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Biomedical subjects

G Paolisso

Publications and source records attributed to G Paolisso.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Evidence for peripheral impaired glucose handling in patients with connective tissue diseases.

Sixteen patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n = 8), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (n = 5), and systemic sclerosis (SSc) (n = 3), and 10 healthy subjects matched for age, sex, and body mass index, were submitted to an intravenous (IV) glucose tolerance test (GTT) (0.33 g/kg of body weight in 3 minutes) and to a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp to study insulin response and action. In the euglycemic clamp, along with the two insulin infusion rates (0.5 mU/kg.min from 0 to 120 minutes and 1 mU/kg.min from 121 to 240 minutes), a primed (20 microCi) continuous (0.2 microCi/min) infusion of 3H-glucose allowed determination of glucose kinetics. Our data show that patients versus controls have (1) a significant increase in basal plasma insulin levels (87.2 +/- 14.8 v 41.3 +/- 6.0 pmol/L, P less than .05); (2) similar glucose-induced acute insulin response; and (3) a lower glucose disappearance rate (Rd), glucose metabolic clearance rate (gMCR), and glucose infusion rate (GIR) when the lowest insulin infusion rate was delivered. These differences disappeared when the insulin infusion rate was doubled. Furthermore, basal plasma insulin levels and glucose disappearance rate significantly correlated with the main inflammatory indices of each disease studied. We conclude that in our patients impaired glucose handling is mainly due to peripheral insulin resistance.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia in patients with chronic congestive heart failure.

Congestive heart failure is a condition associated with increased plasma norepinephrine levels. Moreover, norepinephrine has been recently demonstrated to affect glucose homeostasis by decreasing insulin sensitivity. In the present study, eight patients suffering from chronic congestive heart failure and 10 healthy age- and body mass index-matched subjected were submitted to both an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT; 75 g) and a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp. During the 360 minutes of the glucose clamp, insulin was infused at three different rates (25, 50, and 100 mU/kg/h), while D-3H glucose infusion allowed determination of glucose turnover. In basal conditions, patients versus controls had similar plasma glucose (5.2 +/- 0.1 v 4.9 +/- 0.2 mmol/L,P = NS), but higher plasma insulin (125.7 +/- 9.2 v 35.7 +/- 3.3 pmol/L,P less than .01), norepinephrine (5.39 +/- 0.13 v 1.47 +/- 0.22 nmol/L,P less than .001), and free fatty acid (FFA) (927 +/- 79 v 792 +/- 88 mumol/L,P less than .05) levels. In patients, basal plasma norepinephrine correlated with FFA levels (r = .65, P less than .025). After loading glucose, plasma glucose and insulin levels were still significantly higher in patients than controls. Euglycemic hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp produced a lower insulin-mediated inhibition of endogenous (hepatic) glucose production (HGP) and a greater increase in both glucose disappearance rate (Rd) and glucose metabolic clearance rate (gMCR) in patients than in controls during the first two insulin infusion rates (25 and 50 mU/kg/h). By contrast, these differences disappeared during the highest insulin infusion rate (100 mU/kg/h). Insulin-mediated decrease in plasma FFA levels was also lower in patients than controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Oral↗

Pulsatile insulin delivery has greater metabolic effects than continuous hormone administration in man: importance of pulse frequency.

The aim of this study was to see if the greater effect of insulin on hepatic glucose output when insulin is given using 13-min pulses in man remains when the same amount of insulin is delivered using 26-min pulses. The study was performed on nine male healthy volunteers submitted to a 325 min glucose-controlled glucose iv infusion using the Biostator. The endogenous secretion of pancreatic hormones was inhibited by somatostatin. Three experiments were performed in each subject on different days and in random order. In all cases glucagon was replaced (58 ng min-1). The amounts of insulin infused were identical in all instances and were 0.2 mU kg-1 min-1 (continuous), 1.3 mU kg-1 min-1, 2 min on and 11 min off (13-min pulses) or 2.6 mU kg-1 min-1, 2 min on and 24 min off (26-min pulses). Blood glucose levels and glucose infusion rate were monitored continuously by the Biostator, and classic methodology using D-[3-3H] glucose infusion allowed to study glucose turnover. When compared with continuous insulin, 13-min insulin pulses induced a significantly greater inhibition of endogenous glucose production. This effect disappeared when insulin was delivered in 26-min pulses. We conclude that, in man, an adequate pulse frequency is required to allow the appearance of the greater inhibition of pulsatile insulin on endogenous glucose production.

Adult↗

Improvement of insulin-induced glucose disposal in obese patients with NIDDM after 1-wk treatment with d-fenfluramine.

OBJECTIVE: To study the short-term effects of the serotoninergic anorectic drug d-fenfluramine on insulin-induced glucose disposal. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial with 1-wk treatment periods (2 x 15 mg/day d-fenfluramine) was conducted. Twenty obese subjects, 10 with normal oral glucose tolerance and 10 with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), were all treated with a weight-maintaining diet. Euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic glucose clamps with measurement of glucose kinetics with D-[3-3H]glucose were performed at either two (patients without NIDDM, 0.05 and 0.10 U.kg-1.h-1) or three (patients with NIDDM, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.50 U.kg-1.h-1) insulin delivery rates. RESULTS: In the nondiabetic subjects, no significant changes in any metabolic or hormonal parameter were measured in the basal state or during the clamp despite a slight reduction in body weight (-1.2 +/- 0.5 kg, P less than 0.05). In the diabetic patients, no significant changes in body weight or basal plasma insulin levels were observed, but fasting blood glucose levels (8.0 +/- 0.8 vs. 9.4 +/- 1.1 mM, P less than 0.005) and plasma free fatty acid concentrations (1150 +/- 227 vs. 1640 +/- 184 microM, P less than 0.05) were significantly reduced after d-fenfluramine compared with placebo. During the clamp, insulin metabolic clearance rate (MCR) was similar after both placebo and d-fenfluramine; endogenous (hepatic) glucose production was similarly and almost completely suppressed, whereas glucose disposal was remarkably enhanced after d-fenfluramine (average increase of glucose MCR 35 +/- 12%, P less than 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Whatever the mechanism(s) involved, a 1-wk treatment with d-fenfluramine induces better blood glucose control and improves insulin sensitivity in obese patients with NIDDM independent of significant weight reduction; this last effect is not present in obese subjects with normal oral glucose tolerance.

Adult↗

Pulsatile glucagon has greater hyperglycaemic, lipolytic and ketogenic effects than continuous hormone delivery in man: effect of age.

The present study aimed at investigating the hyperglycaemic, lipolytic and ketogenic effects of small doses of glucagon delivered continuously or in a pulsatile manner. The study was performed in eight healthy young volunteers (24.2 +/- 1.2 years) and in eight healthy aged subjects (69.4 +/- 2.0 years). In all the subjects, endogenous pancreatic hormone secretion was inhibited by somatostatin and only glucagon was replaced. Consequently, the effects of pulsatile and continuous glucagon delivery were studied in conditions of progressive somatostatin-induced insulin deficiency. In both the young and the aged subjects, pulsatile glucagon delivery resulted in increases in plasma glucose, non-esterified fatty acid, glycerol and beta-hydroxybutyrate levels greater than those observed when the same amount of glucagon was delivered in a continuous manner. The net increases in plasma glucose, glycerol and non-esterified fatty acid levels were similar between the young and the aged subjects when glucagon was infused continuously; in contrast, the rise in plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate in the aged was only about half that observed in the young subjects. Surprisingly, when glucagon was infused in a pulsatile manner, the rises in plasma glycerol, non-esterified fatty acid and beta-hydroxybutyrate levels were all significantly smaller in the aged subjects, while no significant differences were observed in the blood glucose responses. We conclude that, in the presence of somatostatin-induced insulin deficiency, pulsatile glucagon exerts greater effects on blood glucose, plasma non-esterified fatty acid, glycerol and beta-hydroxybutyrate levels than its continuous delivery. In the elderly, the lipolytic and ketogenic, but not the hyperglycaemic, responses to pulsatile glucagon are significantly reduced.

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid↗

Magnesium and glucose homeostasis.

Magnesium is an important ion in all living cells being a cofactor of many enzymes, especially those utilising high energy phosphate bounds. The relationship between insulin and magnesium has been recently studied. In particular it has been shown that magnesium plays the role of a second messenger for insulin action; on the other hand, insulin itself has been demonstrated to be an important regulatory factor of intracellular magnesium accumulation. Conditions associated with insulin resistance, such as hypertension or aging, are also associated with low intracellular magnesium contents. In diabetes mellitus, it is suggested that low intracellular magnesium levels result from both increased urinary losses and insulin resistance. The extent to which such a low intracellular magnesium content contributes to the development of macro- and microangiopathy remains to be established. A reduced intracellular magnesium content might contribute to the impaired insulin response and action which occurs in Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. Chronic magnesium supplementation can contribute to an improvement in both islet Beta-cell response and insulin action in non-insulin-dependent diabetic subjects.

Animals↗

Metabolic effects of pulsatile insulin infusion in the elderly.

The present study investigated the metabolic effects of pulsatile insulin delivery at a pulse rate of 2 + 11 and 2 + 18 min in 7 healthy, elderly subjects (71.4 +/- 2.1 years), submitted to 260 min controlled iv glucose infusion via the Biostator. The endogenous secretion of pancreatic hormones was inhibited by somatostain (3 micrograms/min) and glucagon was replaced (67 ng/min) to basal levels. The same total insulin dose was delivered on both occasions. Insulin infusion rate was 1.3 and 2.0 mIU. kg-1. min-1 during switching on/off of 2 + 11 and 2 + 18 min, respectively. Blood glucose levels and glucose infusion rate were monitored continuously by the Biostator; [D-3-3H]glucose infusion allowed determination of glucose turnover. During the last 60 min of the experiment, pulsatile insulin at a pulse rate of 2 + 11 vs 2 + 18 min produced a stronger inhibition of endogenous glucose production, whereas glucose disappearance rate and glucose metabolic clearance rate were similarly affected. Plasma triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, and free fatty acids levels were also more suppressed during insulin delivery at pulse rate of 2 + 11 than at 2 + 18 min.

Aged↗

Effects of oxytocin upon the endocrine pancreas secretion and glucose turnover in normal man.

In normal man oxytocin infusion under basal conditions and at pharmacological doses evoked a rapid surge in plasma glucose and glucagon levels followed by a later increase in plasma insulin levels. Simultaneous [D-3H]glucose infusion indicated that oxytocin also produced a prompt and significant increase in hepatic glucose output with a secondary increase in glucose disappearance rate. Eight healthy volunteers were studied during euglycemic glucose clamp and simultaneous [D-3H]glucose infusion, during suppression of endogenous pancreatic secretion by cyclic somatostatin (250 micrograms/h) and during exogenous glucagon (67 ng/min) and insulin (0.15 mU.kg-1.min-1 from 0 to 120 min and 0.40 mU.kg-1.min-1 from 121 to 240 min) replacement. During the first 60 min oxytocin (0.2 U/min) evoked a transient but significant increase in plasma glucose levels and hepatic glucose output with a simultaneous suppression of the glucose infusion rate. No difference in glucose disappearance and metabolic clearance rates were recorded throughout the clamp irrespective of whether oxytocin was infused or not. So we conclude that oxytocin exerts a hyperglycemic effect through an A-cell stimulation and a glycogenolytic action.

Adult↗

Beta-endorphin and islet hormone release in humans: evidence for interference with cAMP.

The present studies were undertaken to characterize further the influence of synthetic human beta-endorphin (0.5 mg/h) on insulin and glucagon responses to intravenous glucose in humans. Infusion of beta-endorphin in 10 normal volunteers caused a clear-cut inhibition of the overall insulin responses to a glucose pulse (0.33 g/kg iv) with values of glucose disappearance rates in the diabetic range [0.89 +/- 0.09 (P less than 0.01) vs. saline 1.82 +/- 0.15%/min]. Glucose-induced glucagon suppression was significantly lower during beta-endorphin, a fact that could have contributed to the reduced glucose utilization rates. The infusion of theophylline (150 mg + 350 mg/h) to increase the intracellular cAMP activity by inhibiting phosphodiesterase completely reversed the inhibitory effect of beta-endorphin on glucose-induced insulin secretion. As a consequence, glucose disappearance rates rose to 1.77 +/- 0.18%/min. Theophylline did not influence significantly the glucagon-releasing effect of beta-endorphin as well as the reduced glucagon suppression. An infusion of exogenous calcium (100 mg as iv bolus + 5 mg/min) to raise serum calcium in the hypercalcemic range (15 mg/dl) and lysine acetylsalicylate (72 mg/min) to block the synthesis of endogenous prostaglandin E did not interfere with the inhibiting effect of beta-endorphin on insulin secretion. These data confirm that beta-endorphin stimulates glucagon and inhibits basal and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and suggest that the opioid influences the intraislet adenylate cyclase activity.

Adult↗

Effects of pulsatile delivery of insulin and glucagon in humans.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the respective effects of continuous intravenous delivery of both insulin and glucagon compared with those of pulsatile insulin (and continuous glucagon), pulsatile glucagon (and continuous insulin) and both hormones administered in a pulsatile manner (but out of phase) on various parameters of glucose turnover. The study was performed on six healthy male volunteers submitted to a 325-min glucose-controlled glucose intravenous infusion using the Biostator. The endogenous secretion of pancreatic hormones was inhibited by somatostatin (2 micrograms/min). Four combinations of continuous and pulsatile infusions of insulin and glucagon were performed on different days and in random order. The amounts of hormone infused were identical in all instances and were 0.2 mU.kg-1.min-1 (continuous insulin), 67 ng/min (continuous glucagon), 1.3 mU.kg-1.min-1 and 435 ng/min with a switching on-off length of 2-11 min (for intermittent insulin and glucagon delivery, respectively). In the case of pulsatile administration of both hormones, the pulses of insulin and glucagon were given out of phase with a 6-min interval. Blood glucose levels and glucose infusion rate were monitored continuously by the Biostator, and classic methodology using a D-[3-3H]glucose infusion allowed to study glucose turnover. When compared with pulsatile insulin and continuous glucagon, pulsatile glucagon and continuous insulin were characterized by a significantly higher endogenous (hepatic) glucose production. When both insulin and glucagon were delivered in a pulsatile manner, the effect of pulsatile glucagon was predominant, maintaining a high endogenous glucose production. Under no circumstance was an effect on glucose utilization or clearance detected. This study demonstrates that pulsatile delivery of insulin or glucagon in humans has greater effects in modulating endogenous glucose production than continuous infusion. Furthermore, when both insulin and glucagon are delivered intermittently and out of phase, the stimulatory effect of glucagon on endogenous glucose production prevails over the inhibitory effect of insulin.

Adult↗

Effects of oxytocin delivery on counter-regulatory hormone response in insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetic subjects.

In insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetic subjects (n = 7) with intact hormone response to hypoglycaemia, oxytocin infusion (0.2 mU/min over 60 min) produced significant rises in basal plasma glucagon and adrenaline levels, while it reduced basal plasma cortisol levels. During insulin-induced hypoglycaemia, oxytocin potentiated the increases in plasma glucagon and adrenaline, while an inhibitory effect on plasma cortisol levels was still present. In insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetic subjects (n = 7) with blunted counter-regulatory hormone response to hypoglycaemia, the same dose of oxytocin (0.2 mU/min over 60 min) increased basal plasma glucose and glucagon concentrations and lowered basal plasma cortisol concentration. In the same group of patients, oxytocin delivery (0.2 mU/min), simultaneously to an insulin-induced hypoglycaemia, produced a significant elevation of plasma glucagon and adrenaline concentrations thus enhancing glucose recovery from hypoglycaemia. In conclusion, in insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetic patients, oxytocin delivery enhances plasma glucagon and adrenaline levels in basal conditions and during insulin-induced hypoglycaemia.

Adult↗

Dietary magnesium supplements improve B-cell response to glucose and arginine in elderly non-insulin dependent diabetic subjects.

Hypomagnesemia and low erythrocyte magnesium content are both common findings in non-insulin-dependent diabetic subjects. Moreover, intracellular magnesium may play a crucial role in modulating B-cell response to glucose by interfering with potassium permeability. Eight elderly, moderately obese, non-insulin-dependent diabetic subjects were treated with either magnesium supplementation (3 g/day) to the diet or placebo. Both treatment schemes lasted 4-weeks and were separated by a 'wash-out' of 3 weeks. At the end of each treatment period, in glucose test (0.33 g/kg for 3 min) and an iv arginine (5 g) test were performed to determine the B-and A-cell responses. Dietary magnesium supplementation vs placebo produced a slight but significant decrease in basal plasma glucose (8.6 +/- 0.3 vs 8.0 +/- 0.1 mmol/l, p less than 0.05) and an increase in acute insulin response after iv glucose (3.7 +/- 2.3 vs - 14.7 +/- 0.9 pmol.l 1. (10 min)-1, p less than 0.01) and after iv arginine (151 +/- vs 81 +/- 15 pmol.l-1. (10 min)-1, p less than 0.01), respectively. Plasma glucagon levels were unaffected by chronic dietary magnesium supplementation as well under basal conditions as in response to arginine. Net increase in acute insulin response after iv glucose and after iv arginine was significantly correlated to the net increase in erythrocyte magnesium content after dietary magnesium supplementation. We conclude that magnesium administration may be a useful adjuvant to the classic hypoglycemic agents in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetic subjects.

Aged↗

Improved insulin response and action by chronic magnesium administration in aged NIDDM subjects.

In eight aged non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) subjects, insulin response and action were studied before and after chronic magnesium supplementation (2 g/day) to diet. Chronic magnesium supplementation to diet versus placebo produced 1) a significant increase in plasma (0.83 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.78 +/- 0.06 mM, P less than .05) and erythrocyte (2.03 +/- 0.06 vs. 1.88 +/- 0.09 mM, P less than .01) magnesium levels, 2) an increase in acute insulin response (AIR) (4.0 +/- 0.6 vs. -1.6 +/- 0.6 mU/L, P less than .05) to glucose pulse, and 3) an increase in glucose infusion rate (GIR) (3.6 +/- 0.6 vs. 2.9 +/- 0.5 mg.kg-1.min-1, P less than .025) calculated in the last 60 min of a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic (100 mU.m2.min-1 during 180 min) glucose clamp. Net increase in AIR, glucose disappearance rate after glucose pulse, and GIR were significantly and positively correlated to the net increase in erythrocyte magnesium content calculated after chronic magnesium supplementation to diet. In conclusion, our data suggest that NIDDM subjects may benefit from therapeutic chronic administration of magnesium salts.

Aged↗