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Imeglimin Treatment May Improve Whole-Blood Fluidity and Influence Hemorheology in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Post Hoc Analysis of the INFINITY Study

delete2026-07-30
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OA
AI
T
Takeshi Osonoi
S
Shinichiro Shirabe
M
Miyoko Saito
M
Mitsuru Hosoya
N
Norie Watahiki
N
Nana Shiozawa
S
Satako Douguchi
K
Kensuke Ofuchi
M
Makoto Katoh *
DOI:10.3390/jpm16080405delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Background: Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) frequently exhibit impaired erythrocyte deformability, which contributes to microvascular dysfunction. We previously reported that imeglimin, a mitochondrial-targeted antidiabetic agent, prolongs erythrocyte lifespan. This study investigated the effects of imeglimin on whole-blood fluidity and its clinical implications in patients with T2D. Methods: This post hoc analysis of the INFINITY study included 25 patients with T2D who completed 6 months of imeglimin treatment (2000 mg/day) followed by a 3-month follow-up. Whole-blood fluidity was assessed by measuring whole-blood passage time using a microchannel array flow analyzer (MC-FAN). Hematological parameters, glycemic markers, and vascular indices, including brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and toe-brachial index (TBI), were also assessed. Results: Whole-blood fluidity, assessed by 3-month averages of whole-blood passage time, showed an improvement trend at Months 1–3 (p = 0.058) and a significant improvement at Months 4–6 (p = 0.016) compared with baseline; this effect was reversed after discontinuation. Erythrocyte lifespan significantly increased by 10–20% during treatment and remained prolonged after discontinuation. Conversely, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit decreased during treatment and returned toward baseline post-discontinuation. At Month 6, baPWV increased, and TBI decreased, both showing reversibility after treatment cessation. Conclusions: In this exploratory post hoc analysis, imeglimin treatment was associated with reduced whole-blood passage time measured using the MC-FAN system, suggesting improved whole-blood fluidity in patients with T2D. The clinical and mechanistic significance of this observation requires confirmation in future controlled prospective studies incorporating direct assessments of erythrocyte rheology and microvascular function.
Keywords:
imeglimin
hemorheology
whole-blood fluidity
erythrocyte deformability
erythrocyte lifespan
type 2 diabetes

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Journal of Personalized Medicine cover
Journal of Personalized Medicine
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naka kinen clinic
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