The Impact of Combined Chemotherapy and Intra-Tumoural Injection of Phosphorus-32 Microparticles on Vascularity in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Poor intra-tumoural vascularity contributes to a lack of response to chemotherapy in pancreatic cancers. Preliminary data suggest that the addition of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided intra-tumoural injection of phosphorus-32 (32P) microparticles to standard chemotherapy is potentially beneficial in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). We aimed to assess changes in pancreatic tumour vascularity following 32P implantation, using contrast-enhanced EUS (CE-EUS). METHODS: This was a prospective single-centre trial from January 2022 to 2024 of patients with unresectable, non-metastatic LAPC undergoing standard FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy and 32P implantation. We performed CE-EUS pre-implantation after two chemotherapy cycles and 4 and 12 weeks after implantation. Time-intensity curves were analysed for 90 s after IV contrast bolus to ascertain peak intensity and intensity gain. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients underwent 32P implantation, with 15 completing 12-week follow-up. The technical success of 32P implantation was 100%. The median primary tumour size reduced from 32 mm (IQR 27.5-38.75) pre-implantation to 24 mm (IQR 16-26) 12 weeks post-implantation (p < 0.001). Five patients (25%) had tumour downstaging, and four underwent resections. The baseline (pre-implantation, post-chemotherapy) median intensity gain of contrast enhancement within the tumour was 32.15 (IQR 18.08-54.35). This increased to 46.85 (IQR 35.05-76.6; p = 0.007) and 66.3 (IQR 54.7-76.3; p = 0.001) at 4 weeks and 12 weeks post-implantation, respectively. Over a median follow-up of 11.2 months (IQR 7.8-12.8), 15/20 (75%) of patients remained alive, with 3/20 (15%) demonstrating local disease progression. Overall survival was not significantly different between patients with or without an increased intensity of 10 a.u. or more at 12 weeks post-implantation. CONCLUSION: This is the first clinical study to demonstrate treatment-induced increased vascularity within pancreatic primary tumours, which followed 32P implantation and FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy. Larger comparative trials are warranted.

Clinical Consequences of Delayed Gastric Emptying With GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Tirzepatide.

CONTEXT: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are established therapeutics for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Among other mechanisms, they slow gastric emptying and motility of the small intestine. This helps limiting postprandial glycemic excursions and reducing chylomicron formation and triglyceride absorption. Conversely, motility effects may have detrimental consequences, e.g., retained gastric contents at endoscopy or general anesthesia, potentially complicated by pulmonary aspiration, or bowel obstruction. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We searched the PubMed database for studies involving GLP-1RA therapy and adverse gastrointestinal/biliary events. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Retained gastric contents at the time of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy are found more frequently with GLP-1 RAs, but rarely are associated with pulmonary aspiration. Well-justified recommendations for the peri-procedural management of GLP-1RAs (e.g., whether to withhold these medications, and for how long) are compromised by limited evidence. Important aspects to be considered are (a) their long half-lives, (b) the capacity of GLP-1 receptor agonism to slow gastric emptying even at physiological GLP-1 concentrations, (c) tachyphylaxis observed with prolonged treatment, and (d) the limited effect on gastric emptying in individuals with slow gastric emptying before initiating treatment. Little information is available on the influence of diabetes mellitus itself (i.e., in the absence of GLP-1 RA treatment) on retained gastric contents and pulmonary aspiration. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged fasting periods regarding solid meal components, point-of-care ultrasound examination for retained gastric content, and the use of prokinetic medications like erythromycin may prove helpful, and are an important area needing further study to increase patient safety for those treated with GLP-1 RAs.

Dark tea consumption is associated with a reduced risk of dysglycaemia and increased urinary glucose and sodium excretion in Chinese adults.

AIM: To examine the associations of tea consumption (both frequency and type) with (1) prediabetes and diabetes and (2) urinary glucose and sodium excretion in Chinese community-dwelling adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 1923 participants (457 with diabetes, 720 with prediabetes, and 746 with normoglycaemia), the frequency (occasional, frequent, daily, or nil) and type (green, black, dark, or other) of tea consumption were assessed using a standardized questionnaire. Morning spot urinary glucose and urine glucose-to-creatinine ratios (UGCRs) were assessed as markers of urinary glucose excretion. Tanaka's equation was used to estimate 24-h urinary sodium excretion. Logistic and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Compared with non-tea drinkers, the corresponding multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for prediabetes and diabetes were 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48, 0.83) and 0.58 (95% CI 0.41, 0.82) in participants drinking tea daily. However, only drinking dark tea was associated with reduced ORs for prediabetes (0.49, 95% CI 0.36, 0.66) and diabetes (0.41, 95% CI 0.28, 0.62). Dark tea consumption was associated with increased morning spot urinary glucose (0.22 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.11, 0.34 mmol/L), UGCR (0.15 mmol/mmol, 95% CI 0.05, 0.25 mmol/L) and estimated 24-h urinary sodium (7.78 mEq/day, 95% CI 2.27, 13.28 mEq/day). CONCLUSIONS: Regular tea consumption, especially dark tea, is associated with a reduced risk of dysglycaemia and increased urinary glucose and sodium excretion in Chinese community-dwelling adults.

Management of gestational diabetes mellitus via nutritional interventions: The relevance of gastric emptying.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents one of the most common medical complications of pregnancy and is important to the well-being of both mothers and offspring in the short and long term. Lifestyle intervention remains the mainstay for the management of GDM. The efficacy of nutritional approaches (e.g. calorie restriction and small frequent meals) to improving the maternal-neonatal outcomes of GDM was attested to by Chinese population data, discussed in two articles in recent issues of this journal. However, a specific focus on the relevance of postprandial glycaemic control was lacking. Postprandial rather than fasting hyperglycaemia often represents the predominant manifestation of disordered glucose homeostasis in Chinese women with GDM. There is now increasing appreciation that the rate of gastric emptying, which controls the delivery of nutrients for digestion and absorption in the small intestine, is a key determinant of postprandial glycaemia in both health, type 1 and 2 diabetes. It remains to be established whether gastric emptying is abnormally rapid in GDM, particularly among Chinese women, thus contributing to a predisposition to postprandial hyperglycaemia, and if so, how this influences the therapeutic response to nutritional interventions. It is essential that we understand the role of gastric emptying in the regulation of postprandial glycaemia during pregnancy and the potential for its modulation by nutritional strategies in order to improve post-prandial glycaemic control in GDM.

Impairments of insulin and glucagon sensitivity in Chinese women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

AIM: To evaluate insulin and glucagon sensitivity in Han Chinese women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: In total, 81 women with GDM and 81 age-matched healthy controls were evaluated with a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at gestational weeks 24-28. Plasma glucose concentrations were measured at fasting and 1 h and 2 h post-OGTT. Fasting plasma insulin, glucagon and amino acids were also measured. Insulin and glucagon sensitivity were assessed by the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and glucagon-alanine index, respectively. RESULTS: As expected, plasma glucose concentrations were higher at fasting and 1 h and 2 h post-OGTT in GDM participants (p < .001 each). Both the HOMA-IR and the glucagon-alanine index were higher in GDM participants. There was a weak positive correlation between HOMA-IR and glucagon-alanine index (r = 0.24, p = .0024). Combining the HOMA-IR and the glucagon-alanine index yielded better capacity (area under the curve = 0.878) than either alone (area under the curve = 0.828 for HOMA-IR and 0.751 for glucagon-alanine index, respectively) in differentiating GDM from healthy participants. While the majority of GDM participants (64%) exhibited both reduced insulin and glucagon sensitivity, a third of them presented either reduced insulin (20%) or glucagon (14%) sensitivity alone. HOMA-IR and glucagon-alanine index correlated differentially with fasting glucose, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, sum of amino acids and hepatic steatosis index. CONCLUSIONS: Impairments of both insulin and glucagon sensitivity occur frequently in Chinese women with GDM, which may, individually or together, drive metabolic derangements in GDM. These observations provide new insights into the pathophysiology of GDM and support the need to target insulin or glucagon resistance, or both, in the management of GDM.

Sex differences in the plasma glucagon responses to a high carbohydrate meal and a glucose drink in type 2 diabetes.

Elevated fasting glucagon concentrations and/or attenuated postprandial glucagon suppression are characteristics of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and contribute to hyperglycaemia. This study shows that hyperglucagonaemia is more prominent in males than females after a nutrient load in T2D, adding insights into sex differences in relation to the pathophysiology of T2D.

Randomised comparison of intravenous and subcutaneous routes of glucagon-like peptide-1 administration for lowering plasma glucose in hyperglycaemic subjects with type 2 diabetes.

AIM: To perform a direct, double-blind, randomised, crossover comparison of subcutaneous and intravenous glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in hyperglycaemic subjects with type 2 diabetes naïve to GLP-1-based therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten fasted, hyperglycaemic subjects (1 female, age 63 ± 10 years [mean ± SD], glycated haemoglobin 73.5 ± 22.0 mmol/mol [8.9% ± 2.0%], both mean ± SD) received subcutaneous GLP-1 and intravenous saline, or intravenous GLP-1 and subcutaneous saline. Infusion rates were doubled every 120 min (1.2, 2.4, 4.8 and 9.6 pmol·kg-1·min-1 for subcutaneous, and 0.3, 0.6, 1.2 and 2.4 pmol·kg-1·min-1 for intravenous). Plasma glucose, total and intact GLP-1, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon and gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated over 8 h. The results are presented as mean ± SEM. RESULTS: Plasma glucose decreased more with intravenous (by ~8.0 mmol/L [144 mg/dL]) than subcutaneous GLP-1 (by ~5.6 mmol/L [100 mg/dL]; p < 0.001). Plasma GLP-1 increased dose-dependently, but more with intravenous than subcutaneous for both total (∆max 154.2 ± 3.9 pmol/L vs. 85.1 ± 3.8 pmol/L; p < 0.001), and intact GLP-1 (∆max 44.2 ± 2.2 pmol/L vs. 12.8 ± 2.2 pmol/L; p < 0.001). Total and intact GLP-1 clearance was higher for subcutaneous than intravenous GLP-1 (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). The increase in insulin secretion was greater, and glucagon was suppressed more with intravenous GLP-1 (p < 0.05 each). Gastrointestinal symptoms did not differ (p > 0.05 each). CONCLUSIONS: Subcutaneous GLP-1 administration is much less efficient than intravenous GLP-1 in lowering fasting plasma glucose, with less stimulation of insulin and suppression of glucagon, and much less bioavailability, even at fourfold higher infusion rates.

Effect of lixisenatide on liquid gastric emptying in type 2 diabetes - Implications for the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists before procedures.

Gastric emptying of a glucose drink was measured in people with type 2 diabetes given lixisenatide (20 µg/day or placebo) for 8 weeks. Intragastric retention at 240 min (2 (0-11)% vs 48 (3-97)%; P < 0.0001) was much greater with lixisenatide than placebo. Accordingly, lixisenatide may delay liquid gastric emptying markedly.

Genomic analysis of Helicobacter pylori in Australia: Antimicrobial resistance, phylogenetic patterns, and virulence factors.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Rates of antimicrobial-resistant Helicobacter pylori infection are rising globally, but little is known about contemporary resistance patterns, virulence factors, and phylogenetic patterns of isolates within Australia. We aimed to characterize antimicrobial resistance and genetic mutations associated with adverse clinical outcomes. METHODS: Whole genome sequencing, culturing, and antibiotic sensitivity data for refractory H. pylori isolates at Australian centers were collected between 2013 and 2022. Phylogenetic origins, antibiotic resistance mutations, and virulence factors were examined with phenotypic resistance profiles. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-five isolates underwent culture, with 109 of these undergoing whole genome sequencing. Forty-three isolates were isolated from patients in South Australia and 66 from Western Australia. Isolates originated primarily from hpEurope (59.6%), hpEastAsia (25.7%), and hpNEAfrica (6.4%). Antimicrobial resistance to clarithromycin was seen in 85% of isolates, metronidazole in 52%, levofloxacin in 18%, rifampicin in 14%, and amoxicillin in 9%. Most isolates (59%) were multi-drug resistant. Resistance concordance between genetically determined resistance and phenotypic resistance was 92% for clarithromycin and 94% for levofloxacin. Analysis of virulence factors demonstrated cag pathogenicity island (cagPAI) in 67% of isolates and cagA in 61%, correlating with isolate genetic origin. The most virulent s1m1 vacuolating cytotoxin A genotype was present in 26% of isolates. CONCLUSION: Refractory H. pylori isolates in Australia emanate from multiple global origins. Strong concordance between genetic and phenotypic antibiotic resistance profiles raises the possibility of utilizing genetic profiling in clinical practice. The dynamic landscape of H. pylori in Australia warrants the establishment of a national database to monitor H. pylori resistance and evolving virulence.

Gastric emptying is slower in women than men with type 2 diabetes and impacts on postprandial glycaemia.

AIM: To evaluate sex differences in gastric emptying and the glycaemic response to a glucose drink and a high carbohydrate meal in type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: In cohort 1, 70 newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve Chinese patients with T2D (44 men) recruited from a diabetes outpatient clinic ingested a 75-g glucose drink containing 150 mg 13C-acetate. In cohort 2, 101 Australian patients with T2D (67 male) recruited from the community, managed by diet and/or metformin monotherapy, ingested a semi-solid mashed potato meal, labelled with 100 µl 13C-octanoic acid. Breath samples were collected over 3 and 4 h, respectively, for assessment of gastric emptying, and venous blood was sampled for evaluation of glycaemia (with and without adjustment for each participant's estimated total blood volume). RESULTS: Gastric emptying was slower in female than male subjects in both cohorts (both p < .01). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that gastric emptying was independently associated with sex (both p < .05). Without adjustment for blood volume, the glycaemic responses to oral glucose and the mixed meal were greater in female subjects (both p < .001). However, after adjustment for blood volume, the glycaemic responses were greater in men (both p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Gastric emptying is slower in women than men with T2D, associated with a reduced blood volume-adjusted glycaemic response to oral glucose and a mixed meal in women. These observations highlight the sex difference in postprandial glucose handling, which is relevant to the personalized management of postprandial glycaemia in T2D.

Gastric emptying in newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve Han Chinese with type 2 diabetes and the impact of 4-week insulin pump therapy.

AIM: To evaluate gastric emptying (GE) and the glycaemic response to a 75-g oral glucose load in newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve Han Chinese with type 2 diabetes (T2D) before insulin pump therapy, after 4 weeks of insulin pump therapy, and 12-15 months after insulin pump therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty participants with T2D (baseline glycated haemoglobin [± SD] 10.7% [± 1.2%] 93 [± 10] mmol/mol) ingested a 75-g glucose drink containing 150 mg 13C-acetate, to determine the gastric half-emptying time, and underwent assessment of plasma glucose and serum insulin, C-peptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) over 180 min before and after 4 weeks of insulin pump therapy (discontinued for 48 h before re-assessment). Data were compared to those in 19 healthy participants matched for sex and age. After 12-15 months, GE was re-measured in 14 of the T2D participants. RESULTS: At baseline, participants with T2D exhibited substantially augmented fasting and post-glucose glycaemia, diminished insulin secretion, and more rapid GE (p < 0.05 each), but comparable GLP-1, compared to healthy participants. Following insulin pump therapy, insulin secretion increased, GLP-1 secretion was attenuated, fasting and post-glucose glycaemia were lower, and GE was slowed (p < 0.05 each). The slowing of GE in T2D participants was sustained over 12-15 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In newly diagnosed Han Chinese with T2D, GE is often accelerated despite poor glycaemic control and is slowed by short-term insulin pump therapy. The effect on GE is maintained for at least 12 months.

Gastric emptying of a glucose drink is predictive of the glycaemic response to oral glucose and mixed meals, but unrelated to antecedent glycaemic control, in type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Gastric emptying (GE), with wide inter-individual but lesser intra-individual variations, is a major determinant of postprandial glycaemia in health and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, it is uncertain whether GE of a carbohydrate-containing liquid meal is predictive of the glycaemic response to physiological meals, and whether antecedent hyperglycaemia influences GE in T2D. We evaluated the relationships of (i) the glycaemic response to both a glucose drink and mixed meals with GE of a 75 g glucose drink, and (ii) GE of a glucose drink with antecedent glycaemic control, in T2D. METHODS: Fifty-five treatment-naive Chinese adults with newly diagnosed T2D consumed standardised meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner with continuous interstitial glucose monitoring. On the subsequent day, a 75 g glucose drink containing 150 mg 13C-acetate was ingested to assess GE (breath test) and plasma glucose response. Serum fructosamine and HbA1c were also measured. RESULTS: Plasma glucose incremental area under the curve (iAUC) within 2 hours after oral glucose was related inversely to the gastric half-emptying time (T50) (r = -0.34, P = 0.012). The iAUCs for interstitial glucose within 2 hours after breakfast (r = -0.34, P = 0.012) and dinner (r = -0.28, P = 0.040) were also related inversely to the T50 of oral glucose. The latter, however, was unrelated to antecedent fasting plasma glucose, 24-hour mean interstitial glucose, serum fructosamine, or HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS: In newly diagnosed, treatment-naive, Chinese with T2D, GE of a 75 g glucose drink predicts the glycaemic response to both a glucose drink and mixed meals, but is not influenced by spontaneous short-, medium- or longer-term elevation in glycaemia.

Gastric emptying during and following resolution of moderate diabetic ketoacidosis in type 1 diabetes: a case series.

INTRODUCTION: To use the 'gold standard' technique of scintigraphy to quantify gastric emptying (GE) as soon as practicable during an admission with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and following its resolution at least 7 days later. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Five patients with type 1 diabetes, age 29±12 years; Body Mass Index 23±3 kg/m2; hemoglobin A1c 11.3%±1.9%, were studied during an admission with DKA and following its resolution. Solid and liquid GE were measured using scintigraphy. Solid emptying was assessed via the percentage intragastric retention at 100 min and that of liquid by the 50% emptying time. RESULTS: There was no difference in either solid or liquid GE at the initial study compared with the follow-up. Median (IQR) solid retention was 47±20 versus 38%±33%, respectively; p=0.31, and time to empty 50% of liquid was 37±25 min versus 35±15 min, p=0.31, at the initial and follow-up GE study, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: GE of solids and liquids is not affected by moderate DKA, inferring that earlier reintroduction of oral intake may be appropriate.

Impact of the timing of metformin administration on glycaemic and glucagon-like peptide-1 responses to intraduodenal glucose infusion in type 2 diabetes: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Metformin lowers postprandial glycaemic excursions in individuals with type 2 diabetes by modulating gastrointestinal function, including the stimulation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). The impact of varying the timing of metformin administration on postprandial glucose metabolism is poorly defined. We evaluated the effects of metformin, administered at different intervals before an intraduodenal glucose infusion, on the subsequent glycaemic, insulinaemic and GLP-1 responses in metformin-treated type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Sixteen participants with type 2 diabetes that was relatively well-controlled by metformin monotherapy were studied on four separate days in a crossover design. On each day, participants were randomised to receive a bolus infusion of metformin (1000 mg in 50 ml 0.9% saline) via a nasoduodenal catheter at t = -60, -30 or 0 min (and saline at the other timepoints) or saline at all timepoints (control), followed by an intraduodenal glucose infusion of 12.56 kJ/min (3 kcal/min) at t = 0-60 min. The treatments were blinded to both participants and investigators involved in the study procedures. Plasma glucose, insulin and total GLP-1 levels were measured every 30 min between t = -60 min and t = 120 min. RESULTS: There was a treatment-by-time interaction for metformin in reducing plasma glucose levels and increasing plasma GLP-1 and insulin levels (p<0.05 for each). The reduction in plasma glucose levels was greater when metformin was administered at t = -60 or -30 min vs t = 0 min (p<0.05 for each), and the increases in plasma GLP-1 levels were evident only when metformin was administered at t = -60 or -30 min (p<0.05 for each). Although metformin did not influence insulin sensitivity, it enhanced glucose-induced insulin secretion (p<0.05), and the increases in plasma insulin levels were comparable on the 3 days when metformin was given. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: In well-controlled metformin-treated type 2 diabetes, glucose-lowering by metformin is greater when it is given before, rather than with, enteral glucose, and this is associated with a greater GLP-1 response. These observations suggest that administration of metformin before meals may optimise its effect in improving postprandial glycaemic control. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.anzctr.org.au ACTRN12621000878875 FUNDING: The study was not funded by a specific research grant.

Effects of a bitter substance, denatonium benzoate, on pancreatic hormone secretion.

There is increasing evidence linking bitter taste receptor (BTR) signaling to gut hormone secretion and glucose homeostasis. However, its effect on islet hormone secretion has been poorly characterized. This study investigated the effect of the bitter substance, denatonium benzoate (DB), on hormone secretion from mouse pancreatic islets and INS-1 832/13 cells. DB (0.5-1 mM) augmented insulin secretion at both 2.8 mM and 16.7 mM glucose. This effect was no longer present at 5 mM DB likely due to the greater levels of cellular apoptosis. DB-stimulated insulin secretion involved closure of the KATP channel, activation of T2R signaling in beta-cells, and intraislet glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) release. DB also enhanced glucagon and somatostatin secretion, but the underlying mechanism was less clear. Together, this study demonstrates that the bitter substance, DB, is a strong potentiator of islet hormone secretion independent of glucose. This observation highlights the potential for widespread off-target effects associated with the clinical use of bitter-tasting substances.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that the bitter substance, denatonium benzoate (DB), stimulates insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and GLP-1 secretion from pancreatic islets, independent of glucose, and that DB augments insulin release via the KATP channel, bitter taste receptor signaling, and intraislet GLP-1 secretion. Exposure to a high dose of DB (5 mM) induces cellular apoptosis in pancreatic islets. Therefore, clinical use of bitter substances to improve glucose homeostasis may have unintended negative impacts beyond the gut.