean ± s.d.) that were randomized to liraglutide 3.0 mg QD (LIRA) or 50 mg of 1% transdermal gel QD (TRT). Sexual function and anthropometric measures were assessed. Fasting blood was drawn for determination of endocrine and metabolic parameters followed by OGTT. Model-derived parameters including HOMAIR and calculated free testosterone (cFT) were calculated. Total testosterone significantly increased in both arms (+5.9 ± 7.2 in TRT vs +2.6 ± 3.5 nmol/L in LIRA) and led to improved sexual function. LIRA resulted in a significant increase of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (P < 0.001 for between-treatment effect). Subjects treated with LIRA lost on average 7.9 ± 3.8 kg compared with a 0.9 ± 4.5 kg loss in TRT (P < 0.001). Metabolic syndrome was resolved in two patients in LIRA and in no subjects in TRT. Liraglutide was superior to TRT in improving an overall health benefit in men with obesity-associated FH after LSM failed.

Metformin as an initial adjunct to low-dose liraglutide enhances the weight-decreasing potential of liraglutide in obese polycystic ovary syndrome: Randomized control study

Liraglutide (LIRA) treatment is associated with the dose-dependent reduction of weight. Higher doses are more effective than lower doses, although higher doses are also more poorly tolerated. Metformin may enhance the weight-lowering potential of LIRA via the stimulatory modulation of incretin in addition to its direct beneficial effects in PCOS. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether metformin as an adjunct to low-dose LIRA affects body weight with increased efficacy compared with low-dose LIRA alone in obese patients with PCOS. In a 12-week study, 44 obese women with PCOS were randomly offered either combined treatment (COMBO) with 1,000 mg metformin twice a day and 1.2 mg LIRA once a day, or treatment with 1.2 mg LIRA alone. The primary outcome of treatment was an alteration in the levels of obesity. A total of 43 patients [aged 30.3±4.4 years; body mass index (BMI) 37.2±4.5 kg/m²; mean ± standard deviation] completed the study. The subjects treated with COMBO lost on average 6.2±2.4 kg compared with a 3.8±3.5 kg weight loss in the patients treated with LIRA alone (P=0.024). The BMI decreased by 2.2±0.8 kg/m² in patients treated with COMBO and by 1.4±1.2 kg/m² in patients treated with LIRA alone (P=0.024). A clinically significant ≥5% weight reduction was achieved in 59.1% of patients treated with COMBO and 42.9% of patients treated with LIRA alone. Reductions in glucose levels following oral glucose tolerance testing, as well as in androstenedione levels in the COMBO group were significantly greater compared with those in the LIRA group. The side effects were mild and transient in the two treatment groups. A combination of metformin and low-dose LIRA was more effective than low-dose LIRA alone in reducing body weight in obese patients with PCOS.

Long-term efficacy of metformin in overweight-obese PCOS: longitudinal follow-up of retrospective cohort

OBJECTIVE

Long-term efficacy of metformin in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) apart from in those with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes remains unproven. We aimed to evaluate the impact of metformin in overweight-obese patients with PCOS and normal baseline glycemic homeostasis.

METHODS

A 10-year longitudinal follow-up of a retrospective cohort comprising 159 patients with PCOS defined by Rotterdam criteria, BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and normal initial glucose homeostasis (age 28.4 ± 6.4 years, BMI 34.9 ± 6.6 kg/m2) that had been receiving metformin 1000 mg BID. Collection data contained 6085 time-points including anthropometric, hormonal and metabolic parameters.

RESULTS

After the first year body mass (BM) decreased for 3.9 ± 6.8 kg (P < 0.001) and remained stable during the following 3 years. Menstrual frequency (MF) increased to 3.0 ± 3.9 bleeds/year (P < 0.001) after first year to over 11 bleeds/year in the following years. The total testosterone and androstenedione decreased to 15.4 ± 47.9% and 11.3 ± 46.4% within first year, with further decrease in total testosterone and androstenedione to 37.8 ± 61.8 and 24.8 ± 40.5% at the fifth year of the follow-up. The total conversion rate to prediabetes and diabetes was extremely low throughout observation period. Less than 25% of patients continued with metformin for more than 5 years with further dropout to only 6% on metformin therapy at the tenth year of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term metformin treatment of overweight-obese women with PCOS and normal baseline glycemic homeostasis resulted in reduction and stabilization of BM, improvements of MF and androgen profile and low conversion rate to diabetes.

Add on DPP-4 inhibitor alogliptin alone or in combination with pioglitazone improved β-cell function and insulin sensitivity in metformin treated PCOS

PURPOSE

Impaired β-cell function remains unaddressed in PCOS. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor alogliptin (ALO) alone or in combination with pioglitazone (PIO) improves β-cell function along with insulin resistance (IR) in metformin (MET) treated obese women with PCOS with persistent IR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 12-week randomized study, ALO 25 mg QD (n=15) or ALO 25 mg QD and PIO 30 mg QD (n=15) was added to MET 1000 mg BID in PCOS women (aged 34.4 ± 6.5 years, BMI 39.0 ± 4.9 kg/m², HOMA-IR 4.82 ± 2.52, mean ± SD). Model derived parameters of glucose homeostasis from the meal tolerance test (MTT) were determined. The ability of the β-cell function was assessed by the adaptation index (AI).

RESULTS

MET-ALO and MET-ALO-PIO resulted in a significant decrease of HOMA-IR (by 1.6±2.3 (p=0.039) and 2.9±3.3 (p=0.001), respectively) and an increase in insulin sensitivity (IS) after meal ingestion (oral glucose IS) by 31.4±97.5 ml·min^-1·m^-2 (p=0.007) vs 39.0±58.1 ml·min^-1·m^-2 (p=0.039), respectively. AI across the entire group was significantly improved from 329.6±200.6 to 442.5±303.9 (p=0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

ALO alone and in combination with PIO improved IR along with dynamic IS and meal related β-cell function when added to MET treated PCOS.

Expression of miRNA and Occurrence of Distant Metastases in Patients with Hürthle Cell Carcinoma

Background. Hürthle cell thyroid carcinoma (HCTC) is a rare type of thyroid carcinoma. In the present study, we investigated whether the expression of miRNAs of interest is associated with the occurrence of metastases in patients with HCTC. Materials and Methods. In 39 patients with HCTC (22 with nonmetastatic and 17 with regional or distant metastatic disease), the expression levels of six miRNAs (miR-138, miR-183, miR-221, miR-222, miR-768-3p, and miR-885-5p) and U6 snRNA as endogenous control were determined in FFPE samples of primary tumor and normal thyroid tissue using TaqMan miRNA assays. Results. In patients with HCTC, miR-138 and miR-768-3p were downregulated in tumor samples compared to normal tissue (p = 0.013 and p = 0.010, resp.). These two miRNAs were also significantly downregulated in tumor samples of patients with metastatic disease (p = 0.030 and p = 0.048, resp.) but not in patients with nonmetastatic disease (p = 0.249 and p = 0.101, resp.). In patients with nonmetastatic disease, miR-221 and miR-885-5p were slightly, albeit significantly, upregulated in tumorous compared to normal tissue (p = 0.042 and p = 0.027, resp.). Conclusion. Expression of miRNA (miR-183, miR-221, and miR-885-5p) in tumor tissue is associated with the occurrence of distant metastases in patients with HCTC.

The prevalence and characteristics of non-functioning and autonomous cortisol secreting adrenal incidentaloma after patients' stratification by body mass index and age

BACKGROUND

The escalating prevalence of adrenal incidentaloma (AI) has been associated with the improvement of radiologic techniques and widespread imaging in aging population. It is currently unclear whether patients with obesity more likely develop AI and the current rise in the prevalence of AI could be at least partly associated with the respective rise in obesity. We compared the prevalence and characteristics of non-functional (NF) and autonomous cortisol secreting (ACS) adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) after the study population was stratified by different body mass indexes (BMI) and age groups.

METHODS

Retrospective cross-sectional study comprising of 432 patients (40.6% male, 59.4% female) with NFAI (N = 290) and ACS (N = 142), of median age 63.4 (54.0-71.6) years and median BMI 28.6 (25.5-31.7) kg/m². The data collection contained 11.132 points including demographic, anthropometric, radiologic, hormonal and metabolic parameters.

RESULTS

We observed 68-87% higher prevalence of AI across different age groups in NFAI and ACS in obese/overweight compared to normal weight subjects. Patients with ACS were older (P = 0.008), with higher basal cortisol (P < 0.001), lower basal DHEAS (P = 0.001), lower suppression DHEAS (P = 0.027) and higher aldosterone (P = 0.039). AIs with ACS were larger than NFAI (P < 0.001). Interestingly, ACS group had lower body mass (P = 0.023) and did not differ in BMI, blood pressure, heart rate, lipid profile, fasting glucose and presence of diabetes mellitus type 2 when compared to NFAI., By contrast to the similarity of metabolic profiles in ACS and NFAI, some components of adverse metabolic traits were rather associated with higher BMI and older age, in particular in NFAI.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of NFAI and ACS were significantly higher in overweight/obese subgroup across the age distribution. Stratification by age and BMI displayed significant differences in some metabolic traits, in particular in NFAI.

Functional polymorphisms in antioxidant genes in Hurthle cell thyroid neoplasm - an association of GPX1 polymorphism and recurrent Hurthle cell thyroid carcinoma

Background

Hurthle cells of the thyroid gland are very rich in mitochondria and oxidative enzymes. As a high level oxidative metabolism may lead to higher level of oxidative stress and can be associated with an increased risk for cancer, we investigated whether common functional polymorphisms in antioxidant genes (SOD2, CAT, GPX, GSTP1, GSTM1 and GSTT1) are associated with the development or clinical course of Hurthle cell thyroid carcinoma (HCTC).

Methods

A retrospective study was performed in 139 patients treated by thyroid surgery for a Hurthle cell neoplasm. HCTC, Hurthle cell thyroid adenoma (HCTA) or Hurthle cell thyroid nodule (HCTN) were diagnosed by pathomorphology. DNA was extracted from cores of histologically confirmed normal tissue obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens and genotyped for investigated polymorphisms. Logistic regression was used to compare genotype distributions between patient groups.

Results

HCTC, HCTA and HCTN were diagnosed in 53, 47 and 21 patients, respectively. Metastatic disease and recurrence of HCTC were diagnosed in 20 and 16 HCTC patients, respectively. Genotypes and allele frequencies of investigated polymorphisms did not deviate from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in patients with HCTC, HCTA and HCTN. Under the dominant genetic model we observed no differences in the genotype frequency distribution of the investigated polymorphisms when the HCTA and HCTN group was compared to the HCTC group for diagnosis of HCTC or for the presence of metastatic disease. However, GPX1 polymorphism was associated with the occurrence of recurrent disease (p = 0.040).

Conclusions

GPX1 polymorphism may influence the risk for recurrent disease in HCTC.

Dual Role of PTPN22 but Not NLRP3 Inflammasome Polymorphisms in Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease in Children

Genetic polymorphisms in genes coding for inflammasome components nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain leucine rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 8 (CARD8) have been associated with autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases. On the other hand several studies suggested that NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to maintenance of gastrointestinal immune homeostasis and that activation of NLRP3 is regulated by protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor 22 (PTPN22). PTPN22 polymorphism was implicated in the risk for various autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes (T1D) but not for celiac disease (CD). The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of inflammasome related polymorphisms in subjects with either T1D or CD as well as in subjects affected by both diseases. We examined PTPN22 rs2476601 (p.Arg620Trp), NLRP3 rs35829419 (p.Gln705Lys), and CARD8 rs2043211 (p.Cys10Ter) in 66 subjects with coexisting T1D and CD, 65 subjects with T1D who did not develop CD, 67 subjects diagnosed only with CD and 127 healthy unrelated Slovenian individuals. All results were adjusted for clinical characteristic and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) risk. PTPN22 rs2476601 allele was significantly more frequent among subjects with T1D (P_adj = 0.001) and less frequent in subjects with CD (P_adj = 0.039) when compared to controls. In patients with coexisting T1D and CD this variant was significantly less frequent compared to T1D group (P_adj = 0.010). Protective effect on CD development in individuals with T1D was observed only within the low risk HLA group. On the other hand, we found no association of NLRP3 rs35829419 and CARD8 rs2043211 with the development of T1D, CD or both diseases together. In conclusion PTPN22 rs2476601polymorphism was significantly associated with the risk of developing T1D in Slovenian population, while no associations of proinflammatory NLRP3 and CARD8 polymorphisms with T1D and CD were observed. Interestingly, the same PTPN22 variant protected from CD. We hypothesize that this effect may be mediated through the NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

An impaired glucagon-like peptide-1 response is associated with prediabetes in polycystic ovary syndrome with obesity

Objective

Impaired glucose homeostasis in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with obesity, age, and disease phenotype. This study aimed to investigate the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) response in patients with obesity and PCOS with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) or prediabetes.

Methods

Twenty-six women with obesity and PCOS were included. Thirteen women had NGT and 13 had prediabetes. Serum glucose, insulin, and GLP-1 levels were measured during an oral glucose tolerance test. Beta-cell function and insulin resistance were determined.

Results

Women with prediabetes had significantly lower GLP-1 levels than did those with NGT after a glucose load. GLP-1 levels <3.02 pM at 120 minutes were associated with prediabetes. Women with prediabetes had a lower oral glucose insulin sensitivity (OGIS) index and greater amount of visceral adipose tissue than did those with NGT. Plasma GLP-1 levels at 120 minutes were correlated with visceral adiposity and the OGIS index. A change in GLP-1 levels was correlated with a family history of type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion

The GLP-1 response is lower in patients with obesity, PCOS, and prediabetes than in those with obesity, PCOS, and NGT. Further investigation of the GLP-1 response as a potential separate risk factor for prediabetes in PCOS is required.

Genetic polymorphisms in aquaporin 1 as risk factors for malignant mesothelioma and biomarkers of response to cisplatin treatment

Background Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an asbestos related aggressive tumor with poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate if aquaporin 1 (AQP1) genetic polymorphisms influence the risk of MM and the response to cisplatin based MM treatment. Patients and methods The case-control study included 231 patients with MM and a control group of 316 healthy blood donors. All subjects were genotyped for three AQP1polymorphisms (rs1049305, rs1476597 and rs28362731). Logistic and Cox regression were used in statistical analysis. Results AQP1 rs1049305 polymorphism was significantly associated with MM risk in dominant model adjusted for gender and age (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.37-0.96, Padj = 0.033). This polymorphism was also significantly associated with cisplatin based treatment related anaemia (unadjusted: OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.27-0.90, P = 0.021; adjusted: for CRP: OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.27-0.99, P = 0.046), with leukopenia (OR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.00-4.35, P = 0.049) in dominant model and with thrombocytopenia (OR = 3.06, 95% CI = 1.01-9.28, P = 0.048) and alopecia (OR = 2.92, 95% CI = 1.00-8.46, P = 0.049) in additive model. AQP1 rs28362731 was significantly associated with thrombocytopenia (unadjusted: OR = 3.73, 95% CI = 1.00-13.84, P = 0.049; adjusted for pain: OR = 4.63, 95% CI = 1.13-19.05, P = 0.034) in additive model. Conclusions AQP1 may play a role in the risk of MM. Furthermore, AQP1 genotype information could improve the prediction of MM patients at increased risk for cisplatin toxicity.

Comparison of plasma metanephrines in patients with cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart disease

PURPOSE

The co-occurrence of cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) and PHEO/PGL has been reported, but the role of the hypoxic environment in the pathogenesis of PHEO/PGL remains unclear. Our aim was to compare plasma metanephrine and normetanephrine levels between patients with CCHD and patients with acyanotic congenital heart disease (ACCHD).

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study in a prospective cohort of 44 patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) (31 (70.5%) females) with a median age of 37.5 (31.0-55.6) years at the time of evaluation. Thirty-two (73%) patients had CCHD and 12 (27%) patients had ACCHD. Morning blood samples for plasma determination of metanephrine and normetanephrine were collected.

RESULTS

Plasma normetanephrine levels were significantly higher in patients with CCHD compared to ACCHD (p = 0.002). Ten (31.3%) patients with CCHD had plasma normetanephrine levels elevated above the reference range, while all ACCHD patients had normal levels. Patients with lower oxygen saturation and higher proBNP had significantly higher normetanephrine levels (ρ = -0.444, p = 0.003 and ρ = 0.449, p = 0.002, respectively). No chromaffin cell tumors were detected.

CONCLUSION

Increased plasma normetanephrine levels in patients with CCHD can be explained by the effect of hypoxia. Future research is needed to better understand the impact of chronic hypoxia in CCHD on increased sympathetic outflow, hyperplastic response of chromaffin tissue, and the role of somatic mutations in CCHD-PHEO/PGL pathogenesis related to hypoxia.

Antioxidant defence-related genetic variants are not associated with higher risk of secondary thyroid cancer after treatment of malignancy in childhood or adolescence

Background

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common secondary cancers after treatment of malignancy in childhood or adolescence. Thyroid gland is very sensitive to the carcinogenic effect of ionizing radiation, especially in children. Imbalance between pro- and anti-oxidant factors may play a role in thyroid carcinogenesis. Our study aimed to assess the relationship between genetic variability of antioxidant defence-related genes and the risk of secondary thyroid cancer after treatment of malignancy in childhood or adolescence.

Patients and methods

In a retrospective study, we compared patients with childhood or adolescence primary malignancy between 1960 and 2006 that developed a secondary thyroid cancer (cases) with patients (controls), with the same primary malignancy but did not develop any secondary cancer. They were matched for age, gender, primary diagnosis and treatment (especially radiotherapy) of primary malignancy. They were all genotyped for SOD2 p.Ala16Val, CAT c.-262C>T, GPX1 p.Pro200Leu, GSTP1 p.Ile105Val, GSTP1 p.Ala114Val and GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletions. The influence of polymorphisms on occurrence of secondary cancer was examined by McNemar test and Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Between 1960 and 2006 a total of 2641 patients were diagnosed with primary malignancy before the age of 21 years in Slovenia. Among them 155 developed a secondary cancer, 28 of which were secondary thyroid cancers. No significant differences in the genotype frequency distribution were observed between cases and controls. Additionally we observed no significant influence of investigated polymorphisms on time to the development of secondary thyroid cancer.

Conclusions

We observed no association of polymorphisms in antioxidant genes with the risk for secondary thyroid cancer after treatment of malignancy in childhood or adolescence. However, thyroid cancer is one of the most common secondary cancers in patients treated for malignancy in childhood or adolescence and the lifelong follow up of these patients is of utmost importance.

Natural history of nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas: a 10-year longitudinal follow-up study

Most data on the natural history of nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAI) are provided by follow-ups up to 5 years. We conducted a 10.5 (9.1-11.9)-year prospective follow-up study of NFAI in 67 participants (20 (29.9%) males, 47 (70.1%) females) of mean age 57.9 (52.3-63.9) years and BMI 27.42 (24.07-30.56) kg/m2). We also evaluated the associations between baseline BMI and changes of NFAIs' characteristics at follow-up. Progression to mild autonomous cortisol excess (MACE) was observed in 15 (22 %) patients, with 14 of them having post overnight dexamethasone suppression test (ODST) cortisol between 50 and138 nmol/L and only one > 138 nmol/L. The progression rate was significantly higher in overweight and obese than in normal-weight subjects. Patients that developed MACE had a significantly higher baseline mean cortisol after 1 mg ODST. Tumor enlargement ≥10 mm occurred in 8.9% of patients. In comparison with reports of shorter observational periods, we observed a higher growth rate ≥ 10 mm and higher progression rate from NFAI to MACE, particularly in overweight and obese subjects. All tumors had persistent radiological characteristics typical for adrenal adenoma. We concluded that the duration of the follow-up period is an important factor in characterizing the natural history of NFAI. Higher baseline BMI and higher baseline cortisol after ODST might predict the long-term likelihood of progression in hormonal activity. The magnitudes of observed progressions in growth or hormonal activity were clinically insignificant. Our long-term follow-up, therefore, clearly supports the general view that a long-term monitoring of patients with NFAI is not necessary.

Factors associated with degraded trabecular bone score in heart transplant recipients

Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a textural index that provides indirect evaluation of trabecular microarchitecture. It improves fracture risk assessment in several high-risk populations. We aimed to evaluate the role of TBS assessment in heart transplant recipients (HTR). In a cross-sectional study with 87 HTR (69 males and 18 females), we assessed TBS and evaluated potential associations between TBS and factors related to increased fracture risk. We also evaluated the correlations between the presence of vertebral fractures (VF) and degraded TBS. We confirmed degraded TBS in the majority of HTR. 27.6% of HTR had partially degraded, 27.6% had degraded TBS. HTR with degraded TBS were older, had higher body mass index, lower bone mineral density (BMD), and T-score. As opposed to stable BMD over different time points, TBS significantly differed among different post-transplant time periods. TBS did not correlate with current methylprednisolone or past zoledronic acid treatment, presence of hypogonadism or diabetes. TBS did not have additional value over BMD in predicting the presence of VF. Most fractures occurred in patients with osteopenia and in patients with partly degraded TBS. Studies with longitudinal designs and larger sample sizes are warranted to further assess the potential role of TBS in HRT.

Matrix metalloproteinases 9 and 14 polymorphisms and long-term complications in surgically treated breast cancer patients

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Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-containing endopeptidases that are involved in tissue remodeling. They can regulate interactions of cells with extracellular matrix and can play a role in wound healing. High levels of metalloproteinases have been correlated with significantly delayed wound healing in wounds of a variety of etiologies. The aim of our present study was to evaluate the association of MMP9 and MMP14 genetic polymorphisms with long-term complications of surgical treatment in breast cancer patients. Methods: The study included 99 breast cancer patients treated with either 75 or 37.5 mg of tramadol for pain relief after axillary breast cancer surgery as part of a randomized clinical trial KCT 04/2015-DORETAonko/si at Institute of Oncology Ljubljana. All patients were genotyped for MMP9 polymorphisms rs2250889, rs17577, rs17576, and rs20544 as well as MMP14 rs1042703, rs1042704, and rs743257. The association of genetic factors with long-term complications was evaluated using logistic regression. Results: One year after surgery, 24 (24.2%) patients had lymphedema, 25 (25.3%) experienced neuropathic pain and 21 (21.1%) experienced chronic pain. Carriers of polymorphic MMP9 rs2250889 allele experienced significantly more lymphedema compared to carriers of two wild-type alleles (OR = 3.45, 95% CI = 1.10-10.84, P = 0.034), even after adjustment for tramadol dose (OR = 3.76, 95% CI = 1.16-12.18, P = 0.027). Carriers of polymorphic MMP14 rs1042704 allele experienced more neuropathic pain compared to carriers of two wild-type alleles (OR = 3.21, 95% CI = 1.26-8.20, P = 0.015), even after adjustment for tramadol dose (OR = 3.80, 95% CI = 1.42-10.17, P = 0.008). Conclusions: MMP genetic variability was associated with long-term complications after axillary surgery in breast cancer patients, suggesting that MMPs may have an important role as modulators of wound healing.

Association of OPRM1, MIR23B, and MIR107 genetic variability with acute pain, chronic pain and adverse effects after postoperative tramadol and paracetamol treatment in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Tramadol is an opioid analgesic often used for pain management after breast cancer surgery. Its analgesic activity is due to the activation of the μ-opioid receptor, encoded by the OPRM1 gene. This study investigated the association of genetic variability in OPRM1 and its regulatory miRNA genes with outcomes of tramadol/paracetamol treatment after breast cancer surgery with axillary lymphadenectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 113 breast cancer patients after breast cancer surgery with axillary lymphadenectomy treated with either 75/650 mg or 37.5/325 mg of tramadol with paracetamol for pain relief within the randomized clinical trial KCT 04/2015-DORETAonko/si at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana. All patients were genotyped for OPRM1 rs1799971 and rs677830, MIR23B rs1011784, and MIR107 rs2296616 using competitive allele-specific PCR. The association of genetic factors with acute and chronic pain as well as adverse effects of tramadol treatment was evaluated using logistic regression, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

The investigated OPRM1 related polymorphisms were not associated with acute pain assessed with the VAS scale within four weeks after surgery (all P > 0.05). Carriers of at least one polymorphic OPRM1 rs1799971 allele had a higher risk of constipation in the first four weeks after surgery compared to non-carriers (OR = 4.5, 95% CI = 1.6-12.64, P = 0.004). Carriers of at least one polymorphic OPRM1 rs677830 allele had a higher risk of constipation after third week of tramadol treatment (OR = 3.11, 95% CI = 1.08-8.89, P = 0.035). Furthermore, carriers of two polymorphic MIR23B rs1011784 alleles had a higher risk of nausea after 28 days of tramadol treatment (OR = 7.35, 95% CI = 1.27-42.6, P = 0.026), while heterozygotes for MIR107 rs2296616 allele had a lower risk of nausea after 21 days of tramadol treatment (OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.05-0.87, P = 0.031). In carriers of two polymorphic MIR107 rs2296616 alleles, chronic pain was significantly more common than in carriers of two wild-type alleles (P = 0.004). Carriers of at least one polymorphic MIR23B rs1011784 allele experienced more neuropathic pain after adjustment for tramadol dose (OR = 2.85, 95% CI = 1.07-7.59, P = 0.036), while carriers of at least one polymorphic OPRM1 rs677830 allele experienced less neuropathic pain compared to carriers of two wild-type alleles (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.15-0.99, P = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic variability of OPRM1 and genes coding for miRNAs that could affect OPRM1 expression may be associated with adverse effects of tramadol/paracetamol treatment as well as with chronic and neuropathic pain after breast cancer surgery with axillary lymphadenectomy.

HIF1A genetic variability and late adverse events of radiotherapy in breast cancer

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Background: Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are transcription factors that play an important part in the regulation of various cell processes involved in carcinogenesis such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Additionally, hypoxia could influence response to radiotherapy and radiation was shown to stabilize HIF-1α and affect release of cytokines. Previous studies have already shown that HIF1A genetic variability may modify cancer susceptibility, but data on its influence on treatment response are scarce. As nicotine induces HIF-1α expression, smoking could also modify treatment response. Our aim was to evaluate the association of common functional HIF1A rs11549465 polymorphism and smoking with late adverse events of radiotherapy in breast cancer patients. Methods: Our pilot retrospective study included 92 HER2-positive early breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant radiotherapy between 2005 and 2011. We isolated DNA from buccal swabs and genotyped all patients for HIF1A rs11549465 using competitive allele-specific PCR. Association of polymorphisms with adverse events and interaction with smoking was evaluated using logistic regression. Results: Median follow-up after radiotherapy was 4.2 (2.6-5.5) years. Overall, 30 (32.6%) patients reported late adverse events according to LENT-SOMA criteria, and 11 (12.0%) experienced skin toxicity according to CTCAE v.4.0 (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events). Only 15 (16.3%) of patients were smokers. Minor allele frequency of HIF1A rs11549465 was 0.07. The studied polymorphism was not associated with late adverse events (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.18-3.06, P = 0.688) or late skin toxicity (OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.08-6.15, P = 0.756) in our cohort of patients. We also observed no interaction between smoking, HIF1A genetic variability and late adverse events of radiotherapy. Conclusions: HIF1A rs11549465 was not associated with late adverse events of radiotherapy even if smoking was taken into account in our cohort of breast cancer patients.

Genetic variability of tramadol pharmacokinetic genes and pain treatment outcome after breast cancer surgery

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Background: Tramadol is a treatment of choice for pain management after axillary lymph node dissection in breast cancer patients. Tramadol is metabolized via CYP2D6 and UGT2B7, while ABCB1, ABCC2 and SLC22A1 are involved in transport of tramadol metabolites. Genetic variability of metabolizing enzymes or drug transporters may therefore affect efficacy and adverse effects of tramadol. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of genetic variability in tramadol pharmacokinetics pathway on long-term outcome of tramadol pain treatment after breast cancer surgery. Methods: The study included 102 breast cancer patients treated with either 75 or 37.5 mg of tramadol for pain relief after breast cancer surgery including axillary lymph node dissection as part of a randomized clinical trial KCT 04/2015-DORETAonko/si at Institute of Oncology Ljubljana. All patients were genotyped for 14 polymorphisms in ABCB1, ABCC2, CYP2D6, SLC22A1 and UGT2B7 genes, as well as for CYP2D6 duplication and deletion. CYP2D6 phenotype was predicted from the genotype data and patients were categorized as poor (PM), intermediate, extensive or ultrarapid metabolizers. The association of genetic factors with pain one year after treatment was evaluated using logistic regression and Mann-Whitney test. Results: One year after treatment, 21 (20.8%) patients were still experiencing chronic and 25 (24.8%) neuropathic pain. CYP2D6 PMs were significantly more likely to experience chronic and neuropathic pain after tramadol treatment (OR = 5.96, 95% CI = 1.22-29.13, p = 0.027 and OR = 9.31, 95% CI = 1.65-50.59, p = 0.011, respectively), even after adjustment for tramadol dose (p = 0.032 and p = 0.016, respectively). PMs also had higher average pain intensity compared to others regardless of tramadol dose (p = 0.042). In patients receiving lower tramadol dose, ABCB1 rs1128503, rs2032582 and rs1045642 were associated with more chronic pain in the dominant model (p = 0.004, p = 0.004 and p = 0.047, respectively). Conclusions: Genetic variability in tramadol pharmacokinetics pathway may be associated with pain treatment outcome in breast cancer patients, therefore pharmacogenetic testing could enable more effective tramadol treatment. Clinical trial information: EudraCT 2015-000992-28.

Telomere length and TERT polymorphisms as biomarkers in asbestos-related diseases

BACKGROUND

Asbestos exposure has been proposed as a risk factor for shorter telomere length. The aim of our study was to investigate whether telomere length in leukocytes and hTERT genetic polymorphisms may serve as potential biomarkers for the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases and as biomarkers of progression and chemotherapy response rate in malignant mesothelioma (MM).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We conducted two retrospective studies. In the first study, a case-control study, telomere length and hTERT polymorphisms were determined in patients with MM, subjects with pleural plaques and controls without the asbestos related disease, who were occupationally exposed to asbestos. In the second study, a longitudinal observational study, telomere length was also determined in samples from MM patients before and after chemotherapy. Telomere length was determined by monochromatic multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), while competitive allele-specific PCR was used to genotype hTERT rs10069690, rs2736100 and rs2736098. Logistic regression and survival analysis were used in statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Patients with MM had shorter telomere length than subjects with pleural plaques (p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, rs2736098 CT, and rs10069690 TT and CT+TT genotypes were significantly associated with a higher risk of MM (padj = 0.023; padj = 0.026 and padj = 0.017), while rs2736100 AA and CA+AA genotypes conferred to a lower risk for MM compared to all other subjects (padj = 0.017, and padj = 0.026). Telomere length was not associated with a response to chemotherapy (p > 0.05) or time to disease progression (p > 0.05). Carriers of one or two polymorphic rs10069690 T alleles had a good response to chemotherapy (p = 0.039, and p = 0.048), these associations remained statistically significant after adjustment for age (padj = 0.019; padj = 0.017). Carriers of two polymorphic rs2736100 A alleles had a longer time to disease progression (p = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

Shorter telomere length and hTERT polymorphisms may serve as a biomarker for the risk of developing MM. Additionally, rs10069690 and rs2736100 polymorphisms, but not telomere length, were associated with a chemotherapy response or MM progression.

The endocrine manifestations of adults with spinal muscular atrophy

INTRODUCTION/AIMS

Changes in body composition in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) can cause endocrine abnormalities that are insufficiently studied in adults. We aimed to assess the endocrine profile in a cohort of adults with SMA. Second, we compared body composition and endocrine profiles between nonambulatory and ambulatory patients and between different types of SMA.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study included 29 SMA patients (18 [62.1%] males and 11 [37.9%] females) of median age 44 (IQR 30-51.5) years with type 2, 3, or 4. Body composition was measured by bioimpedance. Morning blood samples were drawn for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, testosterone, cortisol, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Blood glucose, insulin, and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) were measured during a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. The homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance index was calculated.

RESULTS

In total, 75.9% of patients had increased fat mass (FM), with 51.7% having an increase despite normal body mass index. Ambulation was the most important discriminating factor of body composition. 93.1% of patients had metabolic abnormalities, including hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Increased BHB, a marker of ketosis, was present in more than a third of patients. Functional hypogonadism was present in half of male patients. Testosterone and IGF-1 negatively correlated with FM.

DISCUSSION

Adult patients with SMA had abnormal body composition and highly prevalent metabolic disturbances that might increase cardiometabolic risk. Because treatments have modified the course of SMA, it is important to investigate whether these observations translate into clinically relevant outcomes.

Association of OPRM1, MIR23B, and MIR107 genetic variability with acute and chronic pain after postoperative tramadol treatment in breast cancer

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Background: Tramadol is an opioid analgesic often used for pain management after axillary lymph node dissection in breast cancer. It exerts its analgesic activity through activation of the G protein-coupled µ-opioid receptor, encoded by the OPRM1 gene. Genetic factors that may modify activity or expression of OPRM1 could thus affect the efficacy of tramadol treatment. This study investigated the association of genetic variability of OPRM1 and genes coding for miRNAs regulating OPRM1 expression with pain management in breast cancer patients treated with tramadol after surgery. Methods: The study included 113 breast cancer patients treated with either 75 or 37.5 mg of tramadol for pain relief after breast cancer surgery within the randomized clinical trial KCT 04/2015-DORETAonko/si at Institute of Oncology Ljubljana. All patients were genotyped for OPRM1 rs1799971 and rs677830, MIR23B rs1011784 and MIR107 rs2296616 using competitive allele-specific PCR. The association of genetic factors with acute and chronic pain was evaluated using logistic regression, Fisher’s exact test and Mann-Whitney test. Results: The investigated OPRM1 related genetic factors were not associated with acute pain measured using VAS scale within four weeks after surgery, even after adjustment for tramadol dose (all P > 0.05). One year after surgery, 21 (21.1%) patients experienced chronic pain and 25 (25.3%) experienced neuropathic pain. In carriers of two polymorphic MIR107 rs2296616 alleles, chronic pain was significantly more common compared to carriers of two wild-type alleles (35.3% compared to 0% of patients, P = 0.004). Carriers of at least one polymorphic MIR23B rs1011784 allele experienced more neuropathic pain compared to carriers of two wild-type alleles after adjustment for tramadol dose (OR = 2.85, 95% CI = 1.07-7.59, P = 0.036). Conclusions: Genetic variability of miRNAs that could affect OPRM1 expression may be associated with chronic pain in breast cancer patients treated with postoperative tramadol.

SUN-221 Effects of Liraglutide on Obesity-Associated Functional Hypogonadism in Men: A Randomized, Testosterone Replacement Treatment-Controlled Study

Objective: Obesity causes functional hypogonadism(FH) due to suppression of hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis that is potentially reversible. Weight reduction with lifestyle measures (LSM) should be recommended as a first line treatment approach. In clinical practice, LSM often fails and may be insufficient to relieve symptoms of FH. A role of testosterone replacement treatment (TRT), after a trail of unsuccessful LSM, is unclear. In selected patients, TRT could be started concomitantly or in addition to LSM to augment the benefits of LSM, although the quality of evidence supporting this concept is low. GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide is linked to progressive and sustained weight loss. Furthermore, a potential direct impact of GL-P1 agonism on hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis was reported in preclinical models. Despite the fact, that the prevalence of FH in obese men is high, the impact of liraglutide on FH in obese men with or without diabetes has not yet been addressed in a randomized prospective clinical study. Aim: We aimed to compare the effects of liraglutide and TRT on FH in obese men that had been poor responders to LSM, by means of reversal of FH and weight reduction. Design:We designed 16-week prospective randomized open-label studywith 30 men (aged 46.5±10.9years, BMI 41.2±8.4 kg/m2, mean ± SD) that were randomized to liraglutide 3.0 mg QD (LIRA) or 50 mg of 1% transdermal gel QD (TRT). Methods: Sexual function with standardized questionnaires and anthropometric measures were assessed. A fasting blood was drawn for determination of endocrine and metabolic parameters followed by OGTT. Model-derived parameters including HOMA_IRand calculated free testosterone (cFT) were calculated.Results: Total testosterone (+5.9±7.2 in TRT vs +2.6±3.5 nmol/l in LIRA) and the sexual function significantly increased in both arms, with no significant between treatment differences. SHBG tended to increase in LIRA. There was a significant differential effect on HPT axis resulting in further suppression of LH and FSH in TRT and a significant increase of LH and FSH in LIRA (p<0.001). Subjects treated with LIRA lost on average 7.9±3.8 kg compared with a 0.9±4.5 kg loss in TRT (P<0.001). LIRA was also superior in reduction of waist circumference. Metabolic syndrome was resolved in two patients in LIRA and in no subjects in TRT.Conclusions: When LSM fails and bariatric surgery is not yet indicated, anti-obesity treatment with liraglutide should be advised over TRT, by means of overall health benefit improvement in men with obesity-associated FH. Future studies should investigate the complex crosstalk between GLP-1 and HPT axis beyond the mere impact of the magnitude of weight reduction.