A randomised trial of salsalate for insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors in persons with abnormal glucose tolerance.
OBJECTIVE
Chronic sub-acute inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. High doses of salicylate reduce inflammation, glucose and triacylglycerols, and may improve insulin sensitivity, suggesting therapeutic potential in impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance. This trial aimed to evaluate the effect of salsalate vs placebo on insulin resistance and glycaemia in impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance.


METHODS
We conducted a 12 week, two-centre, randomised, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effect of salsalate (up to 4 g/day) vs placebo on systemic glucose disposal. Secondary objectives included treatment effects on glycaemia, inflammation and cardiovascular risk factors. Seventy-eight participants with impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance from two VA healthcare systems were enrolled. Randomisation assignment was provided by the coordinating center directly to site pharmacists, and participants and research staff were blinded to treatment assignment.


RESULTS
Seventy-one individuals were randomised to placebo (n = 36) or salsalate (n = 35). Glucose disposal did not change in either group (salsalate 1% [95% CI -39%, 56%]; placebo 6% [95% CI -20%, 61%], p = 0.3 for placebo vs salsalate). Fasting glucose was reduced by 6% during the study by salsalate (p = 0.006) but did not change with placebo. Declines in glucose were accompanied by declines in fasting C-peptide with salsalate. Insulin clearance was reduced with salsalate. In the salsalate group, triacylglycerol levels were lower by 25% (p = 0.01) and adiponectin increased by 53% (p = 0.02) at the end of the study. Blood pressure, endothelial function and other inflammation markers did not differ between groups. Adipose tissue nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activity declined in the salsalate group compared with placebo (-16% vs 42%, p = 0.005), but was not correlated with metabolic improvements. The frequency of tinnitus was low but tended to be higher with salsalate therapy (n = 4 vs n = 2).


CONCLUSIONS
In summary, salsalate therapy was well tolerated, lowered fasting glucose, increased adiponectin and reduced adipose tissue NF-κB activity. These changes were not related to changes in peripheral insulin sensitivity, suggesting additional mechanisms for metabolic improvement.


BACKGROUND
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00330733.


BACKGROUND
Office of Research and Development, Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs and NIH K24 DK63214.
Department of Medicine, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
A B
AB
Goldfine
P R
PR
Conlin
F
F
Halperin
J
J
Koska
P
P
Permana
D
D
Schwenke
S E
SE
Shoelson
P D
PD
Reaven
D052242:Adiponectin / Q000378:metabolism; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000473:pathology; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D002096:C-Peptide / Q000378:metabolism; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000378:metabolism; D012307:Risk Factors; D012459:Salicylates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000378:metabolism
D052242:Adiponectin; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001786:Blood Glucose; D002096:C-Peptide; D007328:Insulin; D016328:NF-kappa B; D012459:Salicylates; D014280:Triglycerides; C014182:salicylsalicylic acid