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Dariush Elahi

Publications and source records attributed to Dariush Elahi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Peptide YY is secreted after oral glucose administration in a gender-specific manner.

CONTEXT: Previous studies with small numbers of subjects showed a negative correlation between plasma peptide YY (PYY) levels and obesity. If correct, this would imply that low PYY levels might be involved in the pathogenesis of obesity. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate whether plasma PYY levels were correlated with sex and body mass index (BMI). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 151 normal volunteers (19-90 yr of age) in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. INTERVENTIONS: All subjects had an oral glucose tolerance test (75 g) performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Immunostaining of human duodenum, BMI, hemoglobin A1c, plasma glucose, insulin, PYY, glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1), ghrelin, and leptin were the main outcome measures. RESULTS: PYY and GLP-1 colocalized in the same cells in human duodenum. Both hormones reached peak plasma levels by 20 min and had similar secretory patterns. The incremental increases in PYY and GLP-1 during that first 20 min were significantly correlated (r2 = 0.388; P < 0.0001). The areas under the curve from 0-120 min for PYY and GLP-1 were similar in both obese and lean participants. Female participants across the range of BMI had significantly higher PYY area under the curve (17,464 +/- 1,240 vs. 14,120 +/- 806 pmol/liter x min, female vs. male; P < 0.05) compared with male participants. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that PYY and GLP-1 are colocalized and cosecreted from L cells and that total secretion of PYY is higher in females than in males, but fasting PYY levels and PYY secretion in response to oral glucose were not in any way correlated with BMI.

Administration, Oral↗

Deconvolution analysis of rapid insulin pulses before and after six weeks of continuous subcutaneous administration of glucagon-like peptide-1 in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.

CONTEXT: Insulin is secreted in a pulsatile fashion with measurable orderliness (low entropy). Normal aging and diabetes in middle-aged patients is characterized by alterations in pulsatile insulin release. OBJECTIVES: We undertook the current studies to determine whether disruptions in pulsatile insulin release also accompany diabetes in the elderly. DESIGN: Two studies were performed. In the first study, insulin values were sampled every minute for 1 h under fasting conditions. In the second study, subjects underwent a 2-h hyperglycemic glucose clamp (glucose 5.4 mm above basal). From 60-120 min, insulin was sampled every 1 min. Secretory pulse analysis was conducted using a multiparameter deconvolution technique. SETTING: The study was conducted in a general clinical research center and during outpatient visits. PATIENTS: Volunteers were healthy young [n = 10; body mass index (BMI), 23 +/- 1 kg/m2; age, 23 +/- 1 yr] and elderly (n = 10; BMI, 24 +/- 1 kg/m2; age, 78 +/- 2 yr) volunteers and elderly patients with diabetes (n = 8; BMI, 28 +/- 1 kg/m2; age, 73 +/- 2 yr). INTERVENTION: Five of the older patients with type 2 diabetes (BMI, 29 +/- 1 kg/m2; age, 72 +/- 2 yr) were treated with continuous sc glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) (7-36) amide infusion for 6 wk, and a second 2-h hyperglycemic clamp was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Insulin burst mass, pulsatile insulin secretion, and entropy were measured. RESULTS: Under fasting conditions, elderly patients with diabetes had a reduction in insulin burst mass (P < 0.05) that was similar to normal elderly. During hyperglycemia, elderly patients with diabetes had an even greater impairment in insulin burst mass (P < 0.05) and basal (P < 0.05) and pulsatile insulin secretion (P < 0.05) than normal elderly. Approximate entropy, a measure of irregularity of insulin release, was increased to a greater extent in older diabetes patients than normal elderly, signifying loss of orderliness of insulin secretion (P < 0.05). In response to treatment with GLP-1, insulin burst mass (P < 0.05) and pulsatile insulin secretion (P < 0.05) improved significantly in elderly patients with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that alterations in pulsatile insulin release can be improved in elderly patients with diabetes by the administration of sc GLP-1.

Adult↗

Active metabolite of GLP-1 mediates myocardial glucose uptake and improves left ventricular performance in conscious dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy.

We have shown previously that the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-(7-36) amide increases myocardial glucose uptake and improves left ventricular (LV) and systemic hemodynamics in both conscious dogs with pacing-induced dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and humans with LV systolic dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction. However, GLP-1-(7-36) is rapidly degraded in the plasma to GLP-1-(9-36) by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV), raising the issue of which peptide is the active moiety. By way of methodology, we compared the efficacy of a 48-h continuous intravenous infusion of GLP-1-(7-36) (1.5 pmol.kg(-1).min(-1)) to GLP-1-(9-36) (1.5 pmol.kg(-1).min(-1)) in 28 conscious, chronically instrumented dogs with pacing-induced DCM by measuring LV function and transmyocardial substrate uptake under basal and insulin-stimulated conditions using hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps. As a result, dogs with DCM demonstrated myocardial insulin resistance under basal and insulin-stimulated conditions. Both GLP-1-(7-36) and GLP-1-(9-36) significantly reduced (P < 0.01) LV end-diastolic pressure [GLP-1-(7-36), 28 +/- 1 to 15 +/- 2 mmHg; GLP-1-(9-36), 29 +/- 2 to 16 +/- 1 mmHg] and significantly increased (P < 0.01) the first derivative of LV pressure [GLP-1-(7-36), 1,315 +/- 81 to 2,195 +/- 102 mmHg/s; GLP-1-(9-36), 1,336 +/- 77 to 2,208 +/- 68 mmHg] and cardiac output [GLP-1-(7-36), 1.5 +/- 0.1 to 1.9 +/- 0.1 l/min; GLP-1-(9-36), 2.0 +/- 0.1 to 2.4 +/- 0.05 l/min], whereas an equivolume infusion of saline had no effect. Both peptides increased myocardial glucose uptake but without a significant increase in plasma insulin. During the GLP-1-(9-36) infusion, negligible active (NH2-terminal) peptide was measured in the plasma. In conclusion, in DCM, GLP-1-(9-36) mimics the effects of GLP-1-(7-36) in stimulating myocardial glucose uptake and improving LV and systemic hemodynamics through insulinomimetic as opposed to insulinotropic effects. These data suggest that GLP-1-(9-36) amide is an active peptide.

Animals↗

Increasing insulin resistance is associated with a decrease in Leydig cell testosterone secretion in men.

Insulin resistance is associated with low testosterone (T) levels in men, the mechanism of which is unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in men with a spectrum of insulin sensitivity. Twenty-one men (aged 25-65 yr) had a glucose tolerance test and assessment of insulin sensitivity using a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Insulin sensitivity, expressed as the M value (milligrams per kilograms(-1) per minute(-1)), was calculated from the glucose disposal rate during the final 30 min of the clamp. Eighteen subjects had blood sampling every 10 min for 12 h to assess LH pulsatility. Hypogonadism was then induced with a GnRH antagonist, followed by sequential stimulation testing with GnRH (750 ng/kg, iv) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; 1000 IU, im) to assess pituitary and testicular responsiveness, respectively. Nine subjects had normal glucose tolerance, nine had impaired glucose tolerance, and three had diabetes mellitus. There was a positive relationship between M and T levels (r = 0.46; P < 0.05). No relationship was seen between M and parameters of LH secretion, including mean LH levels, LH pulse amplitude, LH pulse frequency, and LH response to exogenous GnRH administration. In contrast, a strong correlation was observed between M and the T response to hCG (r = 0.73; P < 0.005). Baseline T levels correlated with the increase in T after hCG administration (r = 0.47; P < 0.05). During the clamp, T levels increased from a baseline level of 367 +/- 30 to 419 +/- 38 ng/dl during the last 30 min (P < 0.05). From these data we conclude that insulin resistance is associated with a decrease in Leydig cell T secretion in men. Additional studies are required to determine the mechanism of this effect.

Adult↗

Relationship between testosterone levels, insulin sensitivity, and mitochondrial function in men.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between serum testosterone levels and insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial function in men. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 60 men (mean age 60.5 +/- 1.2 years) had a detailed hormonal and metabolic evaluation. Insulin sensitivity was measured using a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Mitochondrial function was assessed by measuring maximal aerobic capacity (V(O2max)) and expression of oxidative phosphorylation genes in skeletal muscle. RESULTS: A total of 45% of subjects had normal glucose tolerance, 20% had impaired glucose tolerance, and 35% had type 2 diabetes. Testosterone levels were positively correlated with insulin sensitivity (r = 0.4, P < 0.005). Subjects with hypogonadal testosterone levels (n = 10) had a BMI >25 kg/m(2) and a threefold higher prevalence of the metabolic syndrome than their eugonadal counterparts (n = 50); this relationship held true after adjusting for age and sex hormone-binding globulin but not BMI. Testosterone levels also correlated with V(O2max) (r = 0.43, P < 0.05) and oxidative phosphorylation gene expression (r = 0.57, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that low serum testosterone levels are associated with an adverse metabolic profile and suggest a novel unifying mechanism for the previously independent observations that low testosterone levels and impaired mitochondrial function promote insulin resistance in men.

Adult↗

Glucagon-like peptide-1 limits myocardial stunning following brief coronary occlusion and reperfusion in conscious canines.

We have recently demonstrated the benefits of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in enhancing regional and global myocardial function after reperfusion in the clinical setting of acute myocardial infarction. We hypothesized that GLP-1 facilitates recovery from myocardial stunning after an ischemic event. To investigate this, we administered GLP-1 (1.5 pmol/kg/min) to six dogs undergoing 10-min occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery, followed by 24-h reperfusion. We compared the responses of coronary blood flow and regional thickening of the posterior wall with a group of eight vehicle-treated dogs undergoing the same occlusion-reperfusion protocol. Although recovery of coronary blood flow was identical, regional wall motion recovery occurred significantly ((*)p < 0.05) earlier (92 +/- 4 versus 57 +/- 5%(*) at 15 min) and was complete in the GLP-1-treated dogs, whereas residual contractile dysfunction persisted in the control group (99 +/- 4 versus 78 +/- 3%(*) at 24 h). This phenomenon was independent of changes in systemic hemodynamics or global systolic function. However, isovolumic left ventricular relaxation improved significantly in GLP-1-treated dogs. GLP-1 caused an insulinotropic effect, but no hypoglycemia. We conclude that GLP-1 enhances recovery from ischemic myocardial stunning after successful reperfusion.

Animals↗

Recombinant glucagon-like peptide-1 increases myocardial glucose uptake and improves left ventricular performance in conscious dogs with pacing-induced dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: The failing heart demonstrates a preference for glucose as its metabolic substrate. Whether enhancing myocardial glucose uptake favorably influences left ventricular (LV) contractile performance in heart failure remains uncertain. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring incretin with potent insulinotropic effects the action of which is attenuated when glucose levels fall below 4 mmol. We examined the impact of recombinant GLP-1 (rGLP-1) on LV and systemic hemodynamics and myocardial substrate uptake in conscious dogs with advanced dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) as a mechanism for overcoming myocardial insulin resistance and enhancing myocardial glucose uptake. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-five dogs were instrumented and studied in the fully conscious state. Advanced DCM was induced by 28 days of rapid pacing. Sixteen dogs with advanced DCM received a 48-hour infusion of rGLP-1 (1.5 pmol x kg(-1) x min(-1)). Eight dogs with DCM served as controls and received 48 hours of a saline infusion (3 mL/d). Infusion of rGLP-1 was associated with significant (P<0.02) increases in LV dP/dt (98%), stroke volume (102%), and cardiac output (57%) and significant decreases in LV end-diastolic pressure, heart rate, and systemic vascular resistance. rGLP-1 increased myocardial insulin sensitivity and myocardial glucose uptake. There were no significant changes in the saline control group. CONCLUSIONS: rGLP-1 dramatically improved LV and systemic hemodynamics in conscious dogs with advanced DCM induced by rapid pacing. rGLP-1 has insulinomimetic and glucagonostatic properties, with resultant increases in myocardial glucose uptake. rGLP-1 may be a useful metabolic adjuvant in decompensated heart failure.

Animals↗

Exendin-4 pharmacodynamics: insights from the hyperglycemic clamp technique.

The purpose of this study is to ascertain the pharmacodynamic properties of exendin-4, a glucose-dependent insulinotropic agent, from plasma glucose and insulin concentration-time profiles following a 60-min intravenous infusion in healthy and type 2 diabetic subjects. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were obtained from a previous clinical study, whereby a hyperglycemic clamp was established and maintained in healthy (n = 7) and type 2 diabetic (n = 7) volunteers (plasma glucose raised 5.4 mM above fasting level). Exendin-4 was infused (0.15 pmol/kg/min) during the 2nd hour of a 5-h clamp. A physiological pharmacodynamic model was developed and fitted to individual glucose and insulin responses simultaneously. Because drug concentrations were unavailable, hypothetical pharmacokinetic driving functions were approximated during the modeling process and used to enhance a proportionality constant relating elevated glucose and the rate of second-phase insulin release. Exendin-4 infusions produced substantial insulin release in both subject populations that required higher glucose infusion rates to maintain stable hyperglycemia. Observed plasma glucose-insulin profiles were well characterized by the final pharmacodynamic model. Apparent exendin-4 elimination rate constants for healthy and diabetic subjects were similar (0.0386 +/- 0.0192 and 0.0460 +/- 0.0145 min(-1)). Capacity and sensitivity parameters of drug effect were 2-fold lower in diabetic subjects, but mean differences were not statistically significant. Simulations confirm that diabetic subjects exhibit a reduced capacity to enhance second-phase insulin release in response to exendin-4 compared with healthy subjects. Type 2 diabetic subjects demonstrate a significant response to exendin-4, but to a lesser extent than nondiabetic subjects, despite comparable measures of apparent drug exposure and efficacy.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2↗

Effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 in patients with acute myocardial infarction and left ventricular dysfunction after successful reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: Glucose-insulin-potassium infusions are beneficial in uncomplicated patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) but are of unproven efficacy in AMI with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction because of volume requirements associated with glucose infusion. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring incretin with both insulinotropic and insulinomimetic properties that stimulate glucose uptake without the requirements for concomitant glucose infusion. METHODS AND RESULTS: We investigated the safety and efficacy of a 72-hour infusion of GLP-1 (1.5 pmol/kg per minute) added to background therapy in 10 patients with AMI and LV ejection fraction (EF) <40% after successful primary angioplasty compared with 11 control patients. Echocardiograms were obtained after reperfusion and after the completion of the GLP-1 infusion. Baseline demographics and background therapy were similar, and both groups had severe LV dysfunction at baseline (LVEF=29+/-2%). GLP-1 significantly improved LVEF (from 29+/-2% to 39+/-2%, P<0.01), global wall motion score indexes (1.94+/-0.11-->1.63+/-0.09, P<0.01), and regional wall motion score indexes (2.53+/-0.08-->2.02+/-0.11, P<0.01) compared with control subjects. The benefits of GLP-1 were independent of AMI location or history of diabetes. GLP-1 was well tolerated, with only transient gastrointestinal effects. CONCLUSIONS: When added to standard therapy, GLP-1 infusion improved regional and global LV function in patients with AMI and severe systolic dysfunction after successful primary angioplasty.

Adult↗

The development of myocardial insulin resistance in conscious dogs with advanced dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: The failing heart demonstrates a preference for glucose as its metabolic substrate. Advanced, severe DCM is characterized by depletion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) stores, which may be a consequence of impaired insulin mediated glucose uptake and oxidation at a time when the myocardium prefers glucose as its substrate. We examined the time course and magnitude of myocardial insulin resistance during the evolution of dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-four conscious, chronically instrumented dogs were studied at four stages during the evolution of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) induced by rapid RV pacing [control, early, late and advanced severe]. Transmyocardial glucose, lactate, and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations were measured in the fasting state. The cellular insulin signaling cascade and ATP levels were measured on myocardial samples. NEFA and insulin concentrations increased early and progressively in DCM in association with increased norepinephrine concentrations and progressive hemodynamic impairment. In advanced DCM but not earlier stages, myocardial ATP levels were decreased by 34%. There was decreased myocardial glucose uptake evident under both basal (-29 +/- 5%) and insulin stimulated (-32 +/- 4%) conditions in advanced, severe DCM, associated with a 31% reduction in GLUT-4 translocation. Importantly, there were no alterations in proximal steps in insulin signaling, but significant reductions in serine (Ser473) phosphorylation of Akt-1. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced, severe DCM is associated with the development of myocardial insulin resistance. There is impaired myocardial glucose uptake and altered myocardial insulin signaling, involving decreased Ser 473 phosphorylation of Akt-1. Myocardial insulin resistance in advanced, severe DCM was also associated with reduced myocardial ATP levels.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Effects of 3 months of continuous subcutaneous administration of glucagon-like peptide 1 in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is an insulinotropic gut hormone that, when given exogenously, may be a useful agent in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. We conducted a 3-month trial to determine the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 in elderly diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 16 patients with type 2 diabetes who were being treated with oral hypoglycemic agents were enrolled. Eight patients (aged 75 +/- 2 years, BMI 27 +/- 1 kg/m(2)) remained on usual glucose-lowering therapy and eight patients (aged 73 +/- 1 years, BMI 27 +/- 1 kg/m(2)), after discontinuing hypoglycemic medications, received GLP-1 delivered by continuous subcutaneous infusion for 12 weeks. The maximum dose was 120 pmol x kg(-1). h(-1). Patients recorded their capillary blood glucose (CBG) levels (four times per day, 3 days per week) and whenever they perceived hypoglycemic symptoms. The primary end points were HbA(1c) and CBG determinations. Additionally, changes in beta-cell sensitivity to glucose, peripheral tissue sensitivity to insulin, and changes in plasma ghrelin levels were examined. RESULTS: HbA(1c) levels (7.1%) and body weight were equally maintained in both groups. The usual treatment group had a total of 87 CBG measurements of <or=3.6 mmol/l during the study, and only 1 such measurement (3.5 mmol/l) was recorded in the GLP-1 group. Infusion of GLP-1 enhanced glucose-induced insulin secretion (pre: 119 +/- 21; post: 202 +/- 51 pmol/l; P < 0.05) and insulin-mediated glucose disposal (pre: 29.8 +/- 3.3; post: 35.9 +/- 2.3 micromol x kg(-1 x min(-1); P < 0.01). No effect of GLP-1 treatment was seen on the fasting plasma ghrelin levels. Although plasma ghrelin levels decreased during both portions of the clamp, a drug effect was not present. CONCLUSIONS: A GLP-1 compound is a promising therapeutic option for elderly diabetic patients.

Aged↗

Effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 (7-36 amide) on insulin-mediated glucose uptake in patients with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the insulinomimetic insulin-independent effects of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 on glucose uptake in type 1 diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We used the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (480 pmol. m(-2) x min(-1)) in paired randomized studies of six women and five men with type 1 diabetes. In the course of one of the paired studies, the subjects also received GLP-1 at a dose of 1.5 pmol. kg(-1) x min(-1). The patients were 41 +/- 3 years old with a BMI of 25 +/- 1 kg/m(2). The mean duration of diabetes was 23 +/- 3 years. RESULTS: Plasma glucose was allowed to fall from a fasting level of approximately 11 mmol/l to 5.3 mmol/l in each study and thereafter was held stable at that level. Plasma insulin levels during both studies were approximately 900 pmol/l. Plasma C-peptide levels did not change during the studies. In the GLP-1 study, plasma total GLP-1 levels were elevated from the fasting level of 31 +/- 3 to 150 +/- 17 pmol/l. Plasma glucagon levels fell from the fasting levels of approximately 14 pmol/l to 9 pmol/l during both paired studies. Hepatic glucose production was suppressed during the glucose clamps in all studies. Glucose uptake was not different between the two studies ( approximately 40 micromol. kg(-1) x min(-1)). CONCLUSIONS: GLP-1 does not augment insulin-mediated glucose uptake in lean type 1 diabetic patients.

Adult↗

Plasma adiponectin and leptin levels, body composition, and glucose utilization in adult women with wide ranges of age and obesity.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between plasma adiponectin and leptin levels, total and central obesity, and glucose utilization across the adult age span. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We studied 148 women aged 18-81 years with a BMI range of 17.2-44.3 kg/m(2). Total percent body fat was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and abdominal fat by computed tomography. Glucose tolerance in non-type 2 diabetic volunteers was determined with an oral glucose tolerance test. Glucose utilization (M) was measured during the last 60 min of hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps (240 pmol x m(-2) x min(-1)). Plasma adiponectin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. The women were separated into three age-groups: young, middle, and old (<40, 40-59, and >or=60 years, respectively), as well as by glucose tolerance status. RESULTS: Adiponectin concentrations did not differ by age-groups. There were significant age effects for BMI, percent body fat, visceral fat, subcutaneous abdominal fat, VO(2max), and M. Adiponectin levels were lower in the prediabetic women (n = 18) than in the normal glucose-tolerant women (n = 108) and the women with type 2 diabetes (n = 22) (both P < 0.05). Univariate correlations revealed significant negative relationships between plasma adiponectin levels and BMI, percent body fat, visceral fat, subcutaneous abdominal fat, fasting leptin, and fasting insulin and positive relationship with M (all P < 0.05). In a multiple stepwise regression model to predict adiponectin, only M remained in the model at P < 0.001. Multivariate analyses revealed a significant relation for M as a function of adiponectin, insulin, and VO(2max). CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that plasma adiponectin does not change with age but levels are negatively associated with percent body fat, visceral fat, subcutaneous abdominal fat, insulin, and leptin levels in women. Adiponectin is positively associated with M across the age span in women.

Adiponectin↗

Effects of 1-mo bolus subcutaneous administration of exendin-4 in type 2 diabetes.

A gut insulinotropic peptide, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), when given continuously subcutaneously, has been shown to be an effective agent to treat type 2 diabetes. Because of inactivation by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV), it has a very short half-life (90-120 s), hence the need for continuous administration. Exendin-4 is an agonist of the GLP-1 receptor. It is not a substrate for DPP IV, and we previously demonstrated that intravenous administration has potent insulinotropic properties in type 2 diabetic volunteers. We evaluated the efficacy of bolus subcutaneous exendin-4 in insulin-naive type 2 diabetic volunteers. Ten patients aged 44-72 yr with mean fasting glucose levels of 11.4 +/- 0.9 mmol/l were enrolled, and daily or twice-daily bolus subcutaneous exendin-4 was self-administered for 1 mo. Glycosylated hemoglobin, multiple daily capillary blood glucose, beta-cell sensitivity to glucose, and peripheral tissue sensitivity to insulin were compared before and after treatment. The greatest decline in capillary blood glucose was seen before bed, with a drop from 15.5 to 9.2 mmol/l (P < 0.0001). Glycosylated hemoglobin improved significantly with treatment, from 9.1 to 8.3% (P = 0.009). beta-Cell sensitivity to glucose was improved, as assessed by C-peptide levels during a hyperglycemic clamp. No significant adverse effects were noted or reported. Our data suggest that, even with this short duration of therapy, exendin-4 treatment had a significant effect on glucose homeostasis.

Aged↗

The insulinotropic effect of acute exendin-4 administered to humans: comparison of nondiabetic state to type 2 diabetes.

Exendin-4 is a potent and long-acting agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor. GLP-1 is an insulinotropic gut peptide and is being evaluated for the regulation of plasma glucose in type 2 diabetes. The purpose of the present study was to ascertain whether exendin-4 is insulinotropic and whether it has long-lived biological effects in nondiabetic and type 2 diabetic subjects. Because incretins are glucose dependent with respect to their insulin-releasing capacity, we used the hyperglycemic glucose clamp technique to begin to address these issues in two separate protocols. In one protocol, we infused exendin-4 (0.15 pmol x kg(-1) x min(-1)) in seven nondiabetic and seven type 2 diabetic subjects during the second hour of a 5-h hyperglycemic clamp in which fasting plasma glucose was raised by 5.4 mmol/liter. The second protocol was identical to the first except that plasma glucose was allowed to fall to the fasting levels during the fourth hour and again raised by 5.4 mmol/liter during the fifth hour in four nondiabetic and four diabetic subjects. With the initiation of exendin-4 infusion at 60 min, plasma insulin response was potentiated 4- to 5-fold in both groups. Despite termination of exendin-4 at the end of the second hour, the insulin levels remained elevated for several hours and hyperglycemia was maintained. All volunteers ate a meal 5.5 h after inducing hyperglycemia. Postprandial plasma glucose, insulin, and GLP-1 did not rise in any subject, possibly because of delayed gastric emptying by exendin-4 even though its infusion had been terminated 4 h previously. We concluded that exendin-4 is a potent and long-lasting insulinotropic agent in nondiabetic and diabetic subjects.

Adult↗