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Hypoglycemic agents and potential anti-inflammatory activity

Vishal Kothari1, John A Galdo2, Suresh T Mathews3

  • 1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Boshell Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Research Program, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.

Journal of Inflammation Research
|April 27, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Diabetes and its complications are linked to chronic inflammation. Certain diabetes medications possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially improving patient outcomes beyond glucose control.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus is associated with chronic inflammation and secondary complications.
  • Immunological changes in diabetes include altered cytokine levels, leukocyte activity, apoptosis, and fibrosis.
  • Pharmacological strategies targeting inflammation may be crucial for managing diabetes and its complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the anti-inflammatory effects of various glucose-lowering agents used in diabetes management.
  • To differentiate between anti-inflammatory actions intrinsic to drug classes and those secondary to glycemic control.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating the immunological and anti-inflammatory effects of antidiabetic medications.
  • Analysis of clinical data and preclinical evidence on the mechanisms of action of different drug classes.

Main Results:

  • Thiazolidinediones, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, and metformin demonstrate moderate-to-strong anti-inflammatory actions.
  • Sulfonylureas and alpha glucosidase inhibitors show modest anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Injectable agents like insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists may offer benefits through their anti-inflammatory potential; clinical data on sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors is limited.

Conclusions:

  • Several classes of glucose-lowering agents possess intrinsic anti-inflammatory properties that may contribute to improved diabetes outcomes.
  • Distinguishing between direct anti-inflammatory effects and those mediated by improved glycemic control is essential for accurate therapeutic assessment.
  • Further research is needed, particularly on sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors, to fully elucidate their anti-inflammatory roles.
Keywords:
diabetesgliptininflammationinsulinmetforminthiazolidinedione

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