β-cell function prior to liver transplantation contributes to post-operative diabetes

  • Authors:
    • Tatsuki Ichikawa
    • Naota Taura
    • Hisamitsu Miyaaki
    • Satoshi Miuma
    • Hidetaka Shibata
    • Takuya Honda
    • Masaaki Hidaka
    • Akihiko Soyama
    • Mitsuhisa Takatsuki
    • Susumu Eguchi
    • Kazuhiko Nakao
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: October 21, 2016     https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2016.788
  • Pages: 749-757
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Abstract

Liver cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus (DM) are closely associated. The present study aimed to determine whether liver transplantation (LT) may prevent/cure DM in patients with cirrhosis and whether the degree of glucose tolerance prior to transplantation is associated with the onset of DM after transplantation. Seventy‑three patients who received a living donor LT at Nagasaki University Hospital (Nagasaki, Japan) between November 2005 and December 2012 were recruited. Among them, patients were considered diabetic if they had been prescribed diabetes medications or had impaired glucose tolerance, as evidenced by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Patients were followed up until December 31, 2013 to evaluate glucose tolerance. Patients who had developed DM 2 years after transplantation were found to be older and the incidence of diabetes prior to transplantation (n=73) was higher than in those who did not. Multivariate analysis revealed that DM requiring treatment prior to transplantation was the only independent factor for DM developed at 2 years after transplantation. OGTT results showed that in patients with poor insulin sensitivity indices prior to transplantation (n=45), improvements were seen at 2 years after transplantation, while β‑cell function and insulinogenic index had decreased, which may have been the cause of DM after transplantation. In conclusion, the pre-operative β‑cell function determined by an OGTT may be a useful predictive tool for the recurrence of DM after LT.

Introduction

Liver cirrhosis (LC) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are clinical conditions that are closely associated. Type 2 DM (T2DM) patients are at risk of liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and death from hepatobiliary disease (1,2). The risk of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis is also increased in the presence of DM (3). Diabetes with concurrent cirrhosis is called hepatogenous diabetes (HD) and differs from T2DM. HD is characterized by late onset of cirrhosis, negative family history for DM, low body mass index (BMI), reduced frequency of diabetic complications (retinopathy, cardiovascular disease and renal disease) and marked insulin resistance (3). However, in terms of diagnosis, the differentiation between T2DM and HD is difficult. HD and insulin sensitivity may resolve after liver transplantation (LT), while decreased insulin secretion is not attenuated after LT (4). Therefore, it is important to determine whether diabetes, particularly HD, may be prevented or cured by LT in patients with LC.

New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is a serious metabolic complication with a reported incidence of 15–30% in patients receiving LT (5). Amongst previous studies, the definition and reported incidence of NODAT shows a wide variation owing to the heterogeneity in study design, variability of corticosteroid dose and immunosuppression protocols, as well as definition of post-transplant DM (5,6). NODAT may bear an increased risk of morbidity and mortality after solid organ transplantation, particularly in the long term (7). To date, the pathophysiology of NODAT has not been clearly defined and may resemble that of T2DM, predominantly characterized by insulin resistance and/or defective insulin secretion (7). The development of NODAT has been attributed to multiple risk factors (7). Therefore, it is important to determine whether abnormal glucose tolerance (insulin resistance and/or insulin secretion) in patients without diabetes prior to LT may be associated with NODAT.

Patients with cirrhosis awaiting a living donor LT (LDLT) at Nagasaki University Hospital (Nagasaki, Japan) were subjected to oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) in September 2005, prior to which they had not received any anti-diabetic treatments (insulin and/or oral medications). Blood glucose was evaluated on the basis of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and glycoalbumin (GA) levels prior to and after LDLT. At post-operative year (POY) 2, corticosteroid therapy was discontinued and patients received low-dose calcineurin inhibitors; therefore, their glucose tolerance prior to LT and at POY2 was compared. In the present study, it was evaluated whether LT was able to resolve pre-existing DM.

Patients and methods

Patients

LC patients who were admitted for LDLT at Nagasaki University Hospital between November 2005 and December 2012 were recruited and followed up for complications and/or mortality until December 31, 2013. The inclusion criteria were as follows: First LDLT, adult (at least 20 years old), presence of chronic liver disease and blood glucose levels evaluated prior to LDLT. A total of 125 patients who underwent LDLT were assessed, of which 34 patients were excluded (Fig. 1); 18 patients died within 1 year after LT and 73 patients were diagnosed with diabetes after LT (Study 1). While liver biopsy is routinely performed at our clinic to detect hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated complications after LT and liver dysfunction as well as other complications, the patients of the present study were instead subjected to a 75-g OGTT to confirm the diagnosis of diabetes. A total of 45 patients who underwent the 75-g OGTT after LT were enrolled in Study 2, while 28 patients who did not undergo 75-g OGTT post-LT were excluded. Furthermore, 39 patients who underwent 75-g OGTT prior to and subsequent to LT were enrolled in Study 3, while 6 patients treated for diabetes prior to LT but did not undergo the 75-g OGTT prior to LT were excluded (Study 3). Informed consent was obtained from each patient included in the present study, and the study protocol conformed to the ethical guidelines of the 1975 Declaration of Helsinki, as evidenced by the approval by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Nagasaki University (Nagasaki, Japan).

Laboratory measurements

Laboratory data and anthropometric measurements were obtained for each subject prior to and after LT. The BMI was calculated as the weight in kg divided by the square of height in m. Laboratory examinations included assessment of the white blood cell count, platelet count, prothrombin time, hemoglobin (Hb), C-reactive protein, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine (Cr), total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, cholinesterase, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), FPG, HbA1c and glycated albumin (GA) levels. HbA1c was measured using the method for patients prior to LDLT recommended by the Japan Diabetes Society (8).

Diagnosis of DM prior to and after LT

Patients were examined for the presence of DM 3 months prior to LT. DM was confirmed if i) the patient was prescribed at least one medication for DM or ii) had an FPG level of ≥126 mg/dl. Patients without DM at admission underwent a 75-g OGTT and were diagnosed with DM if their FPG levels were ≥126 mg/dl or if their PG levels were ≥200 mg/dl at 120 post-prandial minutes. Patients with an FPG level of ≤110 mg/dl or ≤140 mg/dl at 120 post-prandial minutes were considered as having normal glucose tolerance (normal pattern), while those whose levels were above were categorized as having impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and therefore diagnosed with DM.

Calculations of indices for insulin sensitivity and β-cell function

The 75-g OGTT was performed after 10 h of overnight fasting. Venous blood samples were obtained at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 post-prandial minutes for determination of PG and serum insulin levels. Insulin sensitivity was estimated from PG, and insulin values were determined according to methods described by Mari et al (9) [oral glucose insulin sensitivity (OGIS)], Matsuda and DeFronzo (10) [whole body insulin sensitivity index (WBISI)], Stumvoll et al (11) [metabolic clearance rate of glucose (MCR)], homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-R; PG at time 0 (mg/dl) × insulin at time 0 (µU/ml)/405] (12), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin sensitivity index (HOMA-ISI; 1/HOMA-R) (12). β-cell function (BCF) was estimated from PG and insulin values according to methods described by Stancáková et al (13), Stumvoll et al [first-phase insulin release (Phase 1)] and second-phase insulin release (Phase 2)] (11), homeostasis model assessment of insulin secretion [HOMA-β; insulin at time 0 (µU/ml) × 360/PG at time 0 (mg/dl) - 63] and the insulinogenic index [I. I.; (insulin at 30 min - insulin at time 0)/(PG at 30 min - PG at time 0)] (13).

Statistical analysis

Data were analyzed using the StatView 5.0 software (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Laboratory result variables were compared between DM and DM-free patients using t-tests and χ2 tests. Values for Pre-LT clinical parameters are expressed as the mean ± standard deviation and were subjected to the t-test. Patient numbers for gender, DM, DM+DM pattern, HCV and HCC were subjected to the χ2 test. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed by logistic regression. P<0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference.

Results

None of the patients was subjected to assessment of hepatic steatosis by ultrasonography or computed tomography prior to LT. Patients with fasting and post-prandial PG levels ≥250 mg/dl were treated with insulin or oral medication prior to and after LT. DM treatment was considered successful if blood glucose levels were maintained <250 mg/dl. In Study 1, the association between diabetes requiring treatment at POY2 and clinical factors prior to LT was assessed in 73 patients (Table I). Prior to LT, 22 patients were treated for DM and at two years after LT, 27 patients were in treatment. Among the patients treated for DM prior to LT, nine did not require treatment for DM after LT, and among those not treated for DM prior to LT, four required treatment after LT. Patients with DM at POY2 were older at LT (60±7.3 vs. 55.2±9.3 years; P=0.02), had a higher incidence of DM prior to LT and more frequently showed a DM+DM pattern than patients without DM at POY2. Cr and TG levels as well as the incidence of HCV-infection and HCC were not significantly different between the DM and non-DM groups. The total intake of immunosuppressant steroid after LT did not differ between the DM and non-DM groups. Next, factors contributing to DM after LT were evaluated (POY2; Table II). According to univariate analysis, age as well as DM requiring treatment prior to LT contributed to DM developed at POY2. According to multivariate analysis, DM requiring treatment prior to LT was the only contributing factor for DM after LT [odds ratio, 0.038; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.008–0.183; P<0.0001].

Table I.

Association between DM requiring treatment at two years after LT and clinical factors existing prior to LT (Study 1).

Table I.

Association between DM requiring treatment at two years after LT and clinical factors existing prior to LT (Study 1).

ParameterDM+ (n=27)DM- (n=46)P-value
Age (years)60±7.355.2±9.30.020
Gender female/male (n)12/1522/24NS
BMI (kg/m2)24.6±4.424.4±3.9NS
MELD13.3±7.413.6±8.2NS
Cr (mg/dl)   1.05±0.85   0.8±0.290.0733
TG (mg/dl)   92±48.9   69±440.0533
TC (mg/dl)122.2±39.9   124±52.6NS
DM +/− (n)18/94/42<0.0001
DM+DM pattern +/− (n)25/226/200.0013
HCV +/− (n)17/1019/270.0913
HCC +/− (n)18/99/250.0923

[i] Values for Pre-LT clinical parameters are expressed as the mean ± standard deviation and were subjected to the t-test. Patient numbers for gender, DM, DM+DM pattern, HCV and HCC were subjected to the χ2 test. DM, patients treated for diabetes prior to LT; DM pattern, patients with diabetes pattern as per 75-g oral glucose tolerance test results. HCV, hepatitis C virus; DM, diabetes mellitus; LT, liver transplantation; HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma; BMI, body mass index; MELD, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score; Cr, creatinine; TG, triglyceride; TC, total cholesterol; NS, no significance (P>0.01).

Table II.

Uni- and multivariate analysis for factors associated with DM developed at post-operative year 2 compared with patients who did not develop DM after LT (Study 1).

Table II.

Uni- and multivariate analysis for factors associated with DM developed at post-operative year 2 compared with patients who did not develop DM after LT (Study 1).

UnivariateMultivariate


ParameterP-valueOdds ratio95% CIP-valueOdds ratio95% CI
Age0.03210.9310.873–0.994NS
Cr0.12520.3930.119–1.298NS
TG0.06440.9910.979–1.001NS
DMa<0.00010.0390.010–0.152<0.00010.0380.008–0.183
HCV0.07122.420.909–6.416NS
HCC0.08332.380.886–6.398NS

a DM requiring treatment prior to LT. Logistic regression analysis was performed for diabetes requiring treatment after LT. Contributing factors were selected in Table I. HCV, hepatitis C virus; DM, diabetes mellitus; LT, liver transplantation; HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma; Cr, creatinine; TG, triglyceride; TC, total cholesterol; CI, confidence interval; NS, no significance.

For analysis of clinical and metabolic differences prior to and following LT (POY2) (Study 2; Table III), 29 patients who had not undergone the 75-g OGTT after LT in Study 1 were excluded. The results of the 75-g OGTT showed normal glucose levels in three patients prior to LT and in 18 patients at POY2 (P=0.0003). The BMIs of these patients prior to LT and at POY2 did not differ. While GA had improved at POY2, HbA1c showed no change compared with that prior to LT. Furthermore, HDL, LDL and TG levels were elevated at POY2. The PG value at 120 post-prandial minutes determined prior to LT was lower than that at POY2 (Fig. 2A). However, serum insulin values (µU/ml) at 0, 60, 90 and 120 post-prandial minutes determined prior to LT were lower than those at POY2 (Fig. 2B). The 75-g OGTT revealed that the poor insulin sensitivity indices prior to LT improved after LT; furthermore, insulin secretion indexes (BCF and HOMA-B) were significantly decreased, while the I. I. as well as Phase 1 and 2 showed no changes (Table III).

Table III.

Clinical and metabolic differences prior to and after LT (Study 2).

Table III.

Clinical and metabolic differences prior to and after LT (Study 2).

ParameterPrior to LTPOY2P-value
DM+IGT/Normal (n)42/327/18   0.0003
BMI (kg/m2)24.7±16.124.2±4.13NS
HbA1c (%)4.86±1.465.25±0.66NS
GA (%)20.5±1.0316.2±2.22   0.0021
HDL (mg/dl)31.4±16.450.2±20<0.0001
LDL (mg/dl)55.2±23.197.5±39.3<0.0001
TG (mg/dl)78.5±49121.7±57.6   0.0004
MELD12.1±7.17.7±7.9   0.0072
75-g OGTT (n)3945
Insulin sensitivity
  HOMA-R3.66±2.261.63±0.89<0.0001
  WBISI3.14±2.375.66±2.3<0.0001
  OGIS366.1±76418±52.5   0.0004
  HOMA-ISI0.41±0.330.81±0.41<0.0001
  MCR3.17±4.96.99±1.85<0.0001
BCF indices
  BCF60.2±35.541.8±27.3   0.0081
  HOMA-β233.6±178.4115.1±88.3<0.0001
  Insulinogenic index3.4±4.67.1±20.6NS
  Phase 11,235±704956±1,033NS
  Phase 2300.1±203.1221.2±256.8NS

[i] Values are expressed as the mean ± standard deviation. DM, diabetes mellitus; LT, liver transplantation; BMI, body mass index; Hg, hemoglobin; MELD, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score; HDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; TG, triglycerides; GA, glycated albumin; IGT, impaired glucose tolerance; OGIS, oral glucose sensitivity; WBISI, whole-body insulin sensitivity index; MCR, metabolic clearance rate; HOMA-R, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance; HOMA-ISI, homeostasis model assessment insulin of sensitivity index; HOMA-β, homeostasis model assessment of insulin secretion; BCF, β-cell function; POY, post-operative year; OGTT, oral glucose tolerance test; phase 1/2, phase 1/2 insulin release; NS, no significance.

Next, clinical and metabolic factors were compared between patients with normal glucose tolerance at POY2 (normal group; n=17) and those with IGT and DM at POY2 (IGT+DM group; n=22) (Study 3; Table IV). From the cohort of Study 2, six patients who had not undergone the 75-g OGTT prior to LT were excluded. The HbA1c levels in the normal group were slightly lower than those in the IGT+DM group (P=0.06). Furthermore, PG and insulin values were not different between the normal and IGT+DM groups (Fig. 2C and D). However, the MCR of glucose, insulin sensitivity indices and BCF indices in the normal group were better than those in the IGT+DM group. Next, clinical and metabolic factors prior to LT were compared between patients with DM at POY2 (DM group; n=10) and normal patients or those with IGT at POY2 (Normal+IGT group; n=29) (Study 3, Table V). The BMI values before LT and at POY2 were different between the Normal+IGT and DM groups. PG values in the Normal+IGT group at the time-point 0 were lower than those in the DM group (Fig. 2E). However, serum insulin values in the Normal+IGT group at all times were lower than those in the DM group (Fig. 2F). According to the results of the 75-g OGTT, the MCR values in the Normal+IGT group were lower than those in the DM group. However, in the Normal+IGT group, BCF indices, excluding the I. I., were better than those in the DM group. Finally, factors contributing to normal glucose tolerance after LT at POY2 were assessed (Table VI). According to univariate analysis, BCF was the only contributing factor to normal glucose tolerance after LT (POY2), while it was not an independent factor associated with normal glucose tolerance after LT according to multivariate analysis. In addition, the factors contributing to a DM pattern after LT (POY2) were assessed (Table VI). According to univariate analysis, the BCF, MCR and I. I. were factors contributing to a DM pattern after LT (POY2), among which I. I. was revealed to be an independent factor associated with DM after LT by multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 0.451; 95% CI: 0.299–0.888; P<0.02).

Table IV.

Comparison of clinical parameters prior to LT between the normal group and the IGT+DM group (Study 3).

Table IV.

Comparison of clinical parameters prior to LT between the normal group and the IGT+DM group (Study 3).

ParameterNormal (n=19)IGT+DM (n=26)P-value
Age at LT (years)   55.6±10.4   57.3±8.16NS
BMI (kg/m2)   25.3±4.6   24.3±3.6NS
Gender female/male (n)7/12   11/15NS
MELD   13.2±7.6   11.3±6.8NS
Cr (mg/dl)   0.94±0.47   0.75±0.24NS
HCV +/− (n)10/9   15/11NS
HCC +/− (n)9/10   13/13NS
DM +/− (n)6/13   16/100.0701
DM2 +/− (n)16/326/00.0612
HbA1c (%)   4.38±0.54   5.2±1.840.0622
GA (%)   18.8±3.35   21.6±7.49NS
LDL (mg/dl)57.5±27   53.5±20.1NS
HDL (mg/dl)   29.7±15.2   32.6±17.5NS
TG (mg/dl)   65.6±31.8   88.4±57.5NS
Stage   0.68±0.89   0.6±0.75NS
CYA/TAC (n)4/148/18NS
Insulin sensitivity
  HOMA-R   3.5±1.7   3.6±2.9NS
  WBISI   3±2.5   3.8±3.4NS
  OGIS   377±84.6   356±68.3NS
  HOMA-ISI0.43±0.4   0.39±0.27NS
  MCR1.94±6.1   5.56±4.40.0202
β-cell function
  BCF   99.7±56.8   65.4±36.60.0211
  HOMA-β   277±143   196±200NS
  Insulinogenic index   1.78±1.1   4.9±5.80.0313
  Phase 11,447±6631,054±7010.0801
  Phase 2   329±149   277±239NS

[i] Values are expressed as the mean ± standard deviation. DM, diabetes mellitus; DM2, treated DM+DM pattern by OGTT prior to LT; LT, liver transplantation; BMI, body mass index; Hg, hemoglobin; MELD, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score; Cr, creatinine; TG, triglyceride; TC, total cholesterol; HDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; TG, triglycerides; GA, glycated albumin; IGT, impaired glucose tolerance; OGIS, oral glucose sensitivity; WBISI, whole-body insulin sensitivity index; MCR, metabolic clearance rate; HOMA-R, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance; HOMA-ISI, homeostasis model assessment insulin of sensitivity index; HOMA-β, homeostasis model assessment of insulin secretion; BCF, β-cell function; CYA/TAC, cyclosporine A/tacrolimus (calcineurin inhibitors administered to patients at POY2); Stage, liver fibrosis score at liver biopsy at two years after LT; POY, post-operative year; OGTT, oral glucose tolerance test; phase 1/2, phase 1/2 insulin release; NS, no significance.

Table V.

Comparison of clinical factors before LT between the normal+IGT group and DM group (Study 3).

Table V.

Comparison of clinical factors before LT between the normal+IGT group and DM group (Study 3).

ParameterNormal+IGT (n=29)DM (n=10)P-value
Age at LT (years)55.9±9.3358.1±8.7NS
BMI (kg/m2)25.2±3.322.5±2.90.0210
Gender f/m (n)   12/17   3/7NS
MELD12.2±7.19.2±5NS
Cr (mg/dl)0.87±0.410.72±0.16NS
HCV +/− (n)   17/12   6/4NS
HCC +/− (n)   16/13   6/4NS
DM +/− (n)27/210/0NS
DM2 +/− (n)   16/16   4/6NS
HbA1c (%)4.5±0.585.1±2.30.0612
GA (%)18.4±3.124±9NS
LDL (mg/dl)56.1±26.357.3±8.4NS
HDL (mg/dl)31.3±17.337±13.6NS
TG (mg/dl)72.7±36.291.2±77NS
Stage0.6±0.80.79±0.8NS
CYA/TAC (n)8/23   5/9NS
Insulin sensitivity
  HOMA-R3.7±1.73.5±3.5NS
  WBISI2.8±2.14.2±2.9NS
  OGIS364±72.3369±88.8NS
  HOMA-ISI0.39±0.340.47±0.3NS
  MCR2.18±5.26.05±2.10.0211
BCF indices
  BCF68.6±34.936±25.50.0134
  HOMA-β270±183127±840.0212
  Insulinogenic index1.9±1.37.7±7.60.0003
  Phase 11,416±625712±6820.0041
  Phase 2348±187168±1940.0101

[i] Values are expressed as the mean ± standard deviation. DM, diabetes mellitus; f, female; m, male; LT, liver transplantation; BMI, body mass index; Hg, hemoglobin; MELD, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score; Cr, creatinine; TG, triglyceride; TC, total cholesterol; HDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; TG, triglycerides; GA, glycated albumin; IGT, impaired glucose tolerance; OGIS, oral glucose sensitivity; WBISI, whole-body insulin sensitivity index; MCR, metabolic clearance rate; HOMA-R, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance; HOMA-ISI, homeostasis model assessment insulin of sensitivity index; HOMA-β, homeostasis model assessment of insulin secretion; BCF, β-cell function; CYA/TAC, cyclosporine A/tacrolimus (calcineurin inhibitors administered to patients at POY2); Stage, liver fibrosis score at liver biopsy at two years after LT; POY, post-operative year; phase 1/2, phase 1/2 insulin release; OGTT, oral glucose tolerance test; NS, no significance.

Table VI.

Uni- and multivariate analysis of the glucose metabolic status after liver transplantation (Study 3).

Table VI.

Uni- and multivariate analysis of the glucose metabolic status after liver transplantation (Study 3).

A, Normal vs. IGT+DM

UnivariateMultivariate


ParameterP-valueOdds ratio95% CIP-valueOdds ratio95% CI
MCR0.10.9760.786–1.045NS
BCF0.041.0271.000–1.0540.071.0340.997–1.072
I. I.0.080.6820.439–1.059

B, Normal+IGT vs. DM

UnivariateMultivariate


ParameterP-valueOdds ratio95% CIP-valueOdds ratio95% CI

BMI0.031.3221.020–1.626NS
MCR0.040.7530.571–0.989NS
I. I.0.020.6150.406–0.9930.020.4510.299–0.888

[i] I. I., insulinogenic index; MCR, metabolic clearance rate; BMI, body mass index; NS, no significance; CI confidence interval; IGT, impaired glucose tolerance; DM, diabetes mellitus.

In Study 3, 20 out of 39 patients underwent 75-g OGTT at POY2 and POY5 and 5 out of these 20 patients underwent 75-g OGTT at POY2, POY5 and POY6 (Table VII). The incidence of DM and IGT did not differ between POY2, POY5 and POY6. In addition, the BMI, HbA1c levels and the stage of liver fibrosis did not differ between POY2, POY5 and POY6. Of note, GA levels at POY5 were found to be slightly increased compared to those at POY2 (P=0.06). With regard to the 75-g OGTT results, PG levels at 120 post-prandial minutes at POY6 were significantly higher than those at POY5 (Fig. 2G) and insulin levels at 120 post-prandial minutes at POY2 were significantly lower than those at POY5 and POY6 (Fig. 2H). Furthermore, MCR at POY6 was significantly lower than that at POY2 and OGIS at POY2 was significantly higher than that at POY5. In addition, the I. I. at POY6 was higher than that at POY2 and POY5. Moreover, Phase 1/2 at POY6 was lower than at POY2 and −5.

Table VII.

Changes in glucose metabolic status at POY2, POY5 and POY6 (Study 3).

Table VII.

Changes in glucose metabolic status at POY2, POY5 and POY6 (Study 3).

ParameterPOY2 (n=20)POY5 (n=20)POY6 (n=5)P-value
DM/IGT/Normal (n)7/6/75/9/63/1/1NS
BMI (kg/m2)24.3±3.1425.3±3.9324.3±3.14NS
HbA1c (%)5.2±0.675.07±0.655.4±0.8NS
GA (%)17.3±3.2214.5±2.3314.1±3.160.0641a
Stage0.55±0.830.65±1.21.2±0.83NS
Insulin sensitivity
  HOMA-R1.61±0.961.75±1.051.6±0.89NS
  WBISI5.2±1.825±2.14.8±1.74NS
  OGIS428.4±48.7397.5±47407.4±81.10.040a
  HOMA-ISI0.86±0.490.8±0.480.77±0.33NS
  MCR7.1±1.16.21±2.24.52±3.10.0922a, 0.0041b
BCF indices
  BCF45.9±34.146.1±22.330.6±18.2NS
  HOMA-β111±65.2112.5±73.5100.8±62NS
  Insulinogenic index3.9±63.0±3.312.9±12.90.0211b, 0.0033c
  Phase 11138±1484877±572263±5700.0422c
  Phase 2258±359196±14745±1700.0511c

a POY2 vs. 5

b POY2 vs. 6

c POY5 vs. 6. Values are expressed as the mean ± standard deviation. DM, diabetes mellitus; BMI, body mass index; Hg, hemoglobin; GA, glycated albumin; IGT, impaired glucose tolerance; OGIS, oral glucose sensitivity; WBISI, whole-body insulin sensitivity index; MCR, metabolic clearance rate; HOMA-R, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance; HOMA-ISI, homeostasis model assessment insulin of sensitivity index; HOMA-β, homeostasis model assessment of insulin secretion; BCF, β-cell function; POY, post-operative year; phase 1/2, phase 1/2 insulin release; NS, no significance; Stage, liver fibrosis score at liver biopsy two years after liver transplantation.

Discussion

In the first part of the present study, clinical factors associated with DM after LT (POY2) were assessed (Study 1; n=73). To assess the recurrence of DM after LT, patients with DM treated with medication prior to LT were selected. Next, the glucose metabolism prior to LT and at POY2 were assessed (Study 2; n=45). LT clearly improved the insulin sensitivity at POY2, while BCF and HOMA-β were significantly decreased. The possibility of advanced insulin resistance was noted at POY5 and −6. Furthermore, for evaluating the association between glucose metabolism prior to and after LT in Study 3 (n=39), 75-g OGTT results obtained prior to LT and at POY2 were compared. I. I. as an indicator of BCF prior to LT was revealed to be an independent factor contributing to a DM pattern according to the 75-g OGTT at POY2. These results may indicate that insulin resistance was improved by LT, while persisting β-cell dysfunction may have caused DM after LT.

In Study 1, the association of clinical factors prior to LT with the recurrence of DM after LT (POY2) was assessed. It was revealed that patients with DM at POY2 were older at the time of LT and showed a higher incidence of DM before LT compared with those without DM at POY2. According to multivariate analysis, DM requiring treatment prior to LT was the only contributing factor for DM at POY2. When patients with cirrhotic livers required treatment for DM prior to LT, LT presumably did not resolve DM at POY2. It has been reported that DM prior to LT leads to increased mortality after LT (14,15). However, according to another study, DM was associated with adverse events and a long hospital stay without directly affecting the survival after LT (16). Other studies also concluded that DM prior to LT is not associated with mortality after LT (1719). These conflicting results may be due to different diagnostic criteria for DM used in the studies, and blood glucose was not measured objectively in all of the studies. Patients with DM treated with medication prior to LT continued to have metabolic disorders after LT and several of them even experienced cardiovascular events (7). The association between DM prior to LT and long-term prognosis after LT therefore requires to be further investigated.

In the second module of the present study (n=45), glucose metabolism prior to LT and at POY2 was assessed. The 75-g OGTT revealed that poor insulin sensitivity indices prior to LT improved at POY2, while I. I. and phase 1/2 did not change at POY2. While the reasons for the decreases in BCF and HOMA-β remain elusive, it is likely that the decrease of fasting insulin secretion at POY2 may have contributed to this. MCR at POY2 were found to decrease significantly at POY6, and OGIS at POY2 was also found to decrease significantly at POY5 (Study 3). LT can therefore improve insulin sensitivity at POY2 but cannot improve BCF at POY2. However, insulin sensitivity may progress to advanced insulin resistance after POY5. In Study 1, it was revealed that LT did not resolve DM, but according to Study 2, insulin sensitivity was improved by LT.

HD is characterized by insulin resistance (3). In accordance with the results of Mari et al (9), the present study found that LT improved insulin resistance but not insulin secretion. Impairment of insulin secretion begins even prior to the onset of DM (20). When patients with DM and cirrhosis are treated with anti-diabetic drugs, BCF is already at a progressive stage. Since in the present study, BCF in patients with DM treated with medication prior to LT was decreased, LT did not resolve DM at POY2 according to Study 1. Since insulin resistance was found to be elevated after POY5 in 20 patients in Study 3, it is recommended that patients should be followed up for a long period.

In Study (n=39), the association between metabolic factors prior to and after LT 3 was evaluated by comparing 75-g OGTT results prior to LT and at POY2. In addition, further insulin sensitivity indices (OGIS, WBISI, MCR, HOMA-R and HOMA-ISI) and BCF indices (Phase 1, Phase 2, HOMA-β and I. I.) were determined. The BCF was shown to be a contributing factor associated with normal glucose tolerance after LT (POY2) by univariate analysis, and the BCF index I. I. was the only independent factor associated with the DM pattern determined by the 75-g OGTT at POY2 according to multivariate analysis. It was therefore indicated that insulin resistance was improved by LT but BCF could not be resolved, which may have led to DM after LT.

It is known that LT decreases insulin secretion; however, the cause has remained elusive. Furthermore, it has been reported that denervation of the graft liver (21) and immunosuppressive therapy (22) do not cause impairment of BCF after LT. It is therefore suggested that the impairment of BCF is attributed to neural factors or increases in hormone levels secondary to immunosuppressive treatment (21). It has been reported that NODAT is associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms. The PNPLA3 gene polymorphism in recipients (23) and TCF7L2 gene polymorphism in the recipient and donor (24) have been implicated in the development of NODAT and even β-cell dysfunction (25,26), and TCF7L2 was found to be associated with HD (27). It is therefore likely that patients with a genetic pre-disposition to β-cell dysfunction prior to LT develop diabetes or abnormal glucose tolerance after LT. The PNPLA3 gene is a known single-nucleotide polymorphism predictive of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (23). In the present study, hepatic steatosis was not detected by imaging methods prior to LT, which should, however, be evaluated in future studies.

In conclusion, the present study indicated that insulin resistance was improved by LT and that diabetes at two years after LT is associated with β-cell dysfunction identified by a pre-existing diabetes requiring treatment prior to LT or a 75-g OGTT. In addition, loss of appetite is frequently seen in patients with advanced liver disease, and LT may improve liver function as well as appetite, which may contribute to NODAT; this association warrants elucidation in a future study.

Glossary

Abbreviations

Abbreviations:

LC

liver cirrhosis

T2DM

type 2 diabetes mellitus

HCC

hepatocellular carcinoma

HD

hepatogenous diabetes

BMI

body mass index

LT

liver transplantation

NODAT

new-onset diabetes after transplantation

LDLT

living donor liver transplantation

OGTT

oral glucose tolerance test

FPG

fasting plasma glucose

HbA1c

hemoglobin A1c

GA

glycated albumin

POY

post-operative year

HCV

hepatitis C virus

Cr

creatinine

TG

triglyceride

TC

total cholesterol

HDL-C

high-density lipoprotein cholesterol

LDL-C

low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

IGT

impaired glucose tolerance

OGIS

oral glucose sensitivity

WBISI

whole-body insulin sensitivity index

MCR

metabolic clearance rate

HOMA-R

homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance

HOMA-ISI

homeostasis model assessment insulin of sensitivity index

HOMA-β

homeostasis model assessment of insulin secretion

BCF

β-cell function

I. I.

insulinogenic index

MELD

Model for End-Stage Liver Disease

CYA

cyclosporine A

TAC

tacrolimus

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December-2016
Volume 5 Issue 6

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Spandidos Publications style
Ichikawa T, Taura N, Miyaaki H, Miuma S, Shibata H, Honda T, Hidaka M, Soyama A, Takatsuki M, Eguchi S, Eguchi S, et al: β-cell function prior to liver transplantation contributes to post-operative diabetes. Biomed Rep 5: 749-757, 2016
APA
Ichikawa, T., Taura, N., Miyaaki, H., Miuma, S., Shibata, H., Honda, T. ... Nakao, K. (2016). β-cell function prior to liver transplantation contributes to post-operative diabetes. Biomedical Reports, 5, 749-757. https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2016.788
MLA
Ichikawa, T., Taura, N., Miyaaki, H., Miuma, S., Shibata, H., Honda, T., Hidaka, M., Soyama, A., Takatsuki, M., Eguchi, S., Nakao, K."β-cell function prior to liver transplantation contributes to post-operative diabetes". Biomedical Reports 5.6 (2016): 749-757.
Chicago
Ichikawa, T., Taura, N., Miyaaki, H., Miuma, S., Shibata, H., Honda, T., Hidaka, M., Soyama, A., Takatsuki, M., Eguchi, S., Nakao, K."β-cell function prior to liver transplantation contributes to post-operative diabetes". Biomedical Reports 5, no. 6 (2016): 749-757. https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2016.788