Conditions: Hypertriglyceridemia Diabetic Neuropathy
Allocation: RANDOMIZED | Intervention model: PARALLEL
Enrollment: 44
Healthy volunteers: no

Brief summary:
The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of 6 months of 4 g/day oral Lovaza® on endothelial-dependent and heat-induced vasodilation in type 2 diabetics with neuropathy and elevated triglyceride levels. Omega-3 fatty acids appear to exert beneficial effects on vascular function that are independent of the changes in serum triglycerides. The efficacy will be compared with a placebo given at the same duration. Efficacy of the drug will be evaluated after 3 and 6 months of treatment. This timeline should be adequate for evaluation of the primary neurophysiological endpoints. Previously, the investigators have demonstrated that it is feasible to pharmacologically alter nerve fiber density in as little as 18 weeks and that this correlates with subjective and objective measures of neurovascular function. The investigators are predicting an enhancement of post-ischemic hyperemia of the foot dorsum, where the dilative mechanism is primarily endothelium-dependent and a similar improvement in heat-induced hyperemia.

Detailed description:
This pilot study is a within-subject repeated measures design. This study will compare the neurophysiological and vascular responses to placebo and treatment with Lovaza® (omega-3-acid ethyl esters, Reliant Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) in subjects with type 2 diabetes, neuropathy, and dyslipidemia.

Lovaza's potential mechanism of action is the inhibition of acyl Coenzyme A:1, 2-diacylglycerol acyltransferase and increased peroxisomal β-oxidation in the liver.

Subjects will be recruited and a baseline of physiological, neurological and hematological profile established for each patient. Forty-four subjects (20 in the active arm, 20 in the placebo arm, and 2 replacements for each arm) will receive 4 g/day Lovaza® tablets or placebo for a period of 6 months. All subjects will receive a physical and neurological exam as well as neurovascular function testing. This includes nerve conduction studies, quantitative sensory testing, quantitative autonomic testing, and skin blood flow testing, which includes, ischemia reperfusion. Lab tests include an insulin resistance profile, hepatic and renal function profiles, lipid profile, C-reactive protein, thyroid stimulating hormone, and fatty acids. Other tests include inflammatory markers such as adiponectin and tumor necrosis factor-α. The study is powered to detect differences in microvascular function after 6 months of Lovaza® and differences in ethnic responses.

Arms:
arm 1: Subjects are males or non-pregnant, non-lactating females age 18-80 years. All subjects must have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus a minimum of two years according to the current ADA criteria and triglyceride levels above 149 mg/dL. Subjects in this arm will be taking placebo for 6 months. arm 2: Subjects are males or non-pregnant, non-lactating females age 18-80 years. All subjects must have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus a minimum of two years according to the current ADA criteria and triglyceride levels above 149 mg/dL. Subjects in this arm will be taking 4 g of Lovaza per day for 6 months.

Interventions: intervention 1: omega-3-ethyl esters intervention 2: Placebo
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: Lovaza (TM) (omega-3-ethyl esters) 1 gram Capsules are indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce very high (\>500 mg/dL) triglyceride (TG) levels in adult patients. intervention 2: Subjects are males or non-pregnant, non-lactating females age 18-80 years. All subjects must have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus a minimum of two years according to the current ADA criteria and triglyceride levels above 149 mg/dL. Subjects in this arm will be taking placebo for 6 months.

Protocol document: