Abstract

Aims/hypothesisGlucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and xenin, regulatory gut hormones secreted from enteroendocrine K cells, exert important effects on metabolism. In addition, xenin potentiates the biological actions of GIP. The present study assessed the actions and therapeutic utility of a (DAla2)GIP/xenin-8-Gln hybrid peptide, in comparison with the parent peptides (DAla2)GIP and xenin-8-Gln.MethodsFollowing confirmation of enzymatic stability, insulin secretory activity of (DAla2)GIP/xenin-8-Gln was assessed in BRIN-BD11 beta cells. Acute and persistent glucose-lowering and insulin-releasing effects were then examined in vivo. Finally, the metabolic benefits of twice daily injection of (DAla2)GIP/xenin-8-Gln was determined in high-fat-fed mice.ResultsAll peptides significantly (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) enhanced in vitro insulin secretion from pancreatic clonal BRIN-BD11 cells, with xenin (and particularly GIP)-related signalling pathways, being important for this action. Administration of (DAla2)GIP or (DAla2)GIP/xenin-8-Gln in combination with glucose significantly (p < 0.05) lowered blood glucose and increased plasma insulin in mice, with a protracted response of up to 4 h. All treatments elicited appetite-suppressive effects (p < 0.05), particularly (DAla2)GIP/xenin-8-Gln and xenin-8-Gln at elevated doses of 250 nmol/kg. Twice-daily administration of (DAla2)GIP/xenin-8-Gln or (DAla2)GIP for 21 days to high-fat-fed mice returned circulating blood glucose to lean control levels. In addition, (DAla2)GIP/xenin-8-Gln treatment significantly (p < 0.05) reduced glycaemic levels during a 24 h glucose profile assessment. Neither of the treatment regimens had an effect on body weight, energy intake or circulating insulin concentrations. However, insulin sensitivity was significantly (p < 0.001) improved by both treatments. Interestingly, GIP-mediated glucose-lowering (p < 0.05) and insulin-releasing (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01) effects were substantially improved by (DAla2)GIP and (DAla2)GIP/xenin-8-Gln treatment. Pancreatic islet and beta cell area (p < 0.001), as well as pancreatic insulin content (p < 0.05), were augmented in (DAla2)GIP/xenin-8-Gln-treated mice, related to enhanced proliferation and decreased apoptosis of beta cells, whereas (DAla2)GIP evoked increases (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01) in islet number.Conclusions/interpretationThese studies highlight the clear potential of GIP/xenin hybrids for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Highlights

  • A defect in the postprandial insulin-secretory incretin response, mediated by the gut hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), is a specific pathophysiological characteristic of type 2 diabetes [1]

  • Conclusions/interpretation These studies highlight the clear potential of GIP/xenin hybrids for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

  • The results reveal that GIP/ xenin hybrid molecules require further consideration as a treatment option for type 2 diabetes

Read more

Summary

Introduction

A defect in the postprandial insulin-secretory incretin response, mediated by the gut hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), is a specific pathophysiological characteristic of type 2 diabetes [1]. The main impairments are recognised as reduced postprandial GLP-1 secretion and defective GIP receptor signalling [1]. The inadequacy in the GLP-1 arm of the incretin effect can be overcome through administration of exogenous GLP-1, which significantly amplifies circulating concentrations [2, 3]. Pharmacological augmentation of circulating GIP levels fails to evoke an effective increase in insulin secretion in patients with type 2 diabetes [4]. It seems unlikely that stand-alone GIP-based drugs would have therapeutic value for type 2 diabetes. Strategies to overcome defective GIP action in type 2 diabetes would be of considerable interest

Methods
Results
Conclusion

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.