Dual effect of RYGB on the entero-insular axis: How GLP-1 is enhanced by surgical duodenal exclusion

Abstract

BackgroundThe role of the ileum and Glucagon Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion in the pathophysiological processes underlying the effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) improvement has been previously determined. However, the roles of duodenal exclusion and Glucose Insulinotropic Peptide (GIP) secretion change is not clear. To clarify this aspect, we compared the pathophysiological mechanisms triggered by RYGB, which implies the early arrival of food to the ileum with duodenal exclusion, and through pre-duodenal ileal transposition (PdIT), with early arrival of food to the ileum but without duodenal exclusion, in a nondiabetic rodent model. Methods: We compared plasma and insulin, glucose (OGTT), GIP and GLP-1 plasma levels, ileal and duodenal GIP and GLP-1 tissue expression and beta-cell mass for n = 12 Sham-operated, n = 6 RYGB-operated, and n = 6 PdIT-operated Wistar rats. Results: No surgery induced changes in blood glucose levels after the OGTT. However, RYGB induced a significant and strong insulin response that increased less in PdIT animals. Increased beta-cell mass was found in RYGB and PdIT animals as well as similar GLP-1 secretion and GLP-1 intestinal expression. However, differential GIP secretion and GIP duodenal expression were found between RYGB and PdIT. Conclusion: The RYGB effect on glucose metabolism is mostly due to early ileal stimulation; however, duodenal exclusion potentiates the ileal response within RYGB effects through enhanced GIP secretion.