Using Salsalate to Target Adipocyte Macrophage Infiltration

Summary

Background: The prevalence of obesity has increased throughout the last three decades due to genetic, metabolic, behavioral, and environmental factors. Obesity and high-fat western diets activate inflammatory processes, which promote development of insulin resistance as well as other metabolic complications. Increasing obesity rates are a major public health concern in the Hispanic population due to the large number of Hispanics suffering from obesity. Based on preliminary data, we propose a double-blind randomized clinical trial of Salsalate therapy in obese Hispanic young adults. Salsalate treatment shows promise for decreasing inflammation under conditions of weight stability by reducing macrophage infiltration of adipocytes. Hispanics have the greatest amount of visceral adipose tissue (VAT), liver fat, and inflammation when compared to other ethnic groups, thereby increasing the potential for treatment effects in this high-risk population. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate through a "proof-of-concept" trial that Salsalate induced reductions in adipose tissue inflammation are possible under conditions of weight stability. Methodology: We will recruit obese Hispanic young adults (18 - 35 years) from hospitals, clinics, and community centers. Study Endpoints: Primary outcomes will be macrophage infiltration as assessed by the presence of crown-like structures (CLS) in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) biopsies, liver fat, insulin sensitivity, and fasting glucose. We will also assess plasma levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, C-reactive protein (CRP), and SAT gene expression of nuclear factor kB (NF-kB) and insulin signaling pathways. Intervention and Follow-up: Participants will be randomly assigned to four weeks of treatment with Salsalate (4 g/d) or placebo and will be studied under weight maintenance conditions. These measures will enable us to determine if Salsalate treatment is capable of reducing adipose tissue inflammation and related metabolic outcomes in the absence of weight loss.

Timeline

Start

2011-07

Primary completion

2013-10

Completion

2013-10

Publications

• Background Goldfine AB, Conlin PR, Halperin F, Koska J, Permana P, Schwenke D, Shoelson SE, Reaven PD. A randomised trial of salsalate for insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors in persons with abnormal glucose tolerance. Diabetologia. 2013 Apr;56(4):714-23. doi: 10.1007/s00125-012-2819-3. Epub 2013 Jan 31.
• Background Goldfine AB, Fonseca V, Jablonski KA, Pyle L, Staten MA, Shoelson SE; TINSAL-T2D (Targeting Inflammation Using Salsalate in Type 2 Diabetes) Study Team. The effects of salsalate on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2010 Mar 16;152(6):346-57. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-152-6-201003160-00004.
• Background Goldfine AB, Silver R, Aldhahi W, Cai D, Tatro E, Lee J, Shoelson SE. Use of salsalate to target inflammation in the treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Clin Transl Sci. 2008 May;1(1):36-43. doi: 10.1111/j.1752-8062.2008.00026.x.
• Background Fleischman A, Shoelson SE, Bernier R, Goldfine AB. Salsalate improves glycemia and inflammatory parameters in obese young adults. Diabetes Care. 2008 Feb;31(2):289-94. doi: 10.2337/dc07-1338. Epub 2007 Oct 24.
• Background Koska J, Ortega E, Bunt JC, Gasser A, Impson J, Hanson RL, Forbes J, de Courten B, Krakoff J. The effect of salsalate on insulin action and glucose tolerance in obese non-diabetic patients: results of a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study. Diabetologia. 2009 Mar;52(3):385-93. doi: 10.1007/s00125-008-1239-x. Epub 2008 Dec 23.
• Background Faghihimani E, Aminorroaya A, Rezvanian H, Adibi P, Ismail-Beigi F, Amini M. Reduction of insulin resistance and plasma glucose level by salsalate treatment in persons with prediabetes. Endocr Pract. 2012 Nov-Dec;18(6):826-33. doi: 10.4158/EP12064.OR.
• Background Faghihimani E, Aminorroaya A, Rezvanian H, Adibi P, Ismail-Beigi F, Amini M. Salsalate improves glycemic control in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Acta Diabetol. 2013 Aug;50(4):537-43. doi: 10.1007/s00592-011-0329-2. Epub 2011 Sep 22.

Drugs

Indications

No indication recorded.