Plasma myeloperoxidase is inversely associated with endothelium-dependent vasodilation in elderly subjects with abnormal glucose metabolism

Myeloperoxidase (MPO), a biomarker related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and nitric oxide scavenging, has been shown to impair endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Because elevated hydrogen peroxide concentrations in diabetic vessels may enhance MPO activity, we hypothesized that a stronger association of MPO with flow-mediated dilation (FMD) may be found in subjects with abnormal glucose metabolism. Myeloperoxidase concentrations were measured in EDTA plasma samples from participants of a population-based cohort study, including 230 subjects with normal glucose metabolism and 386 with abnormal glucose metabolism. Vascular function was expressed as FMD and nitroglycerin-mediated dilation of the brachial artery. In subjects with abnormal glucose metabolism, MPO was negatively associated with FMD (−20.9 [95% confidence interval {CI}, −41.7 to −0.2] -μm change in FMD per SD increment of MPO). This association remained significant after adjustment for nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (−31.1 [95% CI, −50.0 to −12.3]) and was not attenuated after further adjustment for established risk factors. In subjects with normal glucose metabolism, MPO was not significantly associated with FMD (2.0 [95% CI, −16.0 to 20.0]). In conclusion, in subjects with abnormal glucose metabolism, plasma levels of MPO are inversely associated with endothelium-dependent vasodilation, possibly reflecting enhancement of MPO activity by vascular oxidative stress.     

Peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance

Summary Recent evidence suggests that the post-prandial hyperglycaemia in impaired glucose tolerance is primarily due to impaired suppression of basal hepatic glucose output. This in turn appears to be secondary to decreased first phase insulin secretion, although decreased hepatic insulin sensitivity, which is a feature of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, might also play a role. Eight mildly overweight subjects with impaired glucose tolerance and eight closely matched control subjects with normal glucose tolerance underwent an intravenous glucose tolerance test to assess first phase insulin secretion. Insulin sensitivity was examined by a 150-min hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp. Somatostatin was infused from 150 min to suppress endogenous insulin secretion, and glucagon and insulin were replaced by constant infusion. Glucose with added dideuterated glucose (labelled infusion technique) was infused to maintain euglycaemia. First phase insulin secretion ( 0–10 min insulin area ÷ 0–10 min glucose area) was significantly decreased in the subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (median [range]: 1.2 [0.2–19.4] vs 9.1 [2.6–14.5] mU·mmol^–1; p<0.01). During the clamp, circulating insulin (93±8 [mean±SEM] and 81±10 mU·l^–1) and glucagon (54±4 and 44±6 ng·l^–1) levels were comparable. Total glucose disposal was decreased in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (2.78±0.27 vs 4.47±0.53 mg·kg^–1·min^–1; p<0.02), and was primarily due to decreased non-oxidative glucose disposal. However, hepatic glucose output rates were comparable during the clamp (0.38±0.10 and 0.30±0.18 mg·kg^–1·min^–1). Therefore, the main defects in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance are decreased first phase insulin secretion and peripheral non-oxidative glucose disposal, but hepatic glucose output shows normal responsiveness to insulin.Abbreviations FPIS First phase insulin secretion - PG plasma glucose - NIDDM non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus - IGT impaired glucose tolerance - HGO hepatic glucose output - IVGTT intravenous glucose tolerance test - OGTT oral glucose tolerance test     

The insulin sensitivity, glucose sensitivity, and acute insulin response to glucose load in adolescent type 2 diabetes in Taiwanese

BACKGROUND: Insulin sensitivity (SI), glucose sensitivity (SG), acute insulin response to glucose load (AIR), and obesity in adolescent type 2 diabetes patients (young diabetes, YDM) in Taiwan were studied. METHODS: Forty patients diagnosed at <22 years of age were enrolled and divided into non-obese (NOYDM, BMI < 27 kg/m(2)) and obese groups (OBYDM BMI > 27 kg/m(2)). Adult-onset type 2 diabetes patients (ADM) >40 years old (n = 41) and nondiabetic young adults (N) (n = 23) served as controls. Fasting plasma lipids, insulin, and glucose were measured. Homeostasis model assessment was calculated to estimate insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function. A frequent-sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed to evaluate SI, SG, and AIR. RESULTS: SI and AIR were significantly lower in YDM and ADM than in N (0.92 +/- 0.13, 0.8 +/- 0.15 and 3.24 +/- 0.47 x 10(-4)/U/mL for SI; 40.3 +/- 20.3, 107.3 +/- 50.2, 1208 +/- 306.3 uU/min for AIR). SG of YDM and ADM were lower compared with N (0.014 +/- 0.00138, 0.0292 +/- 0.0058 vs 0.034 +/- 0.0086 min(-1) respectively). No difference was noted between YDM and ADM. SI and SG were not different in NOYDM and OBYDM. AIR was higher in OBYDM (83.6 +/- 34.3 vs -7.6 +/- 13.66 uU/min). CONCLUSIONS: YDM had defects in SI, SG, and AIR compared to N, which was similar to the pathophysiology of ADM. The results imply that YDM may be either a different subtype of diabetes or the same type of diabetes as ADM, with severe defects associated with earlier age of onset. OBYDM had higher AIR than NOYDM.     

Rosiglitazone improves insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance and ambulatory blood pressure in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance.

AIMS: To determine the effects of rosiglitazone on insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance and ambulatory blood pressure when administered to subjects with persistent impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). METHODS: Eighteen subjects with persistent IGT were randomized to receive rosiglitazone 4 mg twice daily or matching placebo for 12 weeks. Evaluation at baseline and at the end of treatment included measurement of whole body insulin sensitivity during a euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp and deriving an insulin sensitivity index. Changes in glucose and insulin concentration were determined after oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and mixed meal tolerance tests, and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure was monitored. RESULTS: Rosiglitazone significantly improved the insulin sensitivity index by 2.26 micro g/kg per min per pmol/l relative to placebo (P = 0.0003). Four of nine subjects receiving rosiglitazone reverted to normal glucose tolerance and 5/9 remained IGT, although four of these had improved 2-h glucose values. In the placebo group, 1/9 subjects progressed to Type 2 diabetes and 8/9 remained IGT. Following OGTT and meal tolerance test, glucose and insulin area under curve were reduced over 3 and 4 h, respectively. Compared with placebo, ambulatory blood pressure decreased significantly in the rosiglitazone group by 10 mmHg systolic (P = 0.0066) and 8 mmHg diastolic (P = 0.0126). CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with its effects in patients with Type 2 diabetes, rosiglitazone substantially improved whole body insulin sensitivity and the glycaemic and insulinaemic responses to an OGTT and meal tolerance test in subjects with persistent IGT. Furthermore, rosiglitazone reduced systolic and diastolic ambulatory blood pressure in these subjects.     

Arterial lipid metabolism in relation,to blood glucose and plasma insulin in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Summary D-glucose-U-¹⁴C incorporation into arterial lipidsin vitro was greater (p<0.025) in control than in streptozotocin-treated (65 mg/kg) rats. A significant positive correlation between this effect and the plasma immunoreactive insulin levels was achieved, although there was no correlation with the blood glucose levels. It is suggested that the state of circulating insulin in the animal is important in modifying arterial lipid metabolism independent of changes in serum lipids.

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Lipidmetabolismus der Arterien in Beziehung zu Blutzucker und Plasmainsulin bei der Ratte mit Streptozotozin-Diabetes

Zusammenfassung Die Inkorporation von D-U-¹⁴C-Glucose in die Lipide der Arterien warin vitro bei den Kontrolltieren höher (p < 0,025) als bei den mit Streptozotozin (65 mg/kg) behandelten Ratten. Eine signifikant positive Korrelation konnte zwischen diesem Effekt und dem immunologisch reaktiven Plasmainsulin gefunden werden, obgleich keine Korrelation mit den Blutzuckerwerten bestand. Es wird angenommen, daß die Menge des im Tier zirkulierenden Insulins wesentlich ist, um den arteriellen Lipidmetabolismus unabhängig von den Veränderungen der Serumlipide zu beeinflussen.

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Métabolisme des lipides des artères en relation avec le glucose sanguin et l'insuline du plasma chez le rat rendu diabétique par la streptozotocine

Résumé L'incorporation du D-glucose-U-¹⁴C dans les lipides des artèresin vitro était plus grande (p<0.025) chez les témoins que chez les rats traités à la streptozotocine (65 mg/kg). Une corrélation positive et significative entre cet effet et les taux de l'insuline immunoréactive du plasma a été réalisée, bien qu'il n'y ait aucune corrélation avec les taux du glucose sanguin. On suggère que le taux de l'insuline circulant dans l'animal est important par le fait qu'il modifie le métabolisme des lipides des artères indépendamment des changements dans les lipides du sérum.

     

Defective glucose and lipid metabolism in rheumatoid arthritis is determined by chronic inflammation in metabolic tissues

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are at increased risk of insulin resistance (IR); however, the specific mechanisms mediating this association are currently unknown.

Objective

To investigate whether the inflammatory activity associated with RA accounts for the observed defective glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism in these patients.

Methods

We followed two main strategies: (i) extensive metabolic profiling of a RA cohort of 100 patients and 50 healthy control subjects and (ii) mechanistic studies carried out in both a collagen‐induced arthritis mouse model and 3T3‐L1 adipocytes treated with conditioned serum from RA patients.

Results

Following the exclusion of obese and diabetic subjects, data from RA patients demonstrated a strong link between the degree of systemic inflammation and the development of IR. These results were strengthened by the observation that induction of arthritis in mice resulted in a global inflammatory state characterized by defective carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in different tissues. Adipose tissue was most susceptible to the RA‐induced metabolic alterations. These metabolic effects were confirmed in adipocytes treated with serum from RA patients.

Conclusions

Our results show that the metabolic disturbances associated with RA depend on the degree of inflammation and identify inflammation of adipose tissue as the initial target leading to IR and the associated molecular disorders of carbohydrate and lipid homeostasis. Thus, we anticipate that therapeutic strategies based on tighter control of inflammation and flares could provide promising approaches to normalize and/or prevent metabolic alterations associated with RA.     

Plasma relaxin concentration is related to beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus

The aim of the study was to assess whether HbA_1c levels reflected mean blood glucose (MBG) levels in Type 2 diabetes. Despite the good correlation between HbA_1c and MBG, one-third of the patients had consistently higher HbA_1c or lower HbA_1c levels than that expected under the hypothesis that HbA_1c is solely determined by MBG, suggesting the existence of different haemoglobin glycation phenotypes. The use of HbA_1c alone for glycemic control monitoring in these patients could be insufficient to clearly trace their risk of complications.     

肥胖和非肥胖糖耐量受损患者胰岛素敏感性和1相胰岛素分泌研究

目的研究肥胖和非肥胖糖耐量受损(IGT)患者的胰岛素敏感性和β细胞1相胰岛素分泌功能,以探讨在IGT患者中肥胖对胰岛素抵抗和1相胰岛素分泌的影响。方法共有99位受试者(包括正常对照者32名,肥胖IGT44例,非肥胖IGT23例)接受了口服75 g葡萄糖耐量试验(OGTT)和胰岛素改良的减少样本数(采血样12次)的Bergman微小模型技术结合静脉葡萄糖耐量试验(FSIGTT)。胰岛素抵抗由FSIGTT中胰岛素敏感性指数(SI)加以评估,而OGTT中糖负荷后30 min胰岛素增值与血糖增值之比值[ΔI30/ΔG30=(I30 min-I0 min) /(G30 min-G0 min)]和FSIGTT中急性胰岛素分泌反应(AIRg)则用以评价胰岛β细胞分泌功能。处理指数(DI =AIRg×SI)用于评价AIRg是否代偿机体的胰岛素抵抗。结果与正常对照组[(7.52±10.89)×10-4]相比,二组IGT患者之SI明显降低,而肥胖IGT组的SI[(1.72±1.11)×10-4]较非肥胖组[(3.15±1.49)×10-4]更低(均P<0.01); AIRg和ΔI30/ΔG30在正常组(412±191,14.45±8.47)和肥胖IGT组(378±235,17.02±11.30)之间差异无统计学意义,但均大于非肥胖组(196±160,8.93±6.69,均P<0.01);与正常组(2 851±1 180)相比,DI指数在二组IGT显著降低(595±485,584±517),但后二组间此值差异无统计学意义。SI与2 h胰岛素、体重指数、尿酸和胆固醇呈显著的负相关性(校正r2=0.603,P<0.01);而AIRg与ΔI30/ΔG30显著正相关,与空腹血糖负相关(校正r2=0.479,P<0.01)。结论IGT患者存在胰岛素抵抗和β细胞功能异常。与非肥胖IGT患者相比,肥胖IGT患者胰岛素抵抗程度更为严重,但胰岛β细胞胰岛素1相分泌相对充分。     

Effect of a nutritional liquid supplement designed for the patient with diabetes mellitus (Glucerna SR) on the postprandial glucose state, insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in healthy subjects

AIM: To identify the effect of a nutritional liquid supplement designed for the patient with diabetes mellitus (Glucerna SR) in single administration on the postprandial glucose state, insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in healthy subjects. METHODS: A randomized, single-blind, cross-over, clinical trial was carried out in 14 young, healthy, non-obese, volunteers. A basal metabolic profile, which included glucose level, insulin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, and uric acid, was measured. Subjects received a single administration of 300 kcal, gauged with water at 350 ml, of each of the following (at least 3 days apart): glucose 75 g, polymeric supplement (Ensure high calcium) 315 ml or Glucerna SR 323 ml. At the beginning of each administration and 30, 60, 90 and 120 min later, glucose and insulin concentrations were measured. Areas under the curve of glucose and insulin were calculated. First-phase and total insulin secretions and insulin sensitivity were also estimated. RESULTS: Glucose level at 120 min was significantly lower after receiving Ensure high calcium or Glucerna SR. Administration of Glucerna SR resulted in a significant reduction in the areas under the curve of glucose and insulin, as well as in total insulin secretion with a tendency to be lower in their first phase. Insulin sensitivity was increased. CONCLUSIONS: A single administration of Glucerna SR to healthy subjects decreased the postprandial glucose and insulin states, as well as the insulin secretion; insulin sensitivity increased.     

Circulating IL-18 concentration is associated with insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance through increased fat-free mass

Aims/hypothesis Knowledge of the factors which simultaneously contribute to insulin-resistance-related inflammation may contribute to early therapeutic targeting. IL-18 has recently been described as one of the factors which, in addition to insulin resistance, may also contribute to atherosclerosis. However, the source of IL-18 is not well characterised.Materials and methods We aimed to study body composition (bioelectric impedance), glucose tolerance (OGTT) and insulin sensitivity (minimal model method) in relation to serum IL-18 (ELISA) concentration in 144 otherwise healthy men aged 51.9±12.5 years.Results In contrast to previous observations in women, circulating IL-18 was not significantly associated with BMI (r=0.12, p=0.1) or WHR (r=0.08, p=0.3). IL-18 was also not associated with absolute or percent fat mass (bioelectric impedance, p>0.20) but, interestingly, it was significantly linked to fat-free mass (p=0.03). Serum IL-18 increased with each quartile of fat-free mass, corresponding to values of 64.2; >64.2 to 71.6; >71.6 to 80.9; and 80.9 kg (ANOVA, p<0.0001). IL-18 was more closely associated with postload glucose during an OGTT (p=0.04) rather than with fasting glucose (p=0.1). HbA₁c (p=0.03), HDL-cholesterol (p=0.04) and serum triglycerides (p=0.03) and parameters of systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein, p=0.02) were also significantly associated with circulating IL-18. Insulin sensitivity (minimal model analysis) was linked to circulating IL-18 (p=0.01). In a multiple linear regression analysis this relationship remained significant after controlling for BMI, age and glucose tolerance status. In another model, both fat-free mass and insulin sensitivity contributed to 10% of IL-18 variance.Conclusions/interpretation Fat mass does not seem to influence circulating IL-18, as initially proposed. In contrast, the fat-free mass compartment (a well-known confounder in the evaluation of insulin sensitivity) may significantly contribute to the relationship between IL-18 and insulin action.     

Equipotency of insulin glargine and regular human insulin on glucose disposal in healthy subjects following intravenous infusion

Abstract. The absolute glucose disposal of insulin glargine (Lantus) was compared to that of regular human insulin in healthy subjects (n=20) using the euglycaemic clamp technique in a single-dose, double-blind, randomized, two-way crossover design. Subjects received 30-minute intravenous infusions of insulin glargine (0.1 IU/kg) or human insulin (0.1 IU/kg) and a 20% glucose solution infused at a variable rate to maintain euglycaemia at the subjects baseline glucose level. At equal baseline blood glucose levels (4.42 mmol/l [range, 4.00–5.16 mmol/l] and 4.42 mmol/l [range, 4.01–4.94 mmol/l], respectively), the area under the glucose infusion rate (GIR) time curves from 0–6 hours (AUC_(0–6h)) was within the bioequivalence range (insulin glargine, 663.92 mg/kg; human insulin, 734.85 mg/kg). Both the time to maximum GIR and the suppression of serum C-peptide were similar with insulin glargine and human insulin. The resulting maximum serum insulin concentrations (C_max) were 151.16 µIU/ml and 202.23 µIU/ml, and the time to C_max (T_max) was 30 minutes (the duration of the infusion). The observed differences in the C_max (the mean value for insulin glargine was about 25% lower than that of human insulin) could be explained by lower cross-reactivity of insulin glargine in the human insulin radioimmunoassay. The employed intravenous route, though definitely not the intended clinical use of insulin glargine, provided the clinical evidence in healthy subjects that on a molar basis insulin glargine is equipotent to regular human insulin regarding glucose disposal.     

Effect of insulin concentration,subcutaneous fat thickness and skin temperature on subcutaneous insulin absorption in healthy subjects

Summary Subcutaneous insulin absorption kinetics were assessed in 50 healthy study subjects (21 female, 29 male; age 26±3 years, BMI 22.5±1.8 kg/m²; mean±SD) during 45 min after periumbilical injection of soluble human U40- or U100-insulin (0.15 IU/kg). Subcutaneous fat thickness was measured by ultrasound, and skin temperature at the injection site was registered. Serum insulin concentrations increased within 30 min from basal values of 37±15 to 140±46 pmol/l after U40-insulin and from 36±10 to 116±37 pmol/l after U100-insulin (p<0.001). After 45 min serum insulin concentrations were 164±43 pmol/l with U40-insulin and 128±35 pmol/l with U100-insulin (p<0.001). Decline in blood glucose levels and suppression of C-peptide were comparable. The serum insulin levels reached 30 and 45 min after U40- and U100-insulin injection were positively correlated with skin temperature (p<0.0008), and negatively correlated with subcutaneous fat thickness (p<0.009). In conclusion, the lower insulin concentration of U40-insulin, higher skin temperature, and a thinner subcutaneous fat tissue at the injection site are associated with accelerated and enhanced subcutaneous insulin absorption.     

Effects of diet on the cellular insulin binding and the insulin sensitivity in young healthy subjects

Summary To ascertain whether the effects of diet on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity are mediated through changes of insulin receptors we have studied insulin binding to monocytes in 24 young volunteers (4 groups of 6) during 2 week periods of different dietary regimens. In group 1 and 2 the subjects had their usual diet plus 1000 kcal per day from sucrose or fat, respectively. Group 3 had an isocaloric diet with a low-sucrose content, while group 4 ate low-fat high carbohydrate diets. Before change of diet the total group of volunteers showed an inverse correlation between insulin binding and average daily sucrose intake (R = − 0.52, p<0.01). An excessive sucrose consumption (group 1) was associated with a reduction both of insulin binding (p<0.05) and insulin sensitivity (p<0.05). The changes of the two variables were parallel (R = 0.95, p<0.05). An abundant fat intake (group 2) was also accompanied by a decrease of insulin binding (p<0.05). However, insulin sensitivity was unaltered (p>0.1). A rise of insulin binding (p<0.05) followed the isocaloric, low-sucrose diet (group 3) whereas the insulin sensitivity was unchanged (p>0.1). After the isocaloric, low-fat diet (group 4) no significant change of insulin binding occurred (p>0.1) whereas the insulin sensitivity increased (p<0.05). We conclude that diet and especially the dietary sucrose content affect insulin binding to human monocytes. Evidence is presented that changes of insulin sensitivity following hyperalimentation of sucrose may be induced through alterations of insulin receptors.     

Effects of dietary macronutrient intake on insulin sensitivity and secretion and glucose and lipid metabolism in healthy, obese adolescents

CONTEXT: Adolescent obesity is a serious public health concern. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine whether obese adolescents can adapt metabolically to changes in dietary macronutrient intake. PATIENTS AND DESIGN: Using a random cross-over design, 13 healthy obese volunteers (six boys and seven girls; age, 14.7 +/- 0.3 yr; body mass index, 34 +/- 1 kg/m2; body fat, 42 +/- 1%) were studied twice after 7 d of isocaloric, isonitrogenous diets with 60% carbohydrate (CHO) and 25% fat (high CHO), or 30% CHO and 55% fat (low CHO). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES AND METHODS: Glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and first- and second-phase insulin secretory indices were measured by stable isotope techniques and the stable labeled iv glucose tolerance test. The results were compared with those of previously studied lean adolescents. RESULTS: Obese adolescents increased first- and second-phase insulin secretory indices by 18 (P = 0.05) and 36% (P = 0.05), respectively, to maintain normoglycemia during the high-CHO diet because they failed to increase insulin sensitivity as did the lean adolescents. Regardless of diet, in obese adolescents, insulin sensitivity was half (P < 0.05) and first- and second-phase insulin secretory indices twice (P < 0.01), compared with the the corresponding values in lean subjects. In obese adolescents, gluconeogenesis increased by 32% during the low-CHO (high-fat diet) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In obese adolescents, insulin secretory demands were increased regardless of diet. Failure to increase insulin sensitivity while receiving a high-CHO diet required a further increase in insulin secretion, which may lead to earlier beta-cell failure. A low-CHO/high-fat diet resulted in increased gluconeogenesis, which may be a prelude to the increased glucose production and hyperglycemia observed in type 2 diabetics.     

Rosiglitazone treatment of patients with extreme insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus due to insulin receptor mutations has no effects on glucose and lipid metabolism

BACKGROUND: Rosiglitazone, a thiazolidinedione (TZD), increases insulin sensitivity by reducing levels of plasma NEFA, triglycerides (TG), glucose and serum insulin. Rosiglitazone treatment decreases insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients, but no data exist concerning rosiglitazone treatment of patients with syndromes of extreme insulin resistance. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether hyperglycaemia in two lean patients with primary severe insulin resistance due to insulin receptor (IR) mutations and diabetes mellitus could be reduced by supplement of rosiglitazone for 180 days and secondary, to evaluate the effects on plasma NEFA, TG, Apo B, PAI-1 and serum insulin. SUBJECTS: Both patients (brothers) have known mutations in the IR gene localized to the tyrosine kinase domain and a deletion of exon 17 in part of their IR mRNA. Prior to the study the HbA1c values were higher than 10% in both patients for more than 12 months during treatment with insulin and metformin. RESULTS: After 180 days of rosiglitazone supplement (8 mg day(-1)), no changes were observed in fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c. Incremental plasma glucose areas under the curves during a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were unchanged. Likewise, no improvements were seen in either first or second phase insulin secretion during a 0.3 g kg(-1) intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT). Fasting plasma VLDL and HDL cholesterol, TG and Apo B levels were unchanged, whereas a small increase was seen in total and LDL cholesterol levels. Fasting plasma NEFA increased by 51% in KC after 90 days of treatment, and after 180 days plasma NEFA was still 26% higher, when compared with pretreatment levels. In BC an initial 16% decrease was seen in plasma NEFA after 90 days of treatment. Plasma NEFA was increased 14% after 180 days of treatment, when compared with pretreatment levels, but 35% when compared with day 90. Plasma PAI-1 decreased in both patients after 45 and 90 days of treatment but the decrease was only maintained in KC (47%). CONCLUSIONS: Rosiglitazone treatment, in combination with insulin and metformin, of patients with severe primary insulin resistance due to IR mutations and diabetes mellitus, had no impact on the measured estimates of glucose and lipid metabolism. These findings may suggest that the effect of rosiglitazone on glucose and lipid metabolism are dependent on the presence of intact IR protein.     

C-reactive protein is more strongly related to post-glucose load glucose than to fasting glucose in non-diabetic subjects; the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study.

AIMS: It has been suggested that cardiovascular disease may be more strongly related to post-challenge glycaemia than to fasting glucose concentrations. We hypothesized that subclinical inflammation, as indicated by elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), may partially explain the association of cardiovascular disease with post-challenge glycaemia. METHODS: We studied the relationship of CRP (measured with a highly sensitive immunoassay) with fasting glucose and 2-h glucose concentrations during an oral glucose tolerance test in non-diabetic subjects from the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study. RESULTS: Spearman correlation analyses and multiple linear regression analyses showed a significant association of both fasting glucose and 2-h glucose concentrations with CRP levels, after adjusting for demographic covariates (age, sex, ethnicity, clinical centre; Spearman correlation coefficients: r = 0.18 for fasting glucose, r = 0.27 for 2-h glucose, both P < 0.0001). However, after additional adjustment for body mass index and waist-hip ratio only 2-h glucose (and not fasting glucose) was significantly related to CRP (r = 0.03 for fasting glucose, P = NS; r = 0.14 for 2-h glucose, P < 0.0001). Adding insulin sensitivity to the multivariate models further weakened the relationship of CRP to 2-h glucose (r = 0.07, P < 0.05). CRP mean values increased by 2-h glucose category (normal vs. impaired glucose tolerance vs. isolated post-challenge hyperglycaemia). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic, subclinical inflammation, as indicated by elevated circulating CRP levels, is more strongly associated with post-challenge glycaemia than with fasting glucose levels in non-diabetic subjects. This association is partially independent of body fat and insulin resistance.     

Plasma levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 are inversely related to cytochrome P450-dependent drug metabolism in patients with congestive heart failure

BACKGROUND: Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are important mediators of drug metabolism, and activity of these enzymes is a major determinant of the duration and intensity of drug effect. Circulating plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha and interleukin [IL]-6) are elevated in patients with heart failure and these cytokines have been shown to down-regulate CYP enzyme activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between plasma cytokine concentrations and CYP enzyme activities in patients with heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixteen patients with congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association classes II-IV) received a metabolic probe cocktail consisting of caffeine, mephenytoin, dextromethorphan, and chlorzoxazone to assess the activities of the CYP enzymes 1A2, 2C19, 2D6, and 2E1. Blood and urine samples were collected for drug and metabolite determinations by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); cytokine concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found a striking inverse relationship between both TNF-alpha and IL-6 plasma concentrations and the activity of CYP2C19; metabolism of caffeine (CYP1A2) also had a negative association with IL-6 plasma concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Cytokine-mediated decreases in drug metabolism may contribute to observed variability in drug response and augment the risk of adverse drug effects in CHF patients.