To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: DG DISPATCH - EASD: Avandia Positively Impacts On Factors Linked With Insulin Resistance URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/1E17D6.htm Doctor's Guide September 18, 2000
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL -- September 18, 2000 -- New studies presented at the annual conference of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) support the suggestion that AvandiaTM (rosiglitazone) improves fat distribution and endothelial function through its impact on insulin resistance, a fundamental cause of type 2 diabetes. Data presented by David Carey, MD, from the Wesley Research Institute, Australia, show a 30 percent reduction in hepatic fat with AvandiaTM therapy (8 mg/day).1
"Increased deposits of fat around the internal organs and in the liver are commonly associated with insulin resistance and are found in many type 2 diabetes patients," explained Dr. Carey. "Our preliminary findings indicate that Avandia helps prevent accumulation of fat around the internal organs and significantly reduces hepatic fat. Further studies, currently being undertaken, should allow us to demonstrate this important part of the drug's profile more clearly."
Dr. Carey and colleagues found that the reduction in hepatic fat was achieved with a slight increase in abdominal sub-cutaneous fat but, importantly, no increase in intra-abdominal fat1 -- the fat distribution responsible for the classic 'apple-shape' typical of individuals with type 2 diabetes.
In addition, studies show that Avandia decreases other factors linked with insulin resistance. Barry Goldstein, MD, and co-workers reported reductions in the level and activity of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) when Avandia was added to sulphonylurea (SU) treatment, compared with SU monotherapy.2 PAI-1 inhibits fibrinolysis (the breakdown of blood clots) and is strongly associated with a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors.
Both studies found these changes in fat distribution and PAI-1 were in addition to substantial reductions in fasting plasma glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, respectively.1,2
Insulin resistance is central to a number of metabolic disturbances, which commonly manifest as hepatic and cardiovascular complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes. These latest findings highlight the potential for Avandia to have a positive impact on these factors.
References
1. Carey DG, Galloway G, Dodrell D, et al. Rosiglitazone reduces hepatic fat and increases subcutaneous but not intra-abdominal fat deposits. Abstract EASD 2000.
2. Freed M, Fuell D, Menci L, et al. Effect of combination therapy with rosiglitazone and glibenclamide on PAI-1 antigen, PAI-1 activity and tPA in patients with type 2 diabetes. Abstract EASD 2000.
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