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Antidiabetogenic effects of hydroxychloroquine on insulin sensitivity and beta cell function: a randomised trial.


ABSTRACT:

Aims/hypothesis

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), an antimalarial drug with anti-inflammatory properties, is employed in rheumatic diseases. In observational studies, patients with rheumatic diseases treated with HCQ have a lower risk of developing diabetes. However, the physiological mechanisms remain unexplained. We hypothesised that HCQ may have favourable effects on insulin sensitivity and/or beta cell function.

Methods

This was a randomised, double-blind, parallel-arm (placebo vs HCQ 400 mg/day) trial at the University of Pittsburgh. Randomisation was conducted by a computer system with concealment by sealed envelopes. Treatment duration was 13 ± 1 weeks. Randomised participants (HCQ n = 17; placebo n = 15) were non-diabetic volunteers, age >18, overweight or obese, with one or more markers of insulin resistance. All participants were included in intention-to-treat analysis. Outcomes were changes in insulin sensitivity and beta cell function measured by intravenous glucose tolerance tests and minimal model analysis.

Results

There was a positive change in insulin sensitivity with HCQ but not placebo (mean ± SEM: +20.0% ± 7.1% vs -18.4% ± 7.9%, respectively; p < 0.01; difference: 38.3% ± 10.6%; 95% CI: 17%, 60%). Improvement in beta cell function was also observed with HCQ but not placebo (+45.4% ± 12.3% vs -19.7% ± 13.6%; p < 0.01; difference: 65% ± 19%; 95% CI: 27%, 103%). There were modest treatment effects on fasting plasma glucose and HbA(1c) (p < 0.05) but circulating markers of inflammation (IL-6, IL-1, TNF-α, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule) were not affected in either group. In contrast, adiponectin levels increased after HCQ treatment but not after placebo (+18.7% vs +0.7%, respectively; p < 0.001). Both low- and high-molecular-weight adiponectin forms accounted for the increase. There were no serious or unexpected adverse effects.

Conclusions/interpretation

HCQ improves both beta cell function and insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic individuals. These metabolic effects may explain why HCQ treatment is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. An additional novel observation is that HCQ improves adiponectin levels, possibly being a mediator of the favourable effects on glucose metabolism. Our findings suggest that HCQ is a drug with considerable metabolic effects that warrant further exploration in disorders of glucose metabolism.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01326533 FUNDING: This study was funded by National Institutes of Health no. 5R21DK082878, UL1-RR024153 and UL-1TR000005.

SUBMITTER: Wasko MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4575248 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Antidiabetogenic effects of hydroxychloroquine on insulin sensitivity and beta cell function: a randomised trial.

Wasko Mary Chester M MC   McClure Candace K CK   Kelsey Sheryl F SF   Huber Kimberly K   Orchard Trevor T   Toledo Frederico G S FG  

Diabetologia 20150722 10


<h4>Aims/hypothesis</h4>Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), an antimalarial drug with anti-inflammatory properties, is employed in rheumatic diseases. In observational studies, patients with rheumatic diseases treated with HCQ have a lower risk of developing diabetes. However, the physiological mechanisms remain unexplained. We hypothesised that HCQ may have favourable effects on insulin sensitivity and/or beta cell function.<h4>Methods</h4>This was a randomised, double-blind, parallel-arm (placebo vs HCQ  ...[more]

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