Background: Endothelial Progenitor cells (EPCs) has been shown to be dysfunctional in both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) leading to poor regeneration of endothelium and renal perfusion. EPCs have been shown to be a robust cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk indicator. Cellular mechanisms of DPP4 inhibitors such as linagliptin (LG) on CVD risk, in patients with T2DM with established CKD has not been established. Linagliptin, a DPP4 inhibitor when added to insulin, metformin or both may improve endothelial dysfunction in a diabetic kidney disease (DKD) population. Methods: 31 subjects taking metformin and/or Insulin were enrolled in this 12 weeks, double blind, randomized placebo matched trial, with 5 mg LG compared to placebo. Type 2 diabetes subjects (30-70 years old), HbA1c of 6.5-10%, CKD Stage 1-3 were included. CD34+ cell number, migratory function, gene expression along with vascular parameters such as arterial stiffness, biochemistry, resting energy expenditure and body composition were measured. Data were collected at week 0, 6 and 12. A mixed model regression analysis was done with p value < 0.05 considered significant. Results: A double positive CD34/CD184 cell count had a statistically significant increase (p < 0.02) as determined by flow cytometry in LG group where CD184 is SDF1a cell surface receptor. Though mRNA differences in CD34+ve was more pronounced CD34-cell mRNA analysis showed increase in antioxidants (superoxide dismutase 2 or SOD2, Catalase and Glutathione Peroxidase or GPX) and prominent endothelial markers (PECAM1, VEGF-A, vWF and NOS3). Arterial stiffness measures such as augmentation Index (AI) (p < 0.04) and pulse wave analysis (PWV) were improved (reduced in stiffness) in LG group. A reduction in LDL: HDL ratio was noted in treatment group (p < 0.04). Urinary exosome protein examining podocyte health (podocalyxin, Wilms tumor and nephrin) showed reduction or improvement.

Background Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) has been shown to be dysfunctional in both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) leading to poor regeneration of endothelium and renal perfusion. EPCs have been shown to be a robust cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk indicator. Effect of sodium glucose channel inhibitors (SGLT2i) such as Canagliflozin (CG) on a cellular biomarker such as CD34+ve progenitor cells, which may help predict CVD risk, in patients with T2DM with established CKD has not been explored. Methods This is a pilot study where 29 subjects taking metformin and/or Insulin were enrolled in a 16 week, double blind, randomized placebo matched trial, with a low dose 100 mg CG as the intervention group compared to matched placebo. Type 2 diabetes subjects (30–70 years old), with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 7–10%, were enrolled. CD34+ve cell number, migratory function, gene expression along with vascular parameters such as arterial stiffness, serum biochemistry pertaining to cardio-metabolic health, resting energy expenditure and body composition were measured. Data were collected at week 0, 8 and 16. A mixed model regression analysis was done and p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A significant expression of CXCR4 receptor with a concomittant increase in migratory function of CD34+ve cells was observed in CG treated group as compared to placebo group. Gene expression analysis of CD34+ve cells showed an increase in expression of antioxidants (superoxide dismutase 2 or SOD2, Catalase and Glutathione Peroxidase or GPX) and notable endothelial markers (PECAM1, VEGF-A, and NOS3). A significant reduction in glucose and HbA1c levels were observed along with improved systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the CG group. A significant increase in adiponectin (p = 0.006) was also noted in treatment group. Urinary exosomal protein leak in urine, examining podocyte health (podocalyxin, Wilm’s tumor and nephrin) showed reduction with CG Conclusion Low dose Canagliflozin has a beneficial effect on CD34+ cell function, serum biochemistry and urinary podocyte specific exosomes in type 2 diabetes.

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Introduction: Endothelial Progenitor cells (EPCs) has been shown to be dysfunctional in both Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) leading to poor regeneration of endothelium and renal perfusion. EPCs have been shown to be a robust cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk indicator. Cellular mechanisms of DPP4 inhibitors such as Linagliptin (LG) on CVD risk, in patients with Type 2 Diabetes with established CKD has notbeen established. Hypothesis : Linagliptin, a DPP4 inhibitor when added to insulin, metformin or both may improve endothelial dysfunction in a diabetic kidney disease (DKD) population. Methods : 31 subjects taking metformin and/or Insulin were enrolled in this 12 weeks, double blind, randomized placebo matched trial, with 5 mg LG compared to placebo. Type 2 diabetes subjects (30-70 years old), HbA1c of 6.5-10%, CKD Stage 1-3 were included. CD34+ cell number, migratory function, gene expression along with vascular parameters such as Arterial stiffness, biochemistry, resting energy expenditure and body composition were measured. Data were collected at week 0, 6 and 12. A mixed model regression analysis was done with p value <0.05 considered significant. Results : A double positive CD34/CD184 cell count had a statistically significant increase (p<0.02) as determined by flow cytometry in LG group where CD184 is SDF1a cell surface receptor. Though mRNA differences in CD34+ve was more pronounced CD34- cell mRNA analysis showed increase in antioxidants (SOD2, Catalase and CPX) and prominent endothelial markers (PECAM1, VEGF-A, vWF and NOS3). Arterial stiffness measures such as augmentation Index (AI) (p<0.04) and pulse wave analysis (PWV) were improved (reduced in stiffness) in LG group. A reduction in LDL: HDL ratio was noted in treatment group (p <0.04). Urinary exosome protein examining podocyte health (Podocalxyin, Wilms tumor and Nephrin) showed reduction or improvement. Conclusions : In DKD subjects, Linagliptin promotes an increase in CXCR4 expression on CD34+ progenitor cells with a concomitant improvement in vascular and renal parameters at 12 weeks

This open-label, 24-week study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of abatacept in patients with refractory juvenile dermatomyositis (DM).Methods. Ten patients ≥7 years of age with moderate disease activity were enrolled in a 24-week study to examine the safety of subcutaneous abatacept and patient responses to the treatment. The primary endpoint was the International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies (IMACS) group Definition Of Improvement (DOI). Secondary endpoints included safety, changes in the core set activity measures (CSMs) of the IMACS group and the Pediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization, and improvements in disease activity based on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/EULAR response criteria for juvenile DM. Radiologists blinded with regard to participant data assessed magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of patient thigh muscles. Interferon (IFN)-regulated gene score was performed on whole-blood RNA samples using a NanoString assay, and cytokines were assessed using a Luminex assay.Results. Five patients achieved DOI at week 12, and 9 patients achieved DOI at week 24, including 2 patients with minimal, 4 patients with moderate, and 3 patients with major improvement by the 2016 ACR/EULAR response criteria for juvenile DM when patients were assessed using the CSMs of the IMACS Group. Improvements from baseline were seen in all CSMs at weeks 12 and 24, except in muscle enzymes. Daily glucocorticoid doses decreased from a mean of 16.7 mg at baseline to 10.2 mg at week 24 (P = 0.002). Average MRI muscle edema scores decreased from a mean baseline score of 5.3 to 2.3 at week 24 (P = 0.01). Six patients had down-trending IFN-regulated gene scores and galectin-9 expression at week 24. Decreases in IFN-regulated gene scores and in levels of interferon-γ-inducible protein 10kDa, galectin-9, and interleukin-2 correlated with improvements in disease activity and in muscle edema shown on MRI. Eleven grade 2 or 3 treatment-emergent adverse events were observed.Conclusion. This open-label study demonstrated that abatacept may be beneficial for patients with treatment-refractory juvenile DM.

Background To determine the effects of integrase inhibitor (INSTI) in comparison with non-INSTI-based regimens such as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs)-based regimens on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in HIV+ patients without overt history of CVD or diabetes, with normal CD4:CD8 count. For CVD risk assessment we primarily used hematopoietic CD34+ progenitor cells, as a biomarker. Methods Nineteen male subjects, ages 32–61 years with BMI 21.0–36.0, were enrolled. This was a single time point, cross-sectional, observational study. Subjects were enrolled under 2 groups (either on INSTI-based regimen with 13 subjects or NNRTI (non-INSTI)-based regimens with 6 subjects) who were taking stable doses of HAART. The medication regimens were a combination of one NRTI (typically tenofovir–emtricitabine) plus one INSTI or NNRTI. Our outcome measures were focused on cardiovascular and endothelial cell function and systemic inflammation. Our primary outcome measures were peripheral blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cell number (CD34 and CD133 positive), CD34+ cell function and gene expression studies. Our secondary outcomes were arterial stiffness measures and serum-based markers of inflammation. Results A significant increase in percentage number of progenitor cells, CD133+ cells (p = 0.004), was noted along with an increase of double progenitor mark positive CD133+/CD34+ progenitor cell population being observed in INSTI group as compared to NNRTI group, by flow cytometry. mRNA gene expression for antioxidant gene catalase was noted along with a trend toward a decrease in gene expression of inflammatory marker IL6 (p = 0.06) being observed in CD34+ from INSTI group vs NNRTI group. The plasma IL-6 and CRP levels did not change significantly between the groups. Neutrophil–Lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an important marker of inflammation, was noted to be lower in INSTI group. A mean fasting glucose level was also lower in the INSTI group compared to NNRTI group (p = 0.03). Interestingly, urine microalbumin levels were higher in the INSTI group compared to NNRTI group (p = 0.08), while eGFR levels were significantly lower in the INSTI group (p = 0.002). The arterial stiffness measures did not show statistically significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion We conclude that the INSTI regimen may provide a better CVD risk profile compared to NNRTI-based HAART regimen; however, the increased albuminuria along with lower eGFR, noted in INSTI group, is of concern. Because of the small size, these results would need replication in additional studies before changing clinical practice. Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03782142?cond=Hiv&spons=Sabyasachi+sen&cntry=US&state=US%3ADC&city=Washington&draw=2&rank=1. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03782142.

Background To determine the effects of integrase inhibitor (INSTI) in comparison to non INSTI based regimens such as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) based regimens on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in HIV+ patients without overt history of CVD or diabetes, with normal CD4:CD8 count. For CVD risk assessment we primarily used hematopoietic CD34+ progenitor cells, as a biomarker.Methods19 male subjects ages 32-61 years with BMI 21.0- 36.0, were enrolled. This was a single time point, cross-sectional, observational study. Subjects were enrolled under 2 groups (either on INSTI based regimen with 13 subjects or NNRTI (non-INSTI) based regimens with 6 subjects) who were taking stable doses of HAART. The medication regimens were a combination of one NRTI (typically tenofovir-emtricitabine) plus one INSTI or NNRTI. Our outcome measures were focused on cardiovascular and endothelial cell function and systemic inflammation. Our primary outcome measures were peripheral blood derived hematopoietic progenitor cell number (CD34 and CD133 positive), CD34+ cell function and gene expression studies. Our secondary outcomes were arterial stiffness measures and serum-based markers of inflammation. ResultsA significant increase in percentage number of progenitor cells, CD133+ cells (P=0.004) was noted along with an increase of double progenitor mark positive CD133+/CD34+ progenitor cell population was observed in INSTI group as compared to NNRTI group, by flow-cytometry. mRNA gene expression for antioxidant gene catalase was noted along with a trend towards a decrease in gene expression of inflammatory marker IL6 (p=0.06) was observed in CD34+ from INSTI group vs NNRTI group. The plasma IL-6 and CRP levels did not change significantly between the groups. Neutrophil-Lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an important marker of inflammation, was noted to be lower in INSTI group. A mean fasting glucose level was also lower in the INSTI group compared to NNRTI group (p=0.03). Interestingly, Urine- Microalbumin levels were higher in the INSTI group compared to NNRTI group (p=0.08), while eGFR levels were lower in the INSTI group (p=0.002). The arterial stiffness measures did not show statistically significant differences between the two groups. ConclusionWe conclude that the INSTI regimen may provide a better CVD risk profile compared to NNRTI based HAART regimen; however the increased albuminuria along with lower eGFR, noted in INSTI group is of concern. Because of the small size, these results would need replication in additional studies before changing clinical practice.Clinical Trial Registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03782142?cond=Hiv&spons=Sabyasachi+sen&cntry=US&state=US%3ADC&city=Washington&draw=2&rank=1ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03782142

Objective: To determine the effect of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) or integrase strand transfer inhibitor (IIh) based regimens on cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk in HIV +ve patients without diabetes, with normal CD4:CD8 count. Our goal was to use hematopoietic progenitor cells (CD34+ve) as the biomarker while examining the traditional serum markers. Methods: 21 male subjects ages 32-66 years with BMI 21.0- 36.0, were enrolled. This was a single time point analysis study. Subjects were stratified into 2 groups (IIh with 11 and NNRTI with 10 subjects) who were taking stable doses of HAART. The medication regimens were a combination of two NRTI (typically tenofovir-emtricitabine) plus one IIh or NNRTI. We used CD34+ve cells, arterial stiffness measures and serum for the analysis. Results: The IIh group had a higher average CD34+ve cell count 0.93% vs. 0.75% in NNRTI group. However, colony forming units (CFU) were lower in IIh group, 7.54 vs. 20.62. LDL levels were similar at 103.9 ±40.3 (IIh) vs. 107.8 ±37.5 (NNRTI). Average HDL were also similar. Inflammatory markers such as hs-CRP were lower in IIh at 1.726±1.45 vs. 1.832±1.50 in NNRTI group. Vitals such as average systolic BP in the IIh arm was 126.18±13.53 vs. 141.2±30.0 in NNRTI group. The diastolic BP averages were similar. The average augmentation index-75 (a measure of arterial stiffness) was avg.12.8 in IIh vs. 16.7 in NNRTI group. The average augmentation index (AI) were 15.2 in IIh vs. 20.2 in NNRTI group, with higher values indicating increased arterial stiffness. Average urinary albumin: creatinine ratio was 15.53 in IIh group vs. 76.72 in NNRTI group. No differences were noted in HbA1C, Leptin and adiponectin however average fasting insulin was 11.24 (IIh) vs. 22.96 (NNRTI). No significant differences were noted in CD34+ve cell gene expression assays. Conclusion: Considering all parameters we conclude that Integrase Inhibitor based regimens may have a better cardiometabolic disease risk profile compared to NNRTI based regimens. Disclosure A. Elzarki: None. S. Nandula: None. H. Awal: None. S. Sen: None. Funding District of Columbia Center for AIDS Research (to S.S.)