1.
An Overview of Plant Phenolic Compounds and Their Importance in Human Nutrition and Management of Type 2 Diabetes.
Lin, D, Xiao, M, Zhao, J, Li, Z, Xing, B, Li, X, Kong, M, Li, L, Zhang, Q, Liu, Y, et al
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2016;(10)
Abstract
In this paper, the biosynthesis process of phenolic compounds in plants is summarized, which include the shikimate, pentose phosphate and phenylpropanoid pathways. Plant phenolic compounds can act as antioxidants, structural polymers (lignin), attractants (flavonoids and carotenoids), UV screens (flavonoids), signal compounds (salicylic acid, flavonoids) and defense response chemicals (tannins, phytoalexins). From a human physiological standpoint, phenolic compounds are vital in defense responses, such as anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities. Therefore, it is beneficial to eat such plant foods that have a high antioxidant compound content, which will cut down the incidence of certain chronic diseases, for instance diabetes, cancers and cardiovascular diseases, through the management of oxidative stress. Furthermore, berries and other fruits with low-amylase and high-glucosidase inhibitory activities could be thought of as candidate food items in the control of the early stages of hyperglycemia associated with type 2 diabetes.
2.
Effect of Linagliptin on Glycemic Control in Chinese Patients with Newly-Diagnosed, Drug-Naïve Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Wu, W, Li, Y, Chen, X, Lin, D, Xiang, S, Shen, F, Gu, X
Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research. 2015;:2678-84
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of linagliptin (a novel dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitor) on glucose metabolism and β-cell function in Chinese patients with newly-diagnosed, drug-naïve type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MATERIAL AND METHODS Newly-diagnosed and drug-naïve T2DM patients were enrolled. After 4-week lifestyle modulation and 2-week placebo run-in, 57 patients were randomized to double-blind treatment with linagliptin (n=34) or placebo (n=23). The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) after 24 weeks. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h postprandial plasma glucose (2h-PPG), fasting insulin, proinsulin-to-insulin ratio, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β) were also evaluated. RESULTS Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. Compared with placebo, linagliptin therapy resulted in a significant decrease in HbA1C (-1.2±0.7% vs. -0.4±0.4%, P<0.001), FBG (-0.98±1.17 vs. -0.32±0.51 mmol/L, P=0.011, and 2h-PPG (-2.02±0.94 vs. -0.97±0.63 mmol/L, P<0.001). Significant differences were observed for the proinsulin/insulin ratio (P<0.001) and HOMA-β index (P=0.001). Rates of adverse events were similar between the 2 groups (30.3% vs. 27.3%). All adverse events were mild. One patient discontinued participation due to pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Linagliptin treatment resulted in a significant and clinically meaningful improvement of glycemic control in drug-naïve Chinese patients with T2DM, as well as improved parameters of b-cell function. Linagliptin had an excellent safety profile.