Search

Background Pemafibrate is a novel, selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α modulator (SPPARMα). In mice, Pemafibrate improved the histological features of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In patients with dyslipidaemia, it improved serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Aims To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Pemafibrate in patients with high-risk, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised multicentre, phase 2 trial randomised 118 patients (1:1) to either 0.2 mg Pemafibrate or placebo, orally, twice daily for 72 weeks. The key inclusion criteria included liver fat content of ≥10% by magnetic resonance imaging-estimated proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF); liver stiffness of ≥2.5 kPa, by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE); and elevated ALT levels. The primary endpoint was the percentage change in MRI-PDFF from baseline to week 24. The secondary endpoints included MRE-based liver stiffness, ALT, serum liver fibrosis markers and lipid parameters. Results There was no significant difference between the groups in the primary endpoint (-5.3% vs -4.2%; treatment difference -1.0%, P = 0.85). However, MRE-based liver stiffness significantly decreased compared to placebo at week 48 (treatment difference -5.7%, P = 0.036), and was maintained at week 72 (treatment difference -6.2%, P = 0.024), with significant reduction in ALT and LDL-C. Adverse events were comparable between the treatment groups and therapy was well tolerated. Conclusions Pemafibrate did not decrease liver fat content but had significant reduction in MRE-based liver stiffness. Pemafibrate may be a promising therapeutic agent for NAFLD/NASH, and also be a candidate for combination therapy with agents that reduce liver fat content. ClinicalTrials.gov, number: NCT03350165.

Aims/Introduction This study investigated the impact of the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, anagliptin, on hepatic insulin clearance (HIC) in Japanese type 2 diabetes patients and explored its relationship to glycemic status. Materials and Methods Data on 765 participants in anagliptin phase 2 and 3 studies were analyzed. Adjusted changes in variables during 12 weeks of anagliptin therapy were compared with a placebo. HIC was calculated as the ratio, C‐peptide area under the curve 0–120 min to insulin area under the curve 0–120 min, after a meal tolerance test. To explore the effects of baseline HIC levels on variables, participants receiving anagliptin were divided according to quartiles of baseline HIC. Furthermore, multivariate analysis investigated the association between baseline HIC levels and glycemic status. Results Anagliptin significantly reduced glycosylated hemoglobin levels (P, Anagliptin affected hepatic insulin clearance (HIC) levels according to HIC baseline levels. Anagliptin reduced HIC in the relatively higher HIC group (baseline HIC ≥median). Anagliptin increased HIC in the relatively lower HIC group (baseline HIC

Insulin delivery in a self-regulated and painless way to tightly control the glycemic level is highly demanded for diabetes treatment. Phenylboronic acid (PBA) has gained great research interests d...

Aims Obesity and hepatic fat accumulation diminish hepatic insulin clearance, which can cause hyperinsulinaemia. Sodium/glucose‐cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2‐is) improve insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia by weight loss via increased urinary glucose excretion in type 2 diabetes. However, there are few reports of the influence of SGLT2‐is on hepatic insulin clearance. We examined the impact of an SGLT2‐i on hepatic insulin clearance and explored the clinical influence associated with changes in hepatic insulin clearance via an SGLT2‐i and the mechanism of the effects of SGLT2‐i. Materials and methods Data were analysed from 419 patients with type 2 diabetes controlled by diet and exercise. Patients received a placebo or the SGLT2‐i tofogliflozin (TOFO) (placebo: n = 56; TOFO: n = 363) orally once daily for ≥24 weeks. Hepatic insulin clearance was calculated from the ratio of areas under the curve (AUC) of C‐peptide and insulin levels derived from oral meal tolerance test data (C‐peptide AUC0‐120 min/insulin AUC0‐120 min: HICCIR). The correlation of HICCIR via the SGLT2‐i with other clinical variables was analysed using multivariate analysis. Results HICCIR was significantly increased via TOFO at week 24. Furthermore, with TOFO insulin and triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly reduced (P

OBJECTIVE High plasma triglyceride (TG) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Fibrates lower TG levels through peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor α (PPARα) agonism. Currently available fibrates, however, have relatively low selectivity for PPARα. The aim of this trial was to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of K-877 (pemafibrate), a selective PPARα modulator, in statin-treated European patients with hypertriglyceridemia. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 408 statin-treated adults were recruited from 68 European sites for this phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They had fasting TG between 175 and 500 mg/dL and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) ≤50 mg/dL for men and ≤55 mg/dL for women. Participants were randomly assigned to receive placebo or one of six pemafibrate regimens: 0.05 mg twice a day, 0.1 mg twice a day, 0.2 mg twice a day, 0.1 mg once daily, 0.2 mg once daily, or 0.4 mg once daily. The primary end points were TG and non–HDL-C level lowering at week 12. RESULTS Pemafibrate reduced TG at all doses (adjusted P value CONCLUSIONS Pemafibrate is effective, safe, and well-tolerated for the reduction of TG in European populations with hypertriglyceridemia despite statin treatment.

Aims/Introduction Tofogliflozin is a potent and highly selective sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor that is currently used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tofogliflozin add‐on to glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonist monotherapy. Materials and Methods In this 52‐week, prospective, multicenter, single arm, post‐marketing clinical study, Japanese patients who had already been receiving GLP‐1 receptor agonist monotherapy for ≥8 weeks, glycated hemoglobin ≥7.0 and

Aims Little is known about whether sodium intake is associated with the clinical effects of SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2is); however, SGLT2is may increase urinary sodium excretion. Thus, we investigated the impact of daily sodium intake on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) via an SGLT2i, tofogliflozin (TOFO), in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods Individual‐level data on 775 T2D patients in TOFO Phase 3 trials were analysed. Adjusted changes in variables during 52 weeks of TOFO therapy were compared according to basal daily salt intake (DSI), which was measured based on estimated daily urinary sodium excretion using the Tanaka formula. Multivariable analysis was used to investigate the impact of basal DSI on changes in eGFR at Weeks 4 and 52. Results Sixty‐six percent of participants were men; mean age, HbA1c, body mass index, eGFRMDRD and median DSI were 58.5 years, 8.0%, 25.6 kg/m2, 83.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 9.3 g/d, respectively. In all participants, eGFRMDRD sharply dipped during Week 4, and gradually increased by Week 52, showing a significant increase overall from baseline to Week 52. Multivariable analysis showed that basal DSI and HbA1c levels were independently correlated with eGFRMDRD changes at Weeks 4 and 52. Additionally, lower baseline HbA1c and DSI levels were significantly correlated with a greater increase in eGFRMDRD at Week 52. Conclusions Dietary salt intake, in addition to glycaemic control, correlates with changed eGFRMDRD via TOFO. Thus, an appropriate dietary approach to therapy should be considered before treatment of T2D patients with an SGLT2i.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pemafibrate in people with type 2 diabetes and hypertriglyceridaemia over a 52-week period. Participants were randomly assigned to receive treatment with placebo or pemafibrate at a dose of 0.2 or 0.4 mg/d for 24 weeks (treatment period 1). The main results from treatment period 1 have been reported previously. The assigned treatment was continued up to week 52, except that the placebo was changed to pemafibrate 0.2 mg/d after week 24 (treatment period 2). The percentage changes in fasting serum triglyceride (TG) levels at week 52 (last observation carried forward) were -48.2%, -42.3%, and -46.4% in the placebo/pemafibrate 0.2 mg/d (n = 57), pemafibrate 0.2 mg/d (n = 54), and pemafibrate 0.4 mg/d (n = 55) groups, respectively. Levels of TG, non-HDL cholesterol and total cholesterol stably decreased, whereas levels of HDL cholesterol increased with pemafibrate treatments over 52 weeks. Pemafibrate was well tolerated throughout the study period. The present study is the first to show that pemafibrate treatment substantially ameliorated lipid abnormalities and was well tolerated for 52 weeks in people with type 2 diabetes and hypertriglyceridaemia.

Context Although calorie loss from increased urinary glucose excretion continues after long-term treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), the mechanisms of the attenuated weight loss due to SGLT2is are not well known. Objective To examine the mechanism of the attenuated weight loss during long-term treatment with an SGLT2i, tofogliflozin, focusing on the antilipolytic effect of insulin on adipose tissue. Design and Participants An integrated analysis was performed using data from two phase 3 studies of 52 weeks of tofogliflozin administration. The antilipolytic effect was evaluated using adipose tissue insulin resistance (Adipo-IR) calculated from the product of the levels of fasting insulin (f-IRI) and fasting free fatty acids (f-FFAs). Results Data from 774 patients with type 2 diabetes (mean age, 58.5 years; glycosylated hemoglobin, 8.1%; body mass index, 25.6 kg/m2; estimated glomerular filtration rate, 83.9 mL/min/1.73m2; 66% men) were analyzed. Weight loss plateaued between weeks 24 and 52 after decreasing significantly. f-IRI levels decreased significantly from baseline to week 24, and the decrease was maintained until Week 52. f-FFA levels significantly increased, peaked at week 24, then declined from weeks 24 to 52. Adipo-IR levels declined progressively throughout the 52 weeks (−3.6 mmol/L·pmol/L and −6.2 mmol/L·pmol/L at weeks 24 and 52, respectively; P < 0.001 baseline vs weeks 24 and 52 and week 24 vs week 52). Higher baseline Adipo-IR levels were independently associated with greater weight loss at week 52. Conclusion The improved antilipolytic effect in adipose tissue may attenuate progressive lipolysis, leading to attenuating future weight loss induced by an SGLT2i in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Accumulating evidence suggests that cholesterol accumulation in leukocytes is causally associated with the development of autoimmune diseases. However, the mechanism by which fatty acid composition influences autoimmune responses remains unclear. To determine whether the fatty acid composition of diet modulates leukocyte function and the development of systemic lupus erythematosus, we examined the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on the pathology of lupus in drug-induced and spontaneous mouse models. We found that dietary EPA supplementation ameliorated representative lupus manifestations, including autoantibody production and immunocomplex deposition in the kidneys. A combination of lipidomic and membrane dynamics analyses revealed that EPA remodels the lipid composition and fluidity of B cell membranes, thereby preventing B cell differentiation into autoantibody-producing plasma cells. These results highlight a previously unrecognized mechanism by which fatty acid composition affects B cell differentiation into autoantibody-producing plasma cells during autoimmunity, and imply that EPA supplementation may be beneficial for therapy of lupus.

SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) increase hematocrit (Ht) and Hb, which may contribute to correcting anemia but also might cause secondary polycythemia. We investigated predictors of Hb after short- and long-term therapy with tofogliflozin (TOFO), a SGLT2i, and explored its impact on Hb in relation to anemia and polycythemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Analyzed were 774 T2DM patients (66% male) who received TOFO for 52 weeks in two phase 3 studies. Mean baseline characteristics were age 59 y, HbA1c 8%, BMI 26 kg/m2, hemoglobin 15 g/dL and eGFR 84 mL/min/1.73m2. Participants were divided into the Anemia group (baseline Hb 16.5 g/dL in men and >16 g/dL in women, mean baseline Hb 17.2 g/dL). Paired t-tests analyzed differences from baseline to weeks 4 and 52. Generalized linear model explored predictors of Hb at weeks 4 and 52. Correlation analysis was performed by Spearman’s product-moment correlation coefficients. Hb was significantly increased at week 4 [mean, +0.14g/dL*; *p Disclosure Y. Matsubayashi: None. A. Yoshida: Employee; Self; Kowa Company, Ltd. H. Suganami: Employee; Self; Kowa Company, Ltd. K. Kaku: Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk Pharma Ltd., Consultant; Self; Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho, Research Support; Self; Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Astellas Pharma Inc., AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly Japan K. K., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim Co. Ltd., Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. H. Sone: Research Support; Self; Astellas Pharma Inc., Eisai Co., Ltd., Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Novo Nordisk, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co.

BackgroundIncreased risk of cardiovascular events is associated not only with dyslipidemias, but also with abnormalities in glucose metabolism and liver function. This study uses pooled analysis to explore the in-depth effects of pemafibrate, a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α modulator (SPPARMα) already known to decrease elevated triglycerides, on glucose metabolism and liver function in patients with hypertriglyceridemia.MethodsWe performed a post-hoc analysis of six phase 2 and phase 3 Japanese randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials that examined the effects of daily pemafibrate 0.1 mg, 0.2 mg, and 0.4 mg on glucose metabolism markers and liver function tests (LFTs). Primary endpoints were changes in glucose metabolism markers and LFTs from baseline after 12 weeks of pemafibrate treatment. All adverse events and adverse drug reactions were recorded as safety endpoints.ResultsThe study population was 1253 patients randomized to placebo (n = 298) or pemafibrate 0.1 mg/day (n = 127), 0.2 mg/day (n = 584), or 0.4 mg/day (n = 244). Participant mean age was 54.3 years, 65.4 % had BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, 35.8 % had type 2 diabetes, and 42.6 % had fatty liver. Fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR decreased significantly in all pemafibrate groups compared to placebo. The greatest decrease was for pemafibrate 0.4 mg/day: least square (LS) mean change from baseline in fasting glucose − 0.25 mmol/L; fasting insulin − 3.31 µU/mL; HOMA-IR − 1.28. ALT, γ-GT, ALP, and total bilirubin decreased significantly at all pemafibrate doses vs. placebo, with the greatest decrease in the pemafibrate 0.4 mg/day group: LS mean change from baseline in ALT − 7.6 U/L; γ-GT − 37.3 U/L; ALP − 84.7 U/L; and total bilirubin − 2.27 µmol/L. Changes in HbA1c and AST did not differ significantly from placebo in any pemafibrate groups in the overall study population. The decreases from baseline in LFTs and glucose metabolism markers except for HbA1c were notable among patients with higher baseline values. FGF21 increased significantly in all pemafibrate groups compared to placebo, with the greatest increase in the pemafibrate 0.4 mg/day group. Adverse event rates were similar in all groups including placebo.ConclusionsIn patients with hypertriglyceridemia, pemafibrate can improve glucose metabolism and liver function, and increase FGF21, without increasing adverse event risk.

In Kampo medicine, blood stasis (BS) syndrome is strongly associated with microangiopathy and can lead to atherosclerosis. Vascular endothelial dysfunction (VED), evaluated through flow-mediated dilation (FMD), plays an important role in the early stages of atherosclerosis. However, the association of BS syndrome with VED, as determined using FMD, has not been reported. This study investigated the association between BS syndrome and VED using FMD. Forty-one patients with normal glucose tolerance or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and without macrovascular complications were evaluated using FMD from May 2017 to August 2017. Based on the BS score, the patients were divided into the non-BS (n = 19) and BS syndrome (n = 22) groups. Physical and background characteristics, physiological function test results, and laboratory data were compared. Univariate analysis revealed that FMD and a history of dyslipidemia/IGT were significantly different between the two groups ( p < 0.05 ). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that BS syndrome was significantly associated with FMD (odds ratio: 6.26; p = 0.03 ) after adjusting for the history of dyslipidemia/IGT. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the area under the curve for BS syndrome (0.74; p < 0.001 ) and history of IGT ( p < 0.007 ) provided good diagnostic accuracy for FMD. The area under the curve for “BS syndrome + IGT” showed very good accuracy (0.80; p < 0.0001 ) and was higher than that for BS syndrome or IGT alone. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the BS score in Kampo medicine could be a useful tool for detecting the early pathogenic stages of atherosclerosis.

Rs671 in the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene (ALDH2) is the cause of Asian alcohol flushing response after drinking. ALDH2 detoxifies endogenous aldehydes, which are the major source of DNA damage re...

Our previous research has focused on the development of a novel cancer therapy by using photohyperthermal therapy (PHT) with indocyanine green (ICG) as an optical sensitizer. ICG-Lipo is a liposomally formulated ICG derivative in which ICG is tagged with an octadeca-alkyl chain to incorporate into liposome bilayers, and contains antitumor drugs such as carboplatin and paclitaxel within the inner membrane space. The present study reported a case of feline nasal lymphoma that was treated with combination therapy of PHT with ICG-Lipo. An antitumour effect was observed, and the patient entered remission. Complications from the radiation treatment included skin burns and bleeding from the irradiated hard palate. Serious side effects related to the drugs were not observed. This report suggested that PHT using ICG-Lipo enabled efficient and safe treatment of lymphoma, and that treatment with a liposomal drug delivery system was enhanced by PHT.

The hypothalamus plays a critical role in controlling energy balance. High-fat diet (HFD) feeding increases the gene expression of proinflammatory mediators and decreases insulin actions in the hypothalamus. Here, we show that a gut-derived hormone, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), whose levels are elevated during diet-induced obesity, promotes and mediates hypothalamic inflammation and insulin resistance during HFD-induced obesity. Unbiased ribonucleic acid sequencing of GIP-stimulated hypothalami revealed that hypothalamic pathways most affected by intracerebroventricular (ICV) GIP stimulation were related to inflammatory-related responses. Subsequent analysis demonstrated that GIP administered either peripherally or centrally, increased proinflammatory-related factors such as Il-6 and Socs3 in the hypothalamus, but not in the cortex of C57BL/6J male mice. Consistently, hypothalamic activation of IκB kinase-β inflammatory signaling was induced by ICV GIP. Further, hypothalamic levels of proinflammatory cytokines and Socs3 were significantly reduced by an antagonistic GIP receptor (GIPR) antibody and by GIPR deficiency. Additionally, centrally administered GIP reduced anorectic actions of insulin in the brain and diminished insulin-induced phosphorylation of Protein kinase B and Glycogen synthase kinase 3β in the hypothalamus. Collectively, these findings reveal a previously unrecognized role for brain GIP signaling in diet-induced inflammation and insulin resistance in the hypothalamus.

Reduced plasma volume (PV) to decrease ventricular filling pressure and increased beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) as a substitute for the energy source by SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) might contribute to preserving the heart in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the impact of SGLT2is on PV and BHB is little known according to cardiac workload. We investigated the effect of long-term treatment with the SGLT2i, tofogliflozin, on PV and BHB according to baseline brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in T2DM. Analyzed were 774 T2DM patients who received tofogliflozin for 52 weeks as mono- and add-on-therapy in two phase-3 studies. Percent change in estimated PV (%ΔePV) was calculated by the Strauss formula: {100*(pre Hb/post Hb)*[(100 - post Ht)/(100 - pre Ht)] - 100}. We divided patients into two groups (Quartiles 1-3[Q1-3] and Quartile 4[Q4]) according to baseline BNP. Differences in characteristics were analyzed using unpaired t-test, wilcoxon rank sum test or Fisher’s exact test. Differences in changes between groups were analyzed using an analysis of covariance model. Multivariate analysis evaluated the association of baseline BNP with changed variables. Baseline characteristics were: male (71 vs. 52% *, * p Disclosure A. Yoshida: Employee; Self; Kowa Company, Ltd. Y. Matsubayashi: None. T. Nojima: Employee; Self; Kowa Company, Ltd. H. Suganami: Employee; Self; Kowa Company, Ltd. M. Oe: Employee; Self; Kowa Company, Ltd. K. Fujihara: None. S. Tanaka: None. K. Kaku: Advisory Panel; Self; Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim Co. Ltd., Novo Nordisk Inc. Consultant; Self; Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho. Research Support; Self; Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Astellas Pharma Inc., AstraZeneca, Daiichi Sankyo, Eli Lilly Japan K.K., Kowa Company, Ltd., Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. H. Sone: Research Support; Self; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd., Novartis AG, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co.

SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) promote diuresis and reduce plasma volume (PV). However, the impact of long-term administration and subsequent withdrawal of SGLT2is on PV is little known. This study investigated the effect of long-term administration and then withdrawal of the SGLT2i, tofogliflozin (TOFO), on PV and explored correlations with variables in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Analyzed were 166 T2DM patients who received TOFO for 52 weeks as initial monotherapy and underwent 2 weeks of withdrawal (week 54) in a phase-3 study. Percent change in estimated PV (%ΔePV) was calculated by the Strauss formula: {100*(pre Hb/post Hb)*[(100 - pre Ht)/(100 - post Ht)] - 100}. Baseline characteristics were: male (66%), age (mean: 58 y), HbA1c (8%), BMI (26kg/m2), BNP (12pg/mL) and eGFR (84mL/min/1.73m2). Paired t-tests analyzed differences from baseline to week 52 and from week 52 to 54. Correlation analysis was performed by Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficients. Multivariate analysis explored predictors for %ΔePV. Body weight (BW) [mean, -3kg (-5%)*; * p After long-term TOFO therapy, reduced PV might be correlated not with weight loss but with reduced BNP indicating fluid loss and baseline BNP might predict changed PV. Weight gain after TOFO withdrawal might be caused by fluid gain. Disclosure Y. Matsubayashi: None. A. Yoshida: Employee; Self; Kowa Company, Ltd. T. Nojima: Employee; Self; Kowa Company, Ltd. H. Suganami: Employee; Self; Kowa Company, Ltd. K. Fujihara: None. K. Kaku: Advisory Panel; Self; Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim Co. Ltd., Novo Nordisk Inc. Consultant; Self; Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho. Research Support; Self; Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Astellas Pharma Inc., AstraZeneca, Daiichi Sankyo, Eli Lilly Japan K.K., Kowa Company, Ltd., Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. H. Sone: Research Support; Self; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd., Novartis AG, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co.

Aims To examine the effects of a sodium–glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, tofogliflozin, on resting heart rate by exploring baseline factors that independently influenced changes in the resting heart rate. Methods Data on 419 participants in tofogliflozin phase 2/3 trials were analysed. Changes in resting heart rate from baseline to week 24 were analysed using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model with groups (tofogliflozin/placebo) as a fixed effect and baseline values as covariates. The antilipolytic effect was evaluated as adipose tissue insulin resistance (Adipo‐IR) and was calculated as the product of fasting insulin and free fatty acid. Multivariate analysis evaluated independent factors for changes in resting heart rate from baseline to week 24. Results Of the participants, 58% were men, and mean age, HbA1c, BMI and resting heart rate were 57.6 years, 65 mmol/mol (8.1%), 25.5 kg/m2 and 66 bpm, respectively. At week 24, adjusted mean difference vs. placebo in the change from baseline was −2.3 bpm [95% confidence interval (CI) −4.6, −0.1] with tofogliflozin. Changes in resting heart rate were positively correlated with changes in Adipo‐IR, whereas reductions in HbA1c, body weight and blood pressure were similar independent of changes in resting heart among quartiles of resting heart rate change. On multivariate analysis, higher baseline resting heart rates and Adipo‐IR values were significantly associated with greater reductions in resting heart rate. Conclusions Tofogliflozin corrected resting heart rate levels in accordance with baseline levels. Correction of high resting heart rates may be attributed to improved adipose tissue insulin resistance, leading to correction of hyperinsulinaemia., What’s new? A high resting heart rate is related to increased cardiovascular and microvascular risks in persons with type 2 diabetes.Tofogliflozin significantly reduced resting heart rate compared with placebo, irrespective of reductions in HbA1c, body weight and blood pressure.Reduction in resting heart rate was associated with improvements in adipose tissue insulin resistance.Higher baseline adipose tissue insulin resistance levels were independently associated with a greater decline in resting heart rate.Correcting the resting heart rate via improved adipose tissue insulin resistance by tofogliflozin treatment might contribute to lowering the risks of cardiovascular diseases.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a hepatic phenotype of the metabolic syndrome, and increases the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although increasing evidence points to the therapeutic implications of certain types of anti-diabetic agents in NASH, it remains to be elucidated whether their effects on NASH are independent of their effects on diabetes. Genetically obese melanocortin 4 receptor–deficient (MC4R-KO) mice fed Western diet are a murine model that sequentially develops hepatic steatosis, NASH, and HCC in the presence of obesity and insulin resistance. In this study, we investigated the effect of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor anagliptin on NASH and HCC development in MC4R-KO mice. Anagliptin treatment effectively prevented inflammation, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis in the liver of MC4R-KO mice. Interestingly, anagliptin only marginally affected body weight, systemic glucose and lipid metabolism, and hepatic steatosis. Histological data and gene expression analysis suggest that anagliptin treatment targets macrophage activation in the liver during the progression from simple steatosis to NASH. As a molecular mechanism underlying anagliptin action, we showed that glucagon-like peptide-1 suppressed proinflammatory and profibrotic phenotypes of macrophages in vitro. This study highlights the glucose metabolism–independent effects of anagliptin on NASH and HCC development.

AIM To verify the superiority of pemafibrate over placebo and the non-inferiority of pemafibrate to the maximum dose of fenofibrate for determining the percent change in fasting serum triglyceride (TG) levels and to investigate safety by assessing the incidence of adverse events (AEs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). METHODS This phase III, placebo/active drug-controlled, randomized, double-blind, parallel group comparison study enrolled patients with high TG and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo; pemafibrate 0.1 mg/day, 0.2 mg/day, or 0.4 mg/day; or fenofibrate 100 mg/day or 200 mg/day for 12 weeks. RESULTS Among 526 randomized patients, 489 completed the study, with drop-out rates of 0%, 6.7%, 5.5%, 5.9%, 8.2%, and 10.7% in the placebo; pemafibrate 0.1 mg/day, 0.2 mg/day, and 0.4 mg/day; and fenofibrate 100 mg/day and 200 mg/day groups. The study showed the non-inferiority of pemafibrate 0.4 mg/day and 0.2 mg/day to fenofibrate 200 mg/day as well the non-inferiority and superiority of all pemafibrate doses to fenofibrate 100 mg/day for reducing TG levels. No dose-dependent increase in the incidence of AEs or ADRs was observed among the pemafibrate dose groups. The incidence of AEs and ADRs for all pemafibrate doses was similar to that for placebo and fenofibrate 100 mg/day and significantly lower than that for fenofibrate 200 mg/day (P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS The favorable safety profile of pemafibrate, with fewer adverse effects on kidney/liver-related laboratory tests and fewer AEs/ADRs, including those leading to treatment discontinuation, over fenofibrate 200 mg/day may justify the use of this novel and potent treatment option for reducing TG levels in a broader range of patients.

Aim: Children with Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) are widely prescribed statins, and it has been suggested that the effects of statins differ among ethnicities. We compared the efficacy and safety of pitavastatin in children and adolescents with FH in clinical trials conducted in Japan and Europe. Methods: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reductions, adjusted for confounding factors, and safety were compared between the studies in Japan and Europe. In the Japanese study, 14 males with heterozygous FH, aged 11.8 ± 1.6 years, were randomized to 52-week double-blind treatment with 1 or 2 mg/day pitavastatin. In the European study, 106 children and adolescents with high risk hyperlipidemia (103 heterozygous FH), aged 10.6 ± 2.9 years, were randomized to 12-week double-blind treatment with 1, 2 or 4 mg/day pitavastatin or placebo; 84 of these patients and 29 new patients participated in a 52-week open-label extension study. Results: Age, body weight and baseline LDL-C were identified as factors influencing LDL-C reduction. There were no significant differences in the adjusted mean percentage reduction in LDL-C in Japanese and European children by pitavastatin (24.5% and 23.6%, respectively at 1 mg/day and 33.5% and 30.8%, respectively at 2 mg/day). Pitavastatin was well tolerated without any difference in the frequency or nature of adverse events between the treatment groups, or between the studies. Conclusion: There were no significant differences between the efficacy or safety of pitavastatin in Japanese and European children and adolescents with FH, suggesting no relevant ethnic differences in the safety or efficacy of pitavastatin.

Aims/Introduction Pemafibrate is a novel selective peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α modulator with potent triglyceride‐lowering and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol‐raising effects. We showed that pemafibrate decreased the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance in patients with dyslipidemia. To investigate how pemafibrate improves insulin sensitivity, we used a hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp technique to determine the splanchnic and peripheral glucose uptake in patients with hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance. Materials and Methods A total of 27 patients with hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance were randomly assigned to receive pemafibrate (0.4 mg/day, b.i.d.) or placebo treatment for 12 weeks. The hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp test combined with oral glucose loading was carried out at weeks 0 and 12 to evaluate the splanchnic and peripheral glucose uptake. Results Pemafibrate, but not the placebo, significantly increased the splanchnic glucose uptake rate from baseline (19.6 ± 5.9% with P = 0.005 and 2.1 ± 7.4% with P = 0.78, respectively), although no significant difference between the groups was observed (P = 0.084). Conversely, peripheral glucose uptake rate was not significantly altered. Pemafibrate, compared with the placebo, significantly decreased plasma triglycerides (−61.4 ± 16.4% vs −2.5 ± 41.4%, P = 0.001), free fatty acids (−24.8 ± 23.2% vs 2.0 ± 26.8%, P = 0.016) and gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (−30 ± 46 vs 10 ± 19 U/L, P = 0.009) levels, and significantly increased fibroblast growth factor 21 (457.7 ± 402.1 vs −41.7 ± 37.4 pg/mL, P = 0.007) levels. Conclusions Pemafibrate increased splanchnic glucose uptake from baseline in patients with hypertriglyceridemia.

AIM Hepatic insulin clearance (HIC) is important in regulating plasma insulin levels. Diminished HIC causes inappropriate hyperinsulinaemia, and both obesity and fatty liver (FL), which are known to decrease HIC, can be found either together in the same patient or on their own. The mechanism by which obesity reduces HIC is presumed to be mediated by FL. However, few reports have examined the role of FL in the relationship between obesity and HIC in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. Therefore, our study investigated the association of HIC with clinical factors, including insulin sensitivity indices, focusing on the presence or absence of FL and obesity in T2D patients. METHOD Baseline data from 419 patients with T2D (279 men, 140 women; mean age: 57.6 years; body mass index: 25.5kg/m2) controlled by diet and exercise were analyzed. HIC was calculated from the ratio of fasting c-peptide to fasting insulin levels (HICCIR). Correlation analyses between HICCIR and clinical variables were performed using Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficients and single regression analysis in all participants and in those with obesity and FL either alone or in combination. RESULTS HICCIR was significantly correlated with whole-body insulin sensitivity indices and influenced by FL, but only in the FL group was obesity independently influenced HIC level. HICCIR decreased in those with both FL and obesity compared with those with only one such complication. CONCLUSION HICCIR may be used to evaluate whole-body insulin sensitivity in T2D. Also, compared with obesity, the influence of FL strongly contributed to a reduced HIC. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER These trials were registered by the Japan Pharmaceutical Information Centre clinical trials information (JapicCTI) as 101349 and 101351.

An integrated analysis was performed with data from 4 phase 2 and phase 3 studies of tofogliflozin in which patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus received the sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor tofogliflozin for up to 24 weeks. Sex differences, baseline haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and serum uric acid (UA) levels, and log10‐transformed urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase ratio were significantly correlated with the reduction in serum UA levels at both 4 and 24 weeks in multivariate analysis (respectively, P 8.6%) and lowest in the group with the lowest baseline HbA1c level (quartile 1; HbA1c ≤ 7.4%). The decrease in serum UA levels was greatest in the quartile 1 group and lowest in the quartile 4 group. In most groups, the maximum decrease in serum UA levels was seen in the first 4 weeks, while the maximum decrease in HbA1c was seen at week 24. Thus, serum UA levels were significantly decreased in patients with moderate HbA1c levels.

OBJECTIVE Type 2 diabetes is frequently complicated with atherogenic dyslipidemia. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pemafibrate (K-877) in patients with type 2 diabetes comorbid with hypertriglyceridemia. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Patients were randomly assigned to three groups and received placebo (n = 57), 0.2 mg/day pemafibrate (n = 54), or 0.4 mg/day pemafibrate (n = 55) for 24 weeks (treatment period 1). Subsequently, the patients received follow-up treatment for another 28 weeks (treatment period 2), in which the placebo was switched to 0.2 mg/day pemafibrate. This article presents the results of treatment period 1, which were the primary objectives. RESULTS The pemafibrate groups showed significantly reduced fasting serum triglyceride levels by ∼45% compared with the placebo group (P < 0.001). Additionally, the pemafibrate groups displayed significant decreases in non-HDL and remnant lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein (Apo) B100, ApoB48, and ApoCIII levels and significant increases in HDL cholesterol and ApoA-I levels. LDL cholesterol levels were not considerably altered in the pemafibrate groups. Furthermore, the 0.2 mg/day pemafibrate group showed a significantly reduced HOMA–insulin resistance score compared with the placebo group; however, no significant changes compared with placebo were found in fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, glycoalbumin, or HbA1c levels. The pemafibrate groups also showed significantly increased fibroblast growth factor 21 levels compared with the placebo group. All groups displayed comparable rates of adverse events and drug reactions. CONCLUSIONS Pemafibrate significantly ameliorated lipid abnormalities and was well tolerated in patients with type 2 diabetes comorbid with hypertriglyceridemia.

Chronic inflammation is a common molecular basis underlying a variety of chronic diseases. Accumulating evidence has also suggested that chronic inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of obesity and diabetes, which have been considered as metabolic diseases. For the past several decades, there has been dramatic progress in understanding the underlying mechanism of adipose tissue dysfunction induced by obesity. Tissue remodeling is one of the histological features of chronic inflammation, in which stromal cells dramatically change in number and cell type. Indeed, adipose tissue remodeling is induced by various stromal cells, and results in the impairment of adipose tissue function, such as adipocytokine production and lipid storage, which leads to systemic metabolic disorder. In addition to adipose tissue, the liver is another example of obesity‐induced tissue remodeling. In the present review, we discuss how obesity induces interstitial fibrosis in adipose tissue and the liver, particularly focusing on the role of macrophages.

Aims/Introduction Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a new class of drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus that improve control of plasma glucose and bodyweight, giving great hope for the clinical utility of these agents. However, it is unclear for which patients SGLT2 inhibitors will be useful. Materials and Methods We analyzed data from long‐term tofogliflozin monotherapy in an open‐label, randomized controlled trial in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients were divided into tertiles by baseline insulin level: group low (L): insulin ≤5.6 μU/mL, group medium (M): 5.6< insulin ≤10 μU/mL and group high (H): insulin >10 μU/mL. Results Glycated hemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose levels, along with bodyweight, were significantly reduced from the baseline in all groups. The changes in levels of plasma glucose area under the curve for 2 h, C‐peptide index area under the curve for 2 h during the meal tolerance tests and the insulin secretion index were the largest in the H group. The incidence of drug‐related adverse events was not different among the three groups. Discussion Although tofogliflozin was effective regardless of baseline insulin level, it showed the highest efficacy in the H group.

The 2-series of prostaglandin E (PGE2) is regarded as a pro-cancer prostanoid, whereas the 1- and 3-series (PGE1 and PGE3) are considered to act as anti-cancer prostanoids. We herein provide possible reasons why PGE1 and PGE3, but not PGE2, exert anti-cancer effects by focusing on each diverged E-type prostanoid 4 (EP4) receptor-mediated signaling pathway. PGE1, PGE2, and PGE3 function as full agonists in terms of Gαs- and Gαi-protein-mediated signaling. However, PGE1 and PGE3 function as partial agonists of T-cell factor (TCF)/β-catenin-mediated activity, the well-known cancer-related signaling pathway. Furthermore, pretreatment with PGE1 or PGE3 almost completely reduces PGE2-induced TCF/β-catenin activity. These results clearly provide a plausible reason why PGE1 and PGE3 function as anti-cancer prostanoids by novel biased activity for EP4 receptors. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) reduce hyperglycemia and insulin levels via increased urinary glucose excretion (UGE). Reduced insulin triggers decreased tissue glucose disposal and increased lipid use followed by ketone production. The metabolic response to starvation, the production of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), was reported to be influenced by sex and menopausal status in healthy persons. However, little is known of sex- and menopausal status-specific effects of SGLT2is on BHB. This study investigated the effect of the SGLT2i tofogliflozin on BHB according to sex and menopausal status in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Analyzed were 190 T2DM patients taking tofogliflozin as initial monotherapy in a Phase 3 study. Baseline characteristics were: men (66%); premenopausal (7%) and postmenopausal women (27%), age (mean 58y), and mean HbA1c (7.8%), BMI (26kg/m2), BHB (69µmol/L) and eGFR (83mL/min/1.73m2). Sex- and menopausal status-specific differences were analyzed by multivariate analysis. Longer duration of diabetes and lower baseline HDL-C and adiponectin were noted in men while age and HbA1c, BMI, BHB and eGFR were identical between sexes. Increases in BHB at weeks 4 and 52 were: men, median +128%* and +64*, respectively (+ p Disclosure A. Yoshida: Employee; Self; Kowa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. Y. Matsubayashi: None. T. Nojima: Employee; Self; Kowa Co., Ltd. H. Suganami: Employee; Self; Kowa Co., Ltd. K. Kaku: Advisory Panel; Self; Astellas Pharma Inc., AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. H. Sone: Research Support; Self; Astellas Pharma Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, Kowa Pharmaceutical Europe Co. Ltd., Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd., Novo Nordisk Inc., Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Teijin Pharma Limited.

SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) reduce body weight. They also reduce insulin levels, which trigger lipolysis leading to subsequent fat-mass loss. Lactate (LAC) was reported to inhibit lipolysis in adipocytes and to mediate insulin-dependent inhibition of lipolysis. However, little is known of the effect of SGLT2is on LAC and its relation to weight loss. We investigated the effect of the SGLT2i tofogliflozin on LAC and explored its relation to subsequent weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Analyzed were 584 T2DM patients receiving tofogliflozin as an add-on to other antidiabetic agents from a Phase 3 trial. Baseline characteristics were: men (66%), age (mean 59y), mean HbA1c (8%), BMI (26kg/m2), LAC (11mg/dL) and eGFR (84mL/min/1.73m2). Patients were divided into two groups based on baseline LAC (bottom quartile [Q1: LAC mean 6mg/dL] and 3 higher quartiles [Q2-4]: 13). Adjusted changes in variables between groups were compared to explore the relation between baseline LAC and weight loss using multivariate analysis. LAC significantly decreased at week 4 (mean, -1.4mg/dL* p Disclosure T. Nojima: Employee; Self; Kowa Co., Ltd. Y. Matsubayashi: None. A. Yoshida: Employee; Self; Kowa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. H. Suganami: Employee; Self; Kowa Co., Ltd. K. Kaku: Advisory Panel; Self; Astellas Pharma Inc., AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. H. Sone: Research Support; Self; Astellas Pharma Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, Kowa Pharmaceutical Europe Co. Ltd., Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd., Novo Nordisk Inc., Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Teijin Pharma Limited.

Diabetic ketoacidosis characterized by lipolysis due to insulin deficiency is a side effect reported for SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2is). However, little is known about predictors of ketosis via SGLT2i. The antilipolytic effect of insulin in adipose tissue can be evaluated as adipose tissue insulin resistance (Adipo-IR). This study investigated predictors of ketosis via the SGLT2i, tofogliflozin (TOFO), in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) focusing on Adipo-IR. Analyzed were 304 T2D patients who received TOFO as initial monotherapy in two TOFO phase 2 and 3 studies. Adipo-IR was calculated by the product of fasting insulin (IRI) and fasting free fatty acids (FFA). Baseline characteristics were: males (67%), age (mean: 58 y), HbA1c (8%), BMI (26kg/m2), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) (75µmol/L), eGFR (84mL/min/1.73m2) and Adipo-IR (33pmol/L mmol/L). Participants were grouped by tertiles of baseline Adipo-IR levels (T1-T3). Differences across tertiles were analyzed by ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis and ANCOVA. Multivariate analysis explored the predictors of ketosis. In the order of T3-T1, younger age, higher baseline HOMA-IR levels and higher baseline HOMA-β levels were observed, while baseline HbA1c and BHB levels were identical across tertiles. At 24 weeks after TOFO administration, reduced HbA1c and body weight and increased urinary glucose excretion were identical among tertiles. Percent changes in FFA were T1, mean +50.9%* (* p In conclusion, high baseline Adipo-IR may attenuate ketosis via SGLT2i through improved Adipo-IR and the antilipolytic effect of insulin despite reduced IRI in T2D. Disclosure Y. Matsubayashi: None. A. Yoshida: Employee; Self; Kowa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. T. Nojima: Employee; Self; Kowa Co., Ltd. H. Suganami: Employee; Self; Kowa Co., Ltd. K. Fujihara: None. K. Kaku: Advisory Panel; Self; Astellas Pharma Inc., AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. H. Sone: Research Support; Self; Astellas Pharma Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, Kowa Pharmaceutical Europe Co. Ltd., Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd., Novo Nordisk Inc., Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Teijin Pharma Limited.

It is well recognized that sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are associated with weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes. However, the time-dependent associations of weight loss with the anthropometric and body fluid measurements and serum parameters during SGLT2i intervention remain unclear. Thus, we aimed to clarify weight loss-related factors, carefully focusing on the clinical process during the long-term intervention with a SGLT2i, tofogliflozin in people with type 2 diabetes. We analyzed data from 775 people with type 2 diabetes that participated in tofogliflozin phase 3 trials. Participants received tofogliflozin (20, or 40 mg; n = 235, and 540, respectively) orally once daily for 52 weeks. The correlation analysis was performed at week 4, 24 and 52. Baseline characteristics showed men (66 %), age (mean: 58 years), HbA1c (8.0 %), BMI (26 kg/m2) and eGFR (84 mL/min/1.73m2). Tofogliflozin significantly reduced body weight at week 4, 24 and 52 (mean: -1.4, -3.0 and -3.0 kg, respectively). At week 4, weight loss was negatively correlated with both the change in body fluid measures (hematocrit, RBC count, serum creatinine level, and uric acid level) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). At week 24, weight loss was positively correlated with anthropometric measurements (waist and hip circumferences) and hepatic enzymes levels, and negatively correlated with adiponectin, HDL-C, and BHB levels, but not with body fluid measures. Although the values at week 52 were in concert with the results at week 24, there was a modest but significant correlation between weight loss and BHB level. Our results clarified that tofogliflozin reduces weight, especially that of visceral fat in people with type 2 diabetes, at least due to fluid loss initially and to lipolysis in late. Weight loss might contribute to decrease in the hepatic enzymes, whereas it also accompanies an increase in beta-hydroxybutyrate, the safety issue of which to be investigated in future. Disclosure A. Yoshida: Employee; Self; Kowa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. H. Kusakabe: Employee; Self; Kowa Pharmaceutical Co.Ltd. T. Takamura: None. K. Kaku: Speaker's Bureau; Self; AstraZeneca. Advisory Panel; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, MSD K.K.. Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.. Advisory Panel; Self; Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho Co., Ltd.. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Japan Inc., Kowa Pharmaceuticals, Japan Inc.. Advisory Panel; Self; Astellas, Japan Inc. H. Suganami: Employee; Self; Kowa Company, Ltd..

Recent studies suggested that reduced hepatic insulin clearance (HIC) after mixed meal ingestion was associated with amelioration of postprandial hyperglycemia by supplying sufficient insulin throughout the body and that HIC might be regulated by increases in serum incretins. Despite broad use in practice, the effects of DPP-4i on HIC are little known. Thus, we aimed to clarify the effect of a DPP-4i, anagliptin (ANA), on HIC in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Analyzed were 977 T2DM patients (72% male, mean age: 58 y, HbA1c: 8.0%, BMI: 25 kg/m2, HOMA-β: 26.4, HOMA-IR: 2.7) on diet and exercise therapy who received ANA or a placebo as initial monotherapy and add-on therapy in five phase 2 and 3 randomized controlled trials (ANA: 706, placebo: 271). Postprandial HIC (P-HIC) from the meal tolerance test was calculated as the ratio: C-peptide AUC0-120min to insulin AUC0-120min. Differences in variables between ANA and placebo were analyzed by an ANCOVA model, with the treatment group as a fixed effect and the baseline value as a covariate. Multivariate analysis was done to clarify possible independent factors associated with HbA1c. After taking ANA for 12 weeks, HbA1c was significantly reduced (-0.65%, p Disclosure Y. Matsubayashi: None. T. Abe: None. S. Muragishi: Employee; Self; Kowa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. A. Yoshida: Employee; Self; Kowa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. H. Suganami: Employee; Self; Kowa Company, Ltd. K. Furusawa: Employee; Self; Sanwakagakukenkyusho Co.,LTD. T. Yamada: None. K. Fujihara: None. S. Tanaka: None. K. Kaku: Speaker's Bureau; Self; AstraZeneca. Advisory Panel; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, MSD K.K.. Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.. Advisory Panel; Self; Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho Co., Ltd.. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Japan Inc., Kowa Pharmaceuticals, Japan Inc.. Advisory Panel; Self; Astellas, Japan Inc. H. Sone: Research Support; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, MSD K.K., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Takeda Development Center Asia, Pte. Ltd., Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd., Sanofi, Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc., Eisai Inc..

The elevation of ketones is clinically concerned in the use of SGLT2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), however little is known about the association between that elevation and subsequent clinical process. We aimed to clarify the association of the initial beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) elevation via the SGLT2i, tofogliflozin with subsequent weight loss in type 2 diabetes participants. Analyzed were 774 type 2 diabetes participants who received tofogliflozin in two phase 3 studies. The participants were divided into four groups according to the quartiles for their change in BHB after 4 weeks of tofogliflozin therapy. The adjusted assessments of variables were analyzed using an analysis of covariance model with the quartiles, their baseline values, age, sex, and eGFR as covariates. BHB levels significantly increased (mean: +107.1 µmol/L) from baseline to week 4. Those changes in the first (Q1), second (Q2), third (Q3), and fourth (Q4) quartiles, respectively, were -33.7, +31.4, +98.0, and +331.1 µmol/L. Glycemic control at baseline was poorer, while CPI was lower within the higher quartiles. The difference of BHB changes among the quartiles was maintained during tofogliflozin therapy. At week 52, the increase of BHB levels from baseline was significant (+142.7 µmol/L) in Q4, but not changed in Q1. The weight loss at week 52 in Q4 (least square mean: -3.6 kg) was greater than in Q1 (-2.4 kg) although the improvement of hyperglycemia was identical. Furthermore, the reduction in waist circumference and increase in adiponectin were greater in Q4. And the increase in fasting free fatty acid was also greater in Q4, but not changed in Q1. The distinct response of BHB elevation was observed early after the SGLT2i, tofogliflozin therapy. The higher initial BHB elevation resulted in the greater reduction in body weight, especially fat mass via lipolysis. The progressive weight loss might be clinically associated with one of the signs of the higher ketone elevation. Disclosure Y. Sato: None. K. Nunoi: None. K. Kaku: Speaker's Bureau; Self; AstraZeneca. Advisory Panel; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, MSD K.K.. Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.. Advisory Panel; Self; Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho Co., Ltd.. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Japan Inc., Kowa Pharmaceuticals, Japan Inc.. Advisory Panel; Self; Astellas, Japan Inc. A. Yoshida: Employee; Self; Kowa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. H. Suganami: Employee; Self; Kowa Company, Ltd..

An elevated resting heart rate (RHR) is a risk factor for vascular complications in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recently, the beneficial effects of SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on cardiovascular and renal events were reported in large-scale clinical trials. However, their mechanisms are not fully clarified. This study aimed to investigate the effect of SGLT2i on RHR and the clinical factors that affect changes in RHR in patients with T2DM. Analyzed were 419 T2DM patients on diet and exercise therapy who received an SGLT2i, tofogliflozin (TOFO), or a placebo as initial monotherapy in two TOFO phase 2 and 3 studies. Adipose tissue insulin resistance (Adipo-IR) was calculated by the product of fasting free fatty acid and fasting insulin. Differences in heart rate-related variables between TOFO and the placebo were analyzed with an ANCOVA model. Multivariate analysis was performed to clarify independent factors that were associated with changes in RHR. Baseline characteristics were: male (67%), age (mean: 58 years), HbA1c (8.1%), BMI (26 kg/m2), RHR (66 bpm), eGFR (84 mL/min/1.73m2) and Adipo-IR (32.5 pmol/L•mmol/L). Concerning the effects on RHR, TOFO reduced RHR levels (least squares mean: -1.7 and -1.1 bpm, p Disclosure Y. Matsubayashi: None. T. Nojima: Employee; Self; Kowa Company,LTD. A. Yoshida: Employee; Self; Kowa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. H. Suganami: Employee; Self; Kowa Company, Ltd.. T. Yamada: None. K. Fujihara: None. S. Tanaka: None. K. Kaku: Speaker's Bureau; Self; AstraZeneca. Advisory Panel; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, MSD K.K.. Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.. Advisory Panel; Self; Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho Co., Ltd.. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Japan Inc., Kowa Pharmaceuticals, Japan Inc.. Advisory Panel; Self; Astellas, Japan Inc. H. Sone: Research Support; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, MSD K.K., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Takeda Development Center Asia, Pte. Ltd., Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd., Sanofi, Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc., Eisai Inc..

We previously identified a novel gene encoding Favine/CCDC3 (NCBI protein entry NP_083080), a possible secretory factor, the mRNA of which is highly expressed in adipose tissue and the aorta. The Favine mRNA levels are increased in the course of differentiation of rat primary adipocytes and are more elevated in the adipose tissue of genetically obese and diet-induced obese mice than in lean mice. However, its biological function has not yet been elucidated until now. Here, we tested the hypothesis that Favine is involved in lipid metabolism in adipocytes. We found that overexpression of Favine promoted 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. To further investigate the function of Favine in vivo, we generated Favine knock-out (KO) mice. Favine KO mice exhibited a lean phenotype as they aged. The weights of white adipose tissue and liver were less, and adipocyte size was smaller in Favine KO mice compared with wild-type littermates (WT). Expression levels of lipogenic genes, such as fatty-acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase α (ACC1), and diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase-2 (Dgat2), were decreased in adipose tissue of Favine KO mice. In 1-year-old mice, Favine deficiency decreased the number of inflammatory cells in white adipose tissue and diminished hepatic steatosis. In vitro, deficiency of Favine attenuated differentiation of primary adipocytes. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Favine has adipogenic and lipogenic effects on adipocytes.

Although recent evidence has pointed to the role of organ- and pathogenesis-specific macrophage subsets, it is still unclear which subsets are critically involved in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Using melanocortin-4 receptor-deficient (MC4R-KO) mice fed Western diet (WD), which exhibit liver phenotypes similar to those of human NASH, we found a histological structure, termed hepatic crown-like structure (hCLS), in which CD11c+ macrophages surround dead/dying hepatocytes, a prominent feature of NASH. Here, we demonstrate that hCLS-constituting macrophages could be a novel macrophage subset that drives hepatocyte death-triggered liver fibrosis. In an "inducible NASH model," hepatocyte death induces hCLS formation and liver fibrosis sequentially in the short term. In combination with the long-term WD feeding model, we also showed that resident macrophages are a major cellular source of CD11c+ macrophages constituting hCLS, which exhibited gene expression profiles distinct from CD11c- macrophages scattered in the liver. Moreover, depletion of CD11c+ macrophages abolished hCLS formation and fibrogenesis in NASH. Our clinical data suggest the role of CD11c+ macrophages in the disease progression from simple steatosis to NASH. This study sheds light on the role of resident macrophages, in addition to recruited macrophages, in the pathogenesis of NASH.

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, an antidiabetic drug, promotes urinary excretion of glucose by blocking its reabsorption in the renal proximal tubules. It is unclear whether SGLT2 inhibition could attenuate nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and NASH-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. We examined the preventive effects of an SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin (CANA) in Western diet (WD)-fed melanocortin 4 receptor-deficient (MC4R-KO) mice, a mouse model of human NASH. An eight-week CANA treatment attenuated hepatic steatosis in WD-fed MC4R-KO mice, with increased epididymal fat mass without inflammatory changes. CANA treatment for 20 weeks inhibited the development of hepatic fibrosis in WD-fed MC4R-KO mice. After one year of CANA treatment, the number of liver tumors was significantly reduced in WD-fed MC4R-KO mice. In adipose tissue, CANA suppressed the ratio of oxidative to reduced forms of glutathiones (GSSG/GSH) in WD-fed MC4R-KO mice. Treatment with GSH significantly attenuated the H2O2-induced upregulation of genes related to NADPH oxidase in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and that of Il6, Tgfb, and Pdgfb in RAW264.7 cells. This study provides evidence that SGLT2 inhibitors represent the unique class of drugs that can attenuate or delay the onset of NASH and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma, at least partly, through “healthy adipose expansion”.

To overcome the concerns associated with the use of fibrates, pemafibrate (K-877), a novel selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor modulator, was developed. In a previous phase 2 trial, we showed excellent efficacy and safety of pemafibrate in patients with dyslipidemia.The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pemafibrate over 24 weeks in adults with dyslipidemia in comparison with fenofibrate.In this multicenter, 24-week, double-blind, clinical study, 225 patients with high triglyceride (TG; ≥150 mg/dL [1.7 mmol/L] and500 mg/dL [5.7 mmol/L]) and relatively low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (50 mg/dL [1.3 mmol/L] in men or 55 mg/dL [1.4 mmol/L] in women) levels were randomized to receive either pemafibrate at 0.2 or 0.4 mg/d or fenofibrate 106.6 mg/d.Pemafibrate 0.2, 0.4 mg/d and fenofibrate significantly reduced TG levels from baseline by -46.2%, -45.9%, and -39.7%, respectively. As compared with fenofibrate, the least squares mean differences (95% confidence intervals) in TG were -6.5% (-12.0, -1.1) and -6.2% (-11.6, -0.8) in pemafibrate 0.2 and 0.4 mg/d respectively, which showed the superiority of these doses of pemafibrate to 106.6 mg/d of fenofibrate. The incidence rates of adverse drug reactions in pemafibrate groups (2.7% and 6.8%) were significantly lower than that in the fenofibrate group (23.7%). Pemafibrate significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase levels, whereas fenofibrate increased both of them. The increments of serum creatinine and cystatin C were smaller in pemafibrate than those in fenofibrate.Pemafibrate was superior to fenofibrate in terms of serum TG-lowering effect and hepatic and renal safety.

The metabolic function of the liver changes sequentially during early life in mammals to adapt to the marked changes in nutritional environment. Accordingly, hepatic fatty acid β-oxidation is activated after birth to produce energy from breast milk lipids. However, how it is induced during the neonatal period is poorly understood. Here we show DNA demethylation and increased mRNA expression of the fatty acid β-oxidation genes in the postnatal mouse liver. The DNA demethylation does not occur in the fetal mouse liver under the physiologic condition, suggesting that it is specific to the neonatal period. Analysis of mice deficient in the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor α (PPARα) and maternal administration of a PPARα ligand during the gestation and lactation periods reveal that the DNA demethylation is PPARα dependent. We also find that DNA methylation of the fatty acid β-oxidation genes are reduced in the adult human liver relative to the fetal liver. This study represents the first demonstration that the ligand-activated PPARα-dependent DNA demethylation regulates the hepatic fatty acid β-oxidation genes during the neonatal period, thereby highlighting the role of a lipid-sensing nuclear receptor in the gene- and life-stage–specific DNA demethylation of a particular metabolic pathway.

The survival of patients with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) has been improved by high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX). Since the combination therapy of HD-MTX and whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) carries a significant risk for delayed neurotoxicity, it is important to know the therapeutic potential and prognostic factors for HD-MTX without WBRT. We retrospectively reviewed 46 consecutive patients with PCNSL treated with a HD-MTX (3.5 g/m(2)) and deferred WBRT. Patients who achieved complete response or partial response after three courses of HD-MTX were cautiously followed-up without additional treatment. Patients who had either stable disease, progressive disease, or disease relapse were offered salvage therapy. The median progression-free survival period was 10 months and the median overall survival period was 52 months, with a 5-year survival rate of 39 %. Nineteen patients (49 % of the evaluable patients) achieved a complete response at the initial response assessment. Involvement of deep structures of the brain (corpus callosum, basal ganglia and brainstem) was significantly associated with the worse progression-free survivals (p = 0.0058) and overall survivals (p = 0.0177). Gene expression profiling analysis by microarray was compared in eight patients between PCNSLs located in the deep structures of the brain and non-deep-seated tumors. The result showed that up-regulation of signal transduction-related genes and down-regulation of catalytic activity-related genes in the non-deep-seated PCNSL compared with the deep-seated tumors. The present study shows that PCNSL located in non-deep structures of the brain responds better to HD-MTX alone than those involved deep-structures.

Aim Previous epidemiological studies demonstrated that the ratio of n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is associated with cardiovascular diseases. We herein investigated whether the beneficial effect of highly purified eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA) on arterial stiffness is associated with changes in the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as EPA, docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid(DGLA), relative to arachidonic acid(AA), in obese Japanese patients with dyslipidemia. Methods The EPA/AA, DHA/AA and DGLA/AA ratios were compared between obese patients with(n=94) and without (n=31) dyslipidemia. Among the former group, 88 patients received either highly purified EPA treatment(1.8g daily, n=45) or treatment without EPA(control, n=43). Results At baseline, the ratios of DHA/AA and DGLA/AA were significantly(P＜0.05) higher in obese patients with dyslipidemia than in those without, while the EPA/AA ratio was similar between patients with and without dyslipidemia. EPA significantly reduced the hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, CRP, cardio-ankle vascular index(CAVI)(an index of arterial stiffness) and the DGLA/AA ratio relative to the control at three months after the treatment. On the other hand, EPA significantly increased the adiponectin level and EPA/AA ratio(P＜0.05). A multivariate regression analysis revealed that only age, an increase in the EPA/AA ratio and a decrease in the CRP level were significant determinants of a reduction of the CAVI by EPA. Conclusion These findings suggest that EPA improves the arterial stiffness in association with an increase in the EPA/AA ratio and a decrease in inflammation in obese patients with dyslipidemia.