Comparing the effects of ipragliflozin versus metformin on visceral fat reduction and metabolic dysfunction in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes treated with sitagliptin: A prospective, multicentre, open-label, blinded-endpoint, randomized controlled study (PRIME-V study).

A prospective, multicentre, open-label, blinded-endpoint, randomized controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with ipragliflozin (sodium-dependent glucose transporter-2 inhibitor) versus metformin for visceral fat reduction and glycaemic control among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes treated with sitagliptin, HbA1c levels of 7%-10%, and body mass index (BMI) ≥ 22 kg/m2 . Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive ipragliflozin 50 mg or metformin 1000-1500 mg daily. The primary outcome was change in visceral fat area as measured by computed tomography after 24 weeks of therapy. The secondary outcomes were effects on glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism. Mean percentage reduction in visceral fat area was significantly greater in the ipragliflozin group than in the metformin group (-12.06% vs. -3.65%, P = 0.040). Ipragliflozin also significantly reduced BMI, subcutaneous fat area, waist circumference, fasting insulin, and homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)-resistance, and increased HDL-cholesterol levels. Metformin significantly reduced HbA1c and LDL-cholesterol levels and increased HOMA-beta. There were no severe adverse events. The use of ipragliflozin or metformin in combination with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, widely used in Japan, may have beneficial effects in ameliorating multiple cardiovascular risk factors.

Effects of ipragliflozin versus metformin in combination with sitagliptin on bone and muscle in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Subanalysis of a prospective, randomized, controlled study (PRIME-V study).

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Recent randomized clinical trials have suggested that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors might reduce cardiovascular events and heart failure, and have renal protective effects. Despite these remarkable benefits, the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on bone and muscle are unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A subanalysis of a randomized controlled study was carried out to evaluate the effects of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, ipragliflozin, versus metformin on bone and muscle in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (baseline body mass index ≥22 kg/m2 and hemoglobin A1c 7-10%) who were already receiving sitagliptin. These patients were randomly administered ipragliflozin 50 mg or metformin 1,000-1,500 mg daily. The effects of these medications on the bone formation marker, bone alkali phosphatase; the bone resorption marker, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b); handgrip strength; abdominal cross-sectional muscle area; and bone density of the fourth lumbar vertebra were evaluated. RESULTS: After 24 weeks of treatment, the changes in bone density of the fourth lumbar vertebra, handgrip strength and abdominal cross-sectional muscle area were not significantly different between the two groups. However, TRACP-5b levels increased in patients treated with ipragliflozin compared with patients treated with metformin (median 11.94 vs -10.30%, P < 0.0001), showing that ipragliflozin can promote bone resorption. CONCLUSIONS: There were no adverse effects on bone or muscle when sitagliptin was used in combination with either ipragliflozin or metformin. However, ipragliflozin combination increased the levels of TRACP-5b. A long-term study is required to further understand the effects of this TRACP-5b increase caused by ipragliflozin.

Predictors for achieving oral intake in older patients with aspiration pneumonia: Videofluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing function.

AIM: Pneumonia is a common disease that is often fatal, particularly in older persons. Dysphagia is known to be closely associated with aspiration pneumonia, and hospitalized patients with aspiration pneumonia often have difficulty with oral intake. However, the relationship between acquisition of oral intake and detailed swallowing data has not been explored. The purpose of the present study was to examine the predictors, including videofluoroscopic swallowing evaluation, for achieving oral intake in older patients with aspiration pneumonia. METHODS: This study included older patients, aged ≥65 years, who were admitted to Kawasaki Municipal Hospital (Kawasaki, Japan) from April 2012 through March 2014 as a result of aspiration pneumonia. Factors likely related to oral intake, including swallowing, nutritional, metabolic, and functional status, pneumonia severity and comorbidities were extracted from the medical records. Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify independent predictors for acquisition of oral intake. RESULTS: A total of 160 patients were assigned to either the "oral intake" group (n = 104) or the "non-oral intake" group (n = 56). Multiple regression analysis showed that a low penetration aspiration scale on videofluoroscopy using 3 mL of moderately thick liquid water with tilting 30-60°, high albumin values, short duration of non-oral intake and a high Food Intake Level Scale score before admission were significantly associated with achievement of oral intake. CONCLUSIONS: Aspiration on videofluoroscopy, swallowing status before admission, nutritional status and duration of non-oral intake are important factors for acquiring oral intake. These results might be helpful for the management of older patients with aspiration pneumonia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1469-1473.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Resolves Low GHRP-2-Stimulated Growth Hormone Levels in Obese Patients.

Because growth hormone (GH) secretion is reportedly decreased in obese patients, we examined not only the factors associated with the decreased GH secretion but also GH response to the GH-releasing peptide (GHRP)-2-load test before and after laparoscopic gastrectomy (LSG). The study comprised 28 individuals aged 19-65 years [mean body mass index (BMI), 39.4 ± 9.4 kg/m2]. In the univariate analysis, GH secretion peaks correlated negatively with BMI (r = -0.59, p = 0.001), visceral adipose tissue (r = -0.47, p = 0.005), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (r = -0.40, p = 0.04). In the two obese patients, the response to the GHRP-2-load test markedly improved by weight loss 12 months after LSG. In conclusion, GH secretion was decreased in obese patients and improved by LSG.