In a nutshell
This study examined the effect of alogliptin on the progression of atherosclerosis.
Some background
Atherosclerosis involves the formation of fats (such as cholesterol) on the walls of arteries and can result in narrowing of the arteries. This leads to increased stiffness of the arteries and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels and can lead to heart failure or stroke.
Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have a higher risk of developing CVD. Reversing atherosclerosis can reduce the risk of CVD. Alogliptin (Nesina) is a blood glucose-lowering drug. Recent studies suggest that alogliptin may also reduce or prevent progression of atherosclerosis.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine whether alogliptin can prevent the progression of atherosclerosis in T2D patients.
This study involved 341 T2D patients without a history of CVD. Participants were divided into 2 groups. 172 participants were treated with alogliptin for 24 months. 169 participants received standard treatment for atherosclerosis for 24 months. The carotid intima-media thickness test (CIMT – a measure of the extent of atherosclerosis) was performed during treatment. The carotid arteries are located in the neck and divide into the right and left carotid arteries.
The average thickness of the common carotid artery was lower after alogliptin treatment (decrease of 0.026 mm) compared to standard treatment (increase of 0.005 mm). The maximum IMT of the right carotid artery was lower after alogliptin treatment (decrease of 0.045 mm) compared to standard treatment (increase of 0.011 mm). The maximum IMT of the left carotid artery was lower after alogliptin treatment (decrease of 0.079 mm) compared to standard treatment (decrease of 0.015 mm).
The bottom line
This study concluded that alogliptin treatment prevented progression of carotid artery thickening in T2D patients.
The fine print
CIMT measurements may not have been the most accurate indicators of progression to CVD. Additional factors which may affect arterial thickness were not accounted for.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the risks and benefits of alogliptin.
Published By :
Diabetes Care
Date :
Dec 01, 2015
