Diabetes & Metabolism Journal

Articles in E-pub version are posted online ahead of regular printed publication.

Original Articles

Pathophysiology
Enavogliflozin, an SGLT2 Inhibitor, Improves Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Induced by High-Fat, High-Cholesterol Diet: Phuc Thi Minh Pham, Giang Nguyen, So Young Park, Thuy Linh Lai, Dae-Hee Choi, Jeana Hong, Seon Mee Kang, Eun-Hee Cho; Received May 21, 2024 Accepted December 26, 2024 Published online June 16, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0259 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a progressive condition caused by the accumulation of fat in the liver, begins with simple steatosis and can potentially progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in the presence of inflammation and fibrosis, ultimately leading to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Increasing evidence indicates that sodiumglucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors effectively alleviate MASH in mouse models. However, there is a lack of research on the effects of enavogliflozin on liver disease. In the present study, we investigated the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on MASH induced by a high-fat, high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet in mice.
Methods
Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal chow diet, HFHC diet, or HFHC diet with enavogliflozin for 12 weeks. LX-2 and HepG2 cells were treated with enavogliflozin in the presence of various pathological stimuli.
Results
The HFHC diet induced excessive hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation, and severe fibrosis. Administration of enavogliflozin not only ameliorated hepatic steatosis and fibrotic conditions but also suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines. Positive outcomes were also observed in in vitro experiments, where enavogliflozin demonstrated the ability to impede the activation of hepatic stellate cells and alleviate lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. The potential pathway through which enavogliflozin attenuated liver fibrosis development may be associated with the transforming growth factor β1/Smad signaling pathway.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that enavogliflozin is effective in a mouse model of MASH by attenuating hepatic steatosis, suppressing inflammation, and improving liver fibrosis.

Others
Assessing Nutritional Factors for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease via Diverse Statistical Tools: Yea-Chan Lee, Hye Sun Lee, Soyoung Jeon, Yae-Ji Lee, Yu-Jin Kwon, Ji-Won Lee; Received January 9, 2025 Accepted March 19, 2025 Published online June 9, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2025.0026 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Lifestyle modifications are critical in addressing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD); however, the specific macronutrients that most significantly influence the disease’s progression are uncertain. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake in MASLD development using decision trees, random forest models, and cluster analysis.
Methods
Participants (n=3,951) from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study were included. We used the classification and regression tree analysis to classify participants into subgroups based on variables associated with the incidence of new-onset MASLD. Random forest analyses were used to assess the relative importance of each variable. Participants were grouped into homogeneous clusters based on carbohydrate, protein, fat, and total caloric intake using hierarchical cluster analysis. Subsequently, we used the Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for MASLD risk across the clusters.
Results
Carbohydrate intake was identified as the most significant predictor of new-onset MASLD, followed by fat, protein, and total caloric intake. Participants in cluster 3, who consumed a lower proportion of carbohydrate but had higher total caloric, protein, and fat intake, had a lower risk of new-onset MASLD than those in cluster 1 after adjusting for confounders (cluster 1 as a reference; cluster 3: HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82 to 0.99).
Conclusion
The study’s results highlight the critical role of macronutrient composition, particularly carbohydrate intake, in MASLD development. The findings suggest that dietary strategies focusing on optimizing macronutrients, rather than simply reducing caloric intake, may be more effective in preventing MASLD.

Metabolic Risk/Epidemiology
Ultra-Processed Food Intake and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies: Yujin Kim, Yoonkyoung Cho, Jin Eui Kim, Dong Hoon Lee, Hannah Oh; Received November 9, 2024 Accepted December 20, 2024 Published online June 9, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0706 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Although some studies suggest a positive association between ultra-processed food (UPF) intake and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), little is known about the exact shape and risks associated with different units (percentage of g/day, absolute g/day, serving/day) of UPF intake and whether the association is independent of diet quality, total energy intake, and body mass index (BMI).
Methods
Prospective studies published through January 2024 were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using random-effects models. A nonlinear dose-response meta-analysis was conducted using restricted cubic spline analysis.
Results
After screening 569 publications, a total of 12 prospective cohort studies were included. Comparing the highest vs. lowest categories of intake, summary RR for T2DM risk was 1.48 (95% CI, 1.36 to 1.61). Higher summary RRs were observed among studies from Europe and North America. Among individual UPF subgroups, processed meats (summary RR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.54) were positively associated, whereas ultra-processed cereals and breads (0.98; 95% CI, 0.97 to 0.99) and packaged savory snacks (0.92; 95% CI, 0.88 to 0.95) were inversely associated. The summary RRs associated with every 10% (of g/day), 100-g/day, and 1-serving/day increase in UPF intake were 1.14 (95% CI, 1.11 to 1.17), 1.05 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.06), and 1.04 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.05), respectively. The dose-response curve for absolute g/d intake suggested nonlinearity, showing a steeper risk increase approximately at >300 g/day. The associations persisted after adjustment for diet quality, energy intake, or BMI.
Conclusion
Our data suggest that UPF intake increases diabetes risk, with a potential threshold effect at 300 g/day.

Cardiovascular Risk/Epidemiology
Comparative Efficacy of Initial Statin and Ezetimibe Combination versus Statin Monotherapy on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Diabetes Mellitus: A Nationwide Cohort Study: Minji Sohn, Young-Hwan Park, Soo Lim; Received August 15, 2024 Accepted February 6, 2025 Published online June 5, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0482 [Epub ahead of print]

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This study aimed to assess the efficacy of an initial combination therapy of statin and ezetimibe compared with statin monotherapy on major cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with diabetes.
Methods
In this population-based cohort study using National Health Insurance Service data (2010–2020), we included adults with diabetes who had not previously used any lipid-lowering medications. Those initiating statin monotherapy were matched 1:1 using propensity scores with patients starting combination therapy with a lower-potency statin and ezetimibe. This matching process resulted in 21,458 individuals in the primary prevention cohort and 10,094 in the secondary prevention cohort, respectively. The primary endpoint was a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death. Hospitalizations for heart failure, angina, and all-cause mortality were analyzed. The impact of ezetimibe maintenance on the primary endpoint was analyzed, and other hospitalizations were categorized as adverse events.
Results
Compared with statin monotherapy, statin-ezetimibe combination significantly reduced the incidence of the primary endpoint (4.85 vs. 3.25 per 1,000 person-years: hazard ratio [HR], 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56 to 0.81 in the primary cohort; and 19.5 vs. 15.7 per 1,000 person-years: HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.91 in the secondary cohort) and myocardial infarction (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.82 in the primary cohort; and HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.89 in the secondary cohort). A longer maintenance period of ezetimibe was significantly related to better efficacy in the composite cardiovascular outcomes. High-intensity statin monotherapy was associated with an elevated risk of liver, muscle, and diabetes-related hospitalization in the primary prevention cohort.
Conclusion
Initial therapy with a statin-ezetimibe combination is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular events and fewer adverse events compared to statin monotherapy in individuals with diabetes, over a mean follow-up of 5.5 years (up to 9 years).

Technology/Device
First Trimester Mean Glucose Level on Continuous Glucose Monitoring Is Associated with Infant Birth Weight: Phaik Ling Quah, Lay Kok Tan, Serene Pei Ting Thain, Ngee Lek, Shephali Tagore, Bernard Su Min Chern, Seng Bin Ang, Ann Wright, Michelle Jong, Kok Hian Tan; Received November 6, 2024 Accepted March 11, 2025 Published online June 2, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0700 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Comparisons between continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics during the first and second trimesters and conventional mid-pregnancy oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) values in pregnant women without pre-existing diabetes for predicting infant birth weight are scarce.
Methods
In a longitudinal observational study, 113 participants had first and second trimester CGM data collected over a 7- to 14-day period, as well as three-point OGTT (fasting, 1-hour, and 2-hour) performed at mid-pregnancy (24 to 28 weeks). Multinomial logistic regression, adjusting for maternal ethnicity, education level, age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, parity, gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosis, gestational age at delivery, and type of CGM sensor was used to analyse the relationship between CGM metrics, OGTT glucose values and infant birth weight tertile (Clinical trial identification number: NCT05123248).
Results
In the univariate analysis, CGM-derived metrics including higher mean glucose in the first trimester, higher % time above range in the second trimester, and higher % time in range (TIR) and lower % time below range (TBR) in both the first and second trimesters were associated with infants in the highest birth weight tertile. After adjusting for confounders, a 1-standard deviation increase in mean glucose level during the first trimester was significantly associated with the likelihood of the neonatal birthweight being in the highest tertile (adjusted odds ratio, 3.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.18 to 8.21; P=0.022). No significant associations were found between OGTT glucose values and infant birth weight outcomes.
Conclusion
CGM-derived mean glucose levels in early pregnancy may be a better predictor of an infant’s birth weight within the highest tertile, compared to mid-pregnancy OGTT glucose values.

Pharmacotherapy
Novel Insights into the Causal Relationship between Antidiabetic Drugs and Adverse Perinatal Outcomes: A Mendelian Randomization Study: Chang Su, Xueqing He, Xiaona Chang, Juan Tian, Guang Wang, Jia Liu; Received August 30, 2024 Accepted January 14, 2025 Published online June 2, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0521 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Hyperglycemia during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes and birth defects. Evidence regarding the long-term safety of antidiabetic drugs during pregnancy is still lacking.
Methods
A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was performed to assess the causal association between six antidiabetic drug targets (ABCC8, DPP4, INSR, GLP1R, PPARG, and SLC5A2) and seven adverse perinatal outcomes and five congenital malformation outcomes. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) was adopted as the main MR method, and sensitivity analysis using traditional MR methods was performed to evaluate the robustness of the results.
Results
We observed strong evidence that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (odds ratio [OR], 0.084; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.009 to 0.834; P=0.034) reduces the risk of preterm birth; genetic variation in sulfonylurea drug targets (OR, 0.015; 95% CI, 2.50E-04 to 0.919; P=0.045) and genetic variation in thiazolidinedione drug targets (OR, 0.007; 95% CI, 4.16E-04 to 0.121; P=0.001) reduced the risk of eclampsia/preeclampsia; glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogues target (β=–0.549; 95% CI, –0.958 to –0.140; P=0.009) was inversely associated with fetal birth weight; thiazolidinedione target was inversely associated with gestational age (β=–0.952; 95% CI, –1.785 to –0.118; P=0.025); SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the risk of cardiocirculatory malformations (OR, 0.001; 95% CI, 8.75E-06 to 0.126; P=0.005).
Conclusion
Most antidiabetic drugs are safe when used during the perinatal period. Of note, GLP-1 analogues may lead to a risk of low birth weight, while thiazolidinediones may lead to a reduction in fetal gestational age.

Metabolic Rrisk/Epidemiology
Birth Weight, Cardiovascular Health, and Microvascular Complications in Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus: Chaolun Yu, Anping Feng, Xia Zou, Siqi Chen, Lingyan Dai, Qingmei Cui, Xiaojing Kuang, Gaoli She, Ying Ma, Haixia Guan, Jie Li; Received August 29, 2024 Accepted December 30, 2024 Published online May 23, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0518 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Diabetes often leads to microvascular complications, including nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. Understanding the impact of early-life factors like birth weight and modifiable behaviors such as cardiovascular health (CVH) is essential for preventing these complications.
Methods
We included 11,515 participants with diabetes but without microvascular complications at baseline from the UK Biobank Study. CVH was evaluated using the Life’s Essential 8 score. Independent and joint associations of birth weight and CVH with microvascular complications were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses estimated unconfounded associations between birth weight and microvascular complications.
Results
Over a median follow-up of 13.1 years, 3,010 microvascular complications occurred. Compared with normal birth weight (2.5–4.0 kg), low birth weight (LBW; <2.5 kg) was associated with 15% higher risk of diabetic nephropathy (hazard ratio [HR], 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.31), but not with neuropathy and retinopathy. High birth weight (>4.0 kg) was not associated with the risk of diabetic microvascular complications. MR analysis confirmed the association between LBW and nephropathy. Adherence to high CVH was associated with a reduced risk of microvascular complications compared to low CVH, regardless of birth weight. The HRs were 0.70 (95% CI, 0.59 to 0.84) for the LBW group and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.68 to 0.80) for the group with birth weight ≥2.5 kg (P for interaction=0.69).
Conclusion
LBW was an independent risk factor for nephropathy among diabetic patients. However, the detrimental effects of LBW might be mitigated by improvement in CVH.

Basic and Translational Research
Interleukin 33 Promotes Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cell Dysfunction and Hepatic Fibrosis in Diabetic Mice: Huimin Chen, Chao Gao, Li Mo, Xingzhu Yin, Li Chen, Bangfu Wu, Ying Zhao, Xueer Cheng, Chanhua Liang, Bichao Xu, Dongyan Li, Yanyan Li, Ping Yao, Yuhan Tang; Received June 28, 2024 Accepted January 23, 2025 Published online May 22, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0532 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Interleukin 33 (IL33) drives liver fibrosis, and individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus are more likely advanced to liver fibrosis. However, the role of IL33 in diabetic liver fibrosis remains unclear, prompting our investigation.
Methods
We developed a diabetes model in wild-type, IL33^−/−, and suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2^−/−, IL33 receptor) mice. Furthermore, wild-type diabetic mice were injected with IL33 neutralizing antibody (αIL33). We also co-cultured human liver endothelial cells and human hepatic stellate cells to identify the role of IL33 in high palmitic acid and high glucose conditions.
Results
Hepatic collagen deposition was increased in diabetic mice, which was alleviated by IL33 knockout, ST2 knockout, or administration of αIL33. Also, αIL33 treatment blunted liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) dysfunction and inflammation during diabetic liver fibrosis progression. Recombinant IL33 (rIL33) treatment aggravated autophagy disruption in the presence of palm acid and high glucose in LSECs, which was blunted by autophagy agonist rapamycin administration and ERK/MAPK inhibitor PD98059 treatment. Hepatic stellate cell line LX-2 co-cultured with rIL33-pretreated LSECs displayed augmented activation, which was also attenuated by rapamycin or PD98059 pretreated.
Conclusion
IL33 drives LSEC dysfunction and promotes diabetic hepatic fibrosis, thus a potential therapeutic target for diabetic liver fibrosis.

Basic and Translational Research
Serpina3c Mitigates Adipose Tissue Inflammation by Inhibiting the HIF1α-Mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum Overoxidation in Adipocytes: Yu Jiang, Jia-Qi Guo, Ya Wu, Peng Zheng, Shao-Fan Wang, Meng-Chen Yang, Gen-Shan Ma, Yu-Yu Yao; Received July 31, 2024 Accepted February 25, 2025 Published online May 22, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0441 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Visceral white adipose tissue (vWAT) inflammation is a critical pathology of obesity-caused heart damage and is closely associated with adipocyte endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dysfunction. Serine (or cysteine) peptidase inhibitor, clade A, member 3C (Serpina3c) has been identified as an adipokine with anti-vWAT inflammatory effects. However, it remains unclear whether Serpina3c deficiency promotion of vWAT inflammation involves adipocyte ER dysfunction and whether it further contributes to heart damage in obesity.
Methods
Wild type and Serpina3c knockout (Serpina3c^–/–) mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. An adeno-associated virus (AAV) was injected locally into epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) of Serpina3c^–/– mice to induce eWAT-adipocyte- specific overexpression of Serpina3c (AAV-Serpina3c) or knockdown of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (AAV-shHIF1α). In vitro experiments were performed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
Results
Serpina3c^–/– mice exhibited more severe eWAT, serum and heart inflammation after HFD feeding. Consistently, these adverse phenotypes were mitigated in AAV-Serpina3c and AAV-shHIF1α mice. Mechanistically, ER oxidoreductase 1α (Ero1α) and protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family members PDIA3 and PDIA4 were found to be target genes of HIF1α. In the obese mice, Serpina3c deficiency caused adipocyte more hypertrophy, and activated HIF1α-Ero1α/PDI mediated ER overoxidation and ER stress in eWAT. Subsequently, this led to increased adipocyte apoptosis and chemokine production and decreased adiponectin expression, which promoted macrophage infiltration and M1 polarization in eWAT, thus exacerbating eWAT inflammation and ultimately facilitating serum and distal heart inflammation.
Conclusion
These findings indicate that Serpina3c is a significant regulator of adipocyte ER redox homeostasis, thus highlighting Serpina3c as a potential therapeutic target for obesity-related eWAT inflammation and heart damage.

Basic and Translational Research
Anti-Senescence Effect of Inhibiting Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 and α-Glucosidase in a Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Animal Model: Serin Hong, Byung Soo Kong, Hyunsuk Lee, Young Min Cho; Received June 28, 2024 Accepted January 23, 2025 Published online May 22, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0339 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases with age, and cellular senescence of pancreatic β-cells plays a key role in T2DM pathogenesis. As canagliflozin and acarbose have been shown to increase lifespan in mice, we investigated the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, α-glucosidase inhibitor or both on the cellular senescence of β-cells in a T2DM mouse model.
Methods
Enavogliflozin (0.3 mg/kg), acarbose (10 mg/kg), or vehicle was orally administered daily to db/db mice for 6 weeks. The levels of senescence markers (p16, p21, and p53) in the pancreas and kidney were measured through real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot. In an in vitro analysis, isolated pancreatic islets were exposed to H₂O₂ to induce cellular senescence, then treated with β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB), and subsequently assessed for levels of senescent markers.
Results
Enavogliflozin alone or combined with acarbose effectively lowered blood glucose levels in db/db mice. The combined treatment resulted in the greatest increase in β-cell function calculated using insulinogenic index and homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function compared to the vehicle. Additionally, the combined treatment significantly reversed the increase in p16, with a similar trend observed in p21 and p53 in the islets. Treatment increased circulating β-HB and in vitro analysis suggested the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) by β-HB in reducing senescence in the islets.
Conclusion
The combined administration of enavogliflozin and acarbose significantly reduced blood glucose, improved β-cell function, and reduced senescent β-cells in db/db mice. This combination therapy holds potential as a senotherapeutic strategy for managing T2DM.

Basic and Translational Research
Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitor Improves Insulin Sensitivity by Regulating Adipose Tissue Macrophage Polarization in Diet-Induced Obese Mice: Dan-Gyeong Song, Seongwon Pak, Dae-Chul Shin, Shindy Soedono, Kae Won Cho, Yejin Park, Subin Moon, Sooyeon Jang, Saeha Kim, Sang-Won Han, Keunwook Lee, Jong-Hee Sohn, Chan Hee Lee; Received June 14, 2024 Accepted February 25, 2025 Published online May 22, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0308 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Obesity is a rapidly increasing global health issue, which is associated with glucose and insulin resistance. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors (PDE5i) are known for their ability to enhance blood flow and vascular stability and are widely used to treat conditions such as erectile dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, and cancer. However, studies investigating the role of PDE5i in alleviating obesity and metabolic diseases remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of PDE5i on obesity and metabolic disorders in diet-induced obese mice and its underlying mechanisms.
Methods
PDE5i was administered to high-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6J mice for 6 to 7 weeks. Body weight and food intake were measured weekly, and baseline metabolic rates, physical activity, and glucose and insulin tolerance tests were assessed during PDE5i administration. Macrophages and T-cells in the gonadal white adipose tissue (gWAT) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Vascular stability and blood flow in gWAT were analyzed via immunostaining and in vivo live imaging. RAW264.7 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages were used to determine immunoregulatory effects of PDE5i.
Results
In HFD-fed mice, PDE5i administration significantly enhanced systemic insulin sensitivity and AKT phosphorylation in gWAT. PDE5i reduced the M1/M2 ratio of gWAT macrophages of obese mice. These phenomena were associated with enhanced blood flow to the gWAT. In vitro experiments revealed that PDE5i suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced proinflammatory cytokine production and increased the mRNA expression of genes associated with M2 polarization.
Conclusion
PDE5i plays a role in regulating adipose tissue inflammation and thus holds promise as a therapeutic agent for metabolic enhancement.

Metabolic Risk/Epidemiology
Beta-Cell Function, Insulin Sensitivity, and Metabolic Characteristics in Young-Onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Findings from Anam Diabetes Observational Study: Ji Yoon Kim, Jiyoon Lee, Sin Gon Kim, Nam Hoon Kim; Received October 1, 2024 Accepted February 18, 2025 Published online May 21, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0601 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
In this study, we aimed to determine the metabolic characteristics and changes in the early stages of young-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (YOD) in Koreans.
Methods
From the Anam Diabetes Observational Study cohort (2017–2023), the characteristics of newly diagnosed YOD (<40 years of age, n=39) and later-onset (≥40 years of age) type 2 diabetes mellitus (LOD, n=178) were compared at diagnosis and 1 year later. All participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test at diagnosis and annually thereafter. β-Cell function was determined using the disposition index (DI), calculated as the insulinogenic index×Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISI). Insulin sensitivity was determined using ISI and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR).
Results
Mean (±standard deviation) age of individuals with YOD was 29.8±6.4 years, and 76.9% were male. YOD patients had higher body mass index (29.8 kg/m² vs. 27.2 kg/m², P=0.020), fat mass (30.5 kg vs. 24.1 kg, P=0.011), fatty liver index (65.4 vs. 49.2, P=0.005), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level at diagnosis (9.3% vs. 7.7%, P<0.001) compared with LOD patients. YOD patients exhibited lower insulin sensitivity (ISI: 2.79 vs. 3.26, P=0.008; HOMA2-IR: 2.72 vs. 1.83, P<0.001) and β-cell function (DI) at diagnosis (0.41 vs. 0.72, P=0.003) than LOD patients. Following 1 year of treatment, DI improved by 94% in YOD along with improvement in HbA1c; however, it was still significantly lower than that of LOD (0.64 vs. 0.90, P=0.017).
Conclusion
Individuals with YOD have unfavorable metabolic characteristics, substantially reduced insulin sensitivity, and decompensated β-cell function at disease onset, which persist even after treatment.

Complications
Impact of Remnant Cholesterol on the Risk for End-Stage Renal Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study: Eun Roh, Ji Hye Heo, Han Na Jung, Kyung-Do Han, Jun Goo Kang, Seong Jin Lee, Sung-Hee Ihm; Received July 21, 2024 Accepted January 23, 2025 Published online May 21, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0406 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Remnant cholesterol (remnant-C) has been linked to the risk of various vascular diseases, but the association between remnant-C and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unclear.
Methods
Using a nationwide cohort, a total of 2,537,149 patients with T2DM without ESRD, who had participated in the national health screening in 2009, were enrolled and followed up until 2020. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were assessed by the Martin-Hopkins method, and remnant-C was calculated as total cholesterol–LDL-C–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Results
During a median follow-up period of 10.3 years, 26,246 patients with T2DM (1.03%) developed ESRD. Participants in the upper quartile of remnant-C had a higher risk of ESRD, with hazard ratios of 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08 to 1.17), 1.20 (95% CI, 1.15 to 1.24), and 1.33 (95% CI, 1.26 to 1.41) in the second, third, and fourth quartile, compared with the lowest quartile, in multivariable-adjusted analyses. The positive association between remnant-C and ESRD remained consistent, irrespective of age, sex, presence of pre-existing comorbidities, and use of anti-dyslipidemic medications. The increased risk of ESRD was more pronounced in high-risk subgroups, including those with hypertension, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and a longer duration of diabetes.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that remnant-C profiles in T2DM have a predictive role for future progression of ESRD, independent of traditional risk factors for renal dysfunction.

Metabolic Risk/Epidemiology
Predictive Models for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Han Chinese with Insights into Cross-Population Applicability and Demographic Specific Risk Factors: Ying-Erh Chen, Djeane Debora Onthoni, Shao-Yuan Chuang, Guo-Hung Li, Yong-Sheng Zhuang, Hung-Yi Chiou, Wayne Huey-Herng Sheu, Ren-Hua Chung; Received June 20, 2024 Accepted January 6, 2025 Published online May 21, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0319 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
The rising global incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) underscores the need for predictive models that enhance early detection and prevention across diverse populations. This study aimed to identify predictors of incident T2DM within a Han Chinese population, assess their impact across various age and sex demographics, and explore their applicability to European populations.
Methods
Using data from about 65,000 participants in the Taiwan Biobank (TWB), we developed a predictive model, achieving an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 90.58%. Key predictors were identified through LASSO regression within the TWB cohort and validated using over 4 million records from Taiwan’s Adult Preventive Healthcare Services (APHS) program and the UK Biobank (UKB).
Results
Our analysis highlighted 13 significant predictors, including established factors like glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood glucose levels, and less conventionally considered variables such as peak expiratory flow. Notable differences in the effects of HbA1c levels and polygenic risk scores between the TWB and UKB cohorts were observed. Additionally, age and sex-specific impacts of these predictors, detailed through APHS data, revealed significant variances; for instance, waist circumference and diagnosed mixed hyperlipidemia showed greater impacts in younger females than in males, while effects remained uniform across male age groups.
Conclusion
Our findings offer novel insights into the diagnosis and management of diabetes for the Han Chinese and potentially for broader East Asian populations, highlighting the importance of ethnic and demographic diversity in developing predictive models for early detection and personalized intervention strategies.

Pharmacotherapy
Initial Pharmacological Strategies in People with Early Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis: Jong Han Choi, Bo Kyung Koo, Ye Seul Yang, Se Hee Min, Jong Suk Park, Sang Youl Rhee, Hyun Jung Kim, Min Kyong Moon; Received October 24, 2024 Accepted January 16, 2025 Published online April 29, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0660 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) requires stringent glycemic control from an early stage to prevent complications. The most effective treatment regimen for early T2DM remains unclear. The study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of monotherapies and combination therapies for early T2DM.
Methods
A systematic review and network meta-analysis were conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Randomized controlled trials focused on glycemic control, body weight, and adverse events were included. The primary outcomes were changes in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and odds of achieving the target HbA1c after 6 months.
Results
All combination therapies were more effective than monotherapy. Metformin+glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) (weighted mean difference [WMD] –1.50%; 95% confidence interval [CI] –2.04 to –0.96) and metformin+dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (WMD –1.46%; 95% CI, –1.96 to –0.95) were the most effective for change in HbA1c. GLP-1RA and sodium- glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors led to weight reduction. Apart from the increased risk of hypoglycemia with sulfonylureas, no significant differences in adverse events were observed across regimens.
Conclusion
Early combination therapy effectively improved glycemic control in patients with early T2DM without significantly increasing adverse risks. Future studies should explore new combinations, including potent GLP-1RA.

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