Plasma Glucagon Concentrations Research Articles

Alanine, arginine, cysteine, and proline, but not glutamine, are substrates for, and acute mediators of, the liver-α-cell axis in female mice.

The aim of this study was to identify the amino acids that stimulate glucagon secretion in mice and whose metabolism depends on glucagon receptor signaling. Pancreata of female C57BL/6JRj mice were perfused with 19 individual amino acids and pyruvate (at 10 mM), and secretion of glucagon was assessed using a specific glucagon radioimmunoassay. Separately, a glucagon receptor antagonist (GRA; 25-2648, 100 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered to female C57BL/6JRj mice 3 h before an intraperitoneal injection of four different isomolar amino acid mixtures (in total 7 µmol/g body wt) as follows: mixture 1 contained alanine, arginine, cysteine, and proline; mixture 2 contained aspartate, glutamate, histidine, and lysine; mixture 3 contained citrulline, methionine, serine, and threonine; and mixture 4 contained glutamine, leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Blood glucose, plasma glucagon, amino acid, and insulin concentrations were measured using well-characterized methodologies. Alanine (P = 0.03), arginine (P < 0.0001), cysteine (P = 0.01), glycine (P = 0.02), lysine (P = 0.02), and proline (P = 0.03), but not glutamine (P = 0.9), stimulated glucagon secretion from the perfused mouse pancreas. However, when the four isomolar amino acid mixtures were administered in vivo, the four mixtures elicited similar glucagon responses (P > 0.5). Plasma concentrations of total amino acids in vivo were higher after administration of GRA when mixture 1 (P = 0.004) or mixture 3 (P = 0.04) were injected. Our data suggest that alanine, arginine, cysteine, and proline, but not glutamine, are involved in the acute regulation of the liver-α-cell axis in female mice, as they all increased glucagon secretion and their disappearance rate was altered by GRA.

Combination Therapy With Canagliflozin Plus Liraglutide Exerts Additive Effect on Weight Loss, but Not on HbA1c, in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVETo examine the effect of combination therapy with canagliflozin plus liraglutide on HbA1c, endogenous glucose production (EGP), and body weight versus each therapy alone.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSForty-five patients with poorly controlled (HbA1c 7–11%) type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on metformin with or without sulfonylurea received a 9-h measurement of EGP with [3-3H]glucose infusion, after which they were randomized to receive 1) liraglutide 1.2 mg/day (LIRA), 2) canagliflozin 100 mg/day (CANA), or 3) liraglutide 1.2 mg plus canagliflozin 100 mg (CANA/LIRA) for 16 weeks. At 16 weeks, the EGP measurement was repeated.RESULTSThe mean decrease from baseline to 16 weeks in HbA1c was −1.67 ± 0.29% (P = 0.0001), −0.89 ± 0.24% (P = 0.002), and −1.44 ± 0.39% (P = 0.004) in patients receiving CANA/LIRA, CANA, and LIRA, respectively. The decrease in body weight was −6.0 ± 0.8 kg (P < 0.0001), −3.5 ± 0.5 kg (P < 0.0001), and −1.9 ± 0.8 kg (P = 0.03), respectively. CANA monotherapy caused a 9% increase in basal rate of EGP (P < 0.05), which was accompanied by a 50% increase (P < 0.05) in plasma glucagon-to-insulin ratio. LIRA monotherapy reduced plasma glucagon concentration and inhibited EGP. In CANA/LIRA-treated patients, EGP increased by 15% (P < 0.05), even though the plasma insulin response was maintained at baseline and the CANA-induced rise in plasma glucagon concentration was blocked.CONCLUSIONSThese results demonstrate that liraglutide failed to block the increase in EGP caused by canagliflozin despite blocking the rise in plasma glucagon and preventing the decrease in plasma insulin concentration caused by canagliflozin. The failure of liraglutide to prevent the increase in EGP caused by canagliflozin explains the lack of additive effect of these two agents on HbA1c.

Glucagon stimulates gluconeogenesis by INSP3R1-mediated hepatic lipolysis.

While it is well-established that alterations in the portal vein insulin/glucagon ratio play a major role in causing dysregulated hepatic glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes (T2D)1–3, the mechanisms by which glucagon alters hepatic glucose production and mitochondrial oxidation remain poorly understood. Here we show that glucagon stimulates hepatic gluconeogenesis by increasing hepatic adipose triglyceride lipase activity, intrahepatic lipolysis, hepatic acetyl-CoA content, and pyruvate carboxylase flux, while also increasing mitochondrial fat oxidation, mediated by stimulation of the inositol triphosphate receptor-1 (InsP3R-I). Chronic physiological increases in plasma glucagon concentrations increased mitochondrial hepatic fat oxidation and reversed diet-induced hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in rats and mice; however, the effect of chronic glucagon treatment to reverse hepatic steatosis and glucose intolerance was abrogated in InsP3R-I knockout mice. These results provide new insights into glucagon biology and suggest that InsP3R-I may be a novel therapeutic target to reverse nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and T2D.

Evidence Against an Important Role of Plasma Insulin and Glucagon Concentrations in the Increase in EGP Caused by SGLT2 Inhibitors.

Sodium–glucose cotransport 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) lower plasma glucose but stimulate endogenous glucose production (EGP). The current study examined the effect of dapagliflozin on EGP while clamping plasma glucose, insulin, and glucagon concentrations at their fasting level. Thirty-eight patients with type 2 diabetes received an 8-h measurement of EGP ([3-3H]-glucose) on three occasions. After a 3-h tracer equilibration, subjects received 1) dapagliflozin 10 mg (n = 26) or placebo (n = 12); 2) repeat EGP measurement with the plasma glucose concentration clamped at the fasting level; and 3) repeat EGP measurement with inhibition of insulin and glucagon secretion with somatostatin infusion and replacement of basal plasma insulin and glucagon concentrations. In study 1, the change in EGP (baseline to last hour of EGP measurement) in subjects receiving dapagliflozin was 22% greater (+0.66 ± 0.11 mg/kg/min, P < 0.05) than in subjects receiving placebo, and it was associated with a significant increase in plasma glucagon and a decrease in the plasma insulin concentration compared with placebo. Under glucose clamp conditions (study 2), the change in plasma insulin and glucagon concentrations was comparable in subjects receiving dapagliflozin and placebo, yet the difference in EGP between dapagliflozin and placebo persisted (+0.71 ± 0.13 mg/kg/min, P < 0.01). Under pancreatic clamp conditions (study 3), dapagliflozin produced an initial large decrease in EGP (8% below placebo), followed by a progressive increase in EGP that was 10.6% greater than placebo during the last hour. Collectively, these results indicate that 1) the changes in plasma insulin and glucagon concentration after SGLT2i administration are secondary to the decrease in plasma glucose concentration, and 2) the dapagliflozin-induced increase in EGP cannot be explained by the increase in plasma glucagon or decrease in plasma insulin or glucose concentrations.

Modelling the effects of glucagon during glucose tolerance testing

BackgroundGlucose tolerance testing is a tool used to estimate glucose effectiveness and insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients. The importance of such tests has prompted the development and utilisation of mathematical models that describe glucose kinetics as a function of insulin activity. The hormone glucagon, also plays a fundamental role in systemic plasma glucose regulation and is secreted reciprocally to insulin, stimulating catabolic glucose utilisation. However, regulation of glucagon secretion by α-cells is impaired in type-1 and type-2 diabetes through pancreatic islet dysfunction. Despite this, inclusion of glucagon activity when modelling the glucose kinetics during glucose tolerance testing is often overlooked. This study presents two mathematical models of a glucose tolerance test that incorporate glucose-insulin-glucagon dynamics. The first model describes a non-linear relationship between glucagon and glucose, whereas the second model assumes a linear relationship.ResultsBoth models are validated against insulin-modified and glucose infusion intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) data, as well as insulin infusion data, and are capable of estimating patient glucose effectiveness (sG) and insulin sensitivity (sI). Inclusion of glucagon dynamics proves to provide a more detailed representation of the metabolic portrait, enabling estimation of two new diagnostic parameters: glucagon effectiveness (sE) and glucagon sensitivity (δ).ConclusionsThe models are used to investigate how different degrees of pax‘tient glucagon sensitivity and effectiveness affect the concentration of blood glucose and plasma glucagon during IVGTT and insulin infusion tests, providing a platform from which the role of glucagon dynamics during a glucose tolerance test may be investigated and predicted.

Hyperglucagonemia in youth is associated with high plasma free fatty acids, visceral adiposity, and impaired glucose tolerance.

To delineate potential mechanisms for fasting hyperglucagonemia in childhood obesity by studying the associations between fasting plasma glucagon concentrations and plasma lipid parameters and fat compartments. Cross-sectional study of children and adolescents with obesity (n = 147) and lean controls (n = 43). Differences in free fatty acids (FFAs), triglycerides, insulin, and fat compartments (quantified by magnetic resonance imaging) across quartiles of fasting plasma glucagon concentration were analyzed. Differences in oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) glucagon response was tested in high vs low FFAs, triglycerides, and insulin. Human islets of Langerhans were cultured at 5.5 mmol/L glucose and in the absence or presence of a FFA mixture with total FFA concentration of 0.5 mmol/L and glucagon secretion quantified. In children with obesity, the quartile with the highest fasting glucagon had higher insulin (201 ± 174 vs 83 ± 39 pmol/L, P < .01), FFAs (383 ± 52 vs 338 ± 109 μmol/L, P = .02), triglycerides (1.5 ± 0.9 vs 1.0 ± 0.7 mmol/L, P < .01), visceral adipose tissue volume (1.9 ± 0.8 vs 1.2 ± 0.3 dm3 , P < .001), and a higher prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT; 41% vs 8%, P = .01) than the lowest quartile. During OGTT, children with obesity and high insulin had a worse suppression of glucagon during the first 10 minutes after glucose intake. Glucagon secretion was 2.6-fold higher in islets treated with FFAs than in those not treated with FFAs. Hyperglucagonemia in childhood obesity is associated with hyperinsulinemia, high plasma FFAs, high plasma triglycerides, visceral adiposity, and IGT. The glucagonotropic effect of FFAs on isolated human islets provides a potential mechanism linking high fasting plasma FFAs and glucagon levels.

Investigating Intestinal Glucagon After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery.

After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, postprandial plasma glucagon concentrations have been reported to increase. This occurs despite concomitant improved glucose tolerance and increased circulating plasma concentrations of insulin and the glucagon-inhibiting hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). To investigate whether RYGB-induced hyperglucagonemia may be derived from the gut. Substudy of a prospective cross-sectional study at a university hospital in Copenhagen, Denmark. Morbidly obese individuals undergoing RYGB (n = 8) with or without type 2 diabetes. Three months before and after RYGB, participants underwent upper enteroscopy with retrieval of gastrointestinal mucosal biopsy specimens. Mixed-meal tests were performed 1 week and 3 months before and after RYGB. The 29-amino acid glucagon concentrations in plasma and in mucosal gastrointestinal biopsy specimens were assessed using mass spectrometry-validated immunoassays, and a new monoclonal antibody reacting with immunoreactive glucagon was used for immunohistochemistry. Postprandial plasma concentrations of glucagon after RYGB were increased. Expression of the glucagon gene in the small intestine increased after surgery. Glucagon was identified in the small-intestine biopsy specimens obtained after, but not before, RYGB. Immunohistochemically, mucosal biopsy specimens from the small intestine harbored cells costained for GLP-1 and immunoreactive glucagon. Increased concentrations of glucagon were observed in small-intestine biopsy specimens and postprandially in plasma after RYGB. The small intestine harbored cells immunohistochemically costaining for GLP-1 and glucagon-like immunoreactivity after RYGB. Glucagon derived from small-intestine enteroendocrine l cells may contribute to postprandial plasma concentrations of glucagon after RYGB.

1951-P: Prolonged (12-Hour) Glucagon Infusion Leads to Transient Elevation of Plasma Glucose but Sustained Elevation of Hepatic Glucose Production

Recently, novel non-glycemic effects of glucagon have been described. Although short-term glucagon infusion is well known to elevate plasma glucose levels, long-term effect of increased plasma glucagon on glucose and lipid metabolism is unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 12-hour glucagon infusion on hepatic glucose production and lipid metabolism in healthy NGT individuals. 8 NGT subjects (5M/3F, age=35± 5 years, BMI = 24 ± 1 kg/m2, HbA1c 5.2± 0.1%) received an 2-hour (75gram) OGTT. On a different day subjects received a 12-hour (6PM to 6 AM) glucagon infusion (3ng/kg/minutes) with the measurement of hepatic glucose production (HGP) with 3-3H-glucose on the following morning from 6-10 AM. HGP in glucagon infused subjects was compared to values in 20 age/gender/weight matched NGT subjects studied after an overnight fast from 6-10 AM. Plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, and FFA concentrations were obtained every 15 minutes during OGTT. Plasma glucagon concentrations increased from 40 ± 4 to 120 ± 34 pg/ml at 6 AM. Plasma glucose increased 2 hours after the start of infusion from 95 ± 6 to 111 ± 6 mg/dl (p&amp;lt;0.005); after 12 hours of glucagon infusion the plasma glucose concentration declined to the mean baseline levels. After 12-hour glucagon infusion (6 AM), plasma insulin and C-peptide were not significantly changed. Basal hepatic glucose production was significantly higher following prolonged (12-hour) glucagon infusion compared to NGT control subjects following 12-hour overnight fast (3.1 ± 0.1 vs. 2.2 ± 0.2 mg/kg/minutes, p&amp;lt;0.05). Plasma FFA concentrations did not change following 12-hour glucagon infusion (0.629±0.1 vs. 0.670±0.2mml/l, p=ns). Thus 12-hour glucagon infusion led to higher basal rate of HGP, but unchanged plasma FFA levels. These results demonstrate that prolonged physiologic hyperglucagonemia results in a transient elevation of plasma glucose concentration but sustained increase in hepatic glucose production. Disclosure X. Chen: None. A. Merovci: None. E. Case: None. R.A. DeFronzo: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Elcelyx Therapeutics, Inc., Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc., Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Novo Nordisk Inc. Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck &amp; Co., Inc. Speaker's Bureau; Self; AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk Inc. D. Tripathy: None.

1967-P: Mild Physiologic Hyperglycemia Impairs Insulin-Mediated Suppression of Plasma Glucagon in Healthy Normal Glucose Tolerant Subjects

Hyperglycemia adversely affects skeletal muscle and hepatic insulin sensitivity (glucotoxicity). However, the effect of prolonged hyperglycemia on glucose and insulin-mediated suppression of glucagon is not known. The aim of the present study was to evaluate effect of a chronic (72 hours) physiologic increase (+45 mg/dl) in plasma glucose concentration on the suppression of plasma glucagon concentration in healthy NGT individuals: 12 without family history of T2DM (FH-) (9M/3F, age = 50± 4 years, BMI = 27 ± 1 kg/m2) and 8 with FH of T2DM (FH+) (4M/4F, age = 48±2, BMI = 26±1 kg/m2). Subjects received an OGTT and 2-step hyperglycemic (+125 and +300 mg/dl) clamp (duration of each step = 80 minutes) before and after 72-hour glucose infusion. Plasma insulin and C-peptide concentrations were obtained every 2-5 minutes during each hyperglycemic clamp step and plasma glucagon concentrations were measured every 10 minutes. The ratio of insulin/glucagon was measured and used as an index of insulin-medicated suppression of plasma glucagon. FPG concentration increased from 97±4 to 140±4 mg/dl during the 72-hour glucose infusion. Following chronic glucose infusion, plasma insulin levels were significantly higher during the basal state and during each hyperglycemic clamp step (by 59% and 78%) during the 0-80 and 80-160 min time periods, respectively. There was no difference in plasma glucagon levels following chronic glucose infusion. However, the plasma insulin/glucagon ratio was significantly higher during the fasting state (by 76%) and during the first (by 128%) and second (by 178%) hyperglycemic clamp steps. There was no difference in the effect of chronic glucose infusion on glucagon secretion between FH+ and FH-subjects. These results demonstrate that sustained physiologic hyperglycemia for 72 hours (i.e., glucotoxicity) impairs insulin-mediated suppression of glucagon, and could contribute to fasting and post-prandial hyperglycemia in T2DM patients. Disclosure A. Merovci: None. X. Chen: None. R.A. DeFronzo: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Elcelyx Therapeutics, Inc., Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc., Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Novo Nordisk Inc. Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck &amp; Co., Inc. Speaker's Bureau; Self; AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk Inc. D. Tripathy: None. Funding National Institutes of Health

288-LB: Effects of the Hepatic Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter on Hepatic Gluconeogenesis and Mitochondrial Metabolism in Awake Mice

Increased hepatic glucose production, due to increased rates of gluconeogenesis, is a contributor to both fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with T2D. Recent evidence implicates a role for hepatic calcium signaling in mediating glucagon's effect to stimulate glucose production and mitochondrial oxidation; however, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which glucagon promotes these alterations remain poorly understood. We hypothesize that an acute physiological increase in plasma glucagon concentrations will increase cytosolic and mitochondrial calcium concentrations, promoting increases in rates of hepatic mitochondrial oxidation and gluconeogenesis in a transcription-independent manner. To test this hypothesis, we used mice with a liver-specific loss of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), which is the main transporter that allows rapid transport of calcium into the mitochondrial matrix. We found that glucagon increased oxygen consumption rate by 80% (p&amp;lt;0.0001) in WT hepatocytes, while this effect was abrogated in MCU KO hepatocytes. We also measured hepatic mitochondrial oxidation (VCS) in vivo using Positional Isotopomer NMR Tracer Analysis (PINTA) and found a 74% decrease in VCS (p=0.05) in MCU KO mice compared to WT mice. This suggests that tightly regulated mitochondrial calcium signaling is necessary for regulating hepatic mitochondrial oxidation. Next, we measured intrahepatic lipolysis and hepatic gluconeogenesis in vitro and in vivo. We found that glucagon increased lipolysis (p=0.05) and glucose production (p=0.024) by ∼1.5 fold in MCU KO compared to WT hepatocytes. Furthermore, in vivo PINTA results showed that glucagon increased pyruvate carboxylase flux (VPC) by 68% (p=0.08) in MCU KO mice. Taken together, these results suggest that mitochondrial calcium signaling through MCU is necessary to regulate the effect of glucagon to modulate hepatic gluconeogenesis and mitochondrial oxidation. Disclosure J. Lee: None. L. Goedeke: None. Y. Zhang: None. R.J. Perry: Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca. R. Goodman: None. V. Mootha: Advisory Panel; Self; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Consultant; Self; 5AM Ventures. Other Relationship; Self; Raze Therapeutics. G.I. Shulman: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Janssen Research &amp; Development, Merck &amp; Co., Inc. Advisory Panel; Spouse/Partner; Merck &amp; Co., Inc. Board Member; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Consultant; Self; Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, IMetabolic BioPharma Corporation, Longitude Capital, Nimbus Discovery, Inc., Staten Biotechnology B.V. Funding National Institutes of Health

62-OR: Evidence of Gut-Derived Glucagon in Man

We have previously shown that totally pancreatectomized patients (PX) and patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) exhibit hypersecretion of glucagon in response to oral glucose stimulation whereas intravenous glucose suppresses plasma concentrations of glucagon. Here, we evaluated the expression of the gene encoding glucagon (GCG), glucagon peptide content and density of glucagon-positive cells in mucosal biopsies from the upper gastrointestinal tract of PX patients, patients with T2D and nondiabetic controls. Eight PX patients, eight patients with T2D and eight sex, age and BMI-matched healthy controls underwent upper enteroscopy with intestinal biopsy sampling followed by an intraluminal infusion of 100 ml 50% (w/v) glucose solution with frequent blood sampling. The mucosal biopsies were subjected to mRNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry using a new glucagon-directed C-terminal monoclonal antibody, peptide extraction and subsequent measurements of tissue concentrations of glucagon and other proglucagon-derived peptides. GCG expression in the small intestine was 3 to 4-fold higher in PX and T2D patients compared to controls (P&amp;lt;0.01). Extractable glucagon in small intestinal biopsies was 12-fold greater in PX and 5-fold greater in T2D compared to controls (P&amp;lt;0.05). The density of glucagon-positive cells was more than 3-fold higher in PX compared to controls (P&amp;lt;0.05). Plasma glucagon responses to intraluminal administration of glucose was significantly higher in PX and T2D (649±206 vs. 557±142 pmol/l × min [mean±SEM], P&amp;lt;NS) compared to controls (142±39 pmol/l × min, P&amp;lt;0.005). We conclude that glucagon was identifiable in the small intestine of PX and T2D patients, respectively. This may explain the hyperglucagonemia observed after oral glucose in these groups of patients. The role of gut-derived glucagon in diabetes warrants further investigation. Disclosure M. Baekdal: None. A.B. Lund: None. N.J. Wewer Albrechtsen: Research Support; Self; Mercodia, Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Merck Sharp &amp; Dohme Corp. J.I. Egholk: None. T. Jorsal: None. C.T. Juel: None. K.D. Galsgaard: None. J. Hunt: None. J.F. Rehfeld: None. K. Rigbolt: Employee; Self; Gubra. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Gubra. S.U. Friis: Stock/Shareholder; Self; Alk-Abello B, Bavarian Nordic, H. Lundbeck A/S, Lundbeck, Novo Nordisk A/S. C. Orskov: None. S.S. Poulsen: None. J.J. Holst: Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. T. Vilsbøll: None. F.K. Knop: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, MedImmune, Merck Sharp &amp; Dohme Corp., Mundipharma, Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi. Consultant; Self; Amgen Inc., Carmot Therapeutics, Novo Nordisk A/S. Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker's Bureau; Self; AstraZeneca, MedImmune, Merck Sharp &amp; Dohme Corp., Mundipharma, Norgine, Novo Nordisk A/S. Funding European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes; Novo Nordisk Foundation; Aase og Ejnar Danielsens Foundation; A.P. Møller Foundation

1034-P: Liraglutide and Dapagliflozin Induce an Increase in Plasma GLP-1 and GLP-2 Concentrations

Since liraglutide suppresses plasma glucagon concentrations and dapagliflozin increases glucagon concentrations, although both improve glycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes, we have now investigated whether they alter the concentrations of the two other products of the proglucagon gene, GLP-1 and GLP-2. Thirty patients with type 1 diabetes, treated with liraglutide for 26 weeks were randomized into receiving dapagliflozin 10 mg daily (n=20) or placebo (n=10) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were obtained prior to liraglutide treatment, at the onset of dapagliflozin treatment and at the end of dapagliflozin treatment. At the end of 26 weeks liraglutide treatment and then 12 weeks of dapagliflozin therapy, mean HbA1c fell by 0.31±0.19% (NS) and 0.66±0.22% (p=0.0004), respectively. There was a significant increase in the plasma concentrations of GLP-1 (by 89±24%, from 30.4±5.1pM to 48.6±8.2pM, P=0.001) but not GLP-2 after 26 weeks of liraglutide treatment with a fall in glucagon levels. Dapagliflozin treatment induced a further significant increase in plasma GLP-1 (by 72±24%, from 48.6±8.2pM to 70.8±9.2pM, P=0.001) and caused an increase in GLP-2 concentrations (by 48±18%, from 2.01±0.42ng/ml to 2.97±0.51pM, P=0.01) along with an increase in glucagon concentrations. We conclude that while liraglutide suppresses glucagon, it induces an increase in GLP-1 concentrations. In addition, dapagliflozin increases both GLP-1 and GLP-2 concentrations while also increasing glucagon. Disclosure H. Ghanim: None. K. Green: None. P. Dandona: Advisory Panel; Self; AbbVie Inc., AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc., Merck &amp; Co., Inc., Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi. Research Support; Self; AbbVie Inc., AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck &amp; Co., Inc., Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi.

1952-P: Glucagon Receptor Antagonism Increases Plasma Amino Acids and Glucagon

Hyperglucagonemia in type 2 diabetes (T2D) may result from impaired hepatic glucagon signaling and consequent reduced glucagon-induced amino acid (AA) turnover leading to higher AA concentrations and stimulation of glucagon secretion. In a double-blinded, cross-over study, blood was sampled from 10 overnight fasted patients with T2D (BMI [mean±SD]: 33.0±5.4 kg/m2; HbA1c: 46.2±6.1 mmol/mol, 6.4±0.6%) and 10 matched healthy controls (BMI: 31.7±4.2 kg/m2; HbA1c: 33.9±3.0 mmol/mol, 5.3±0.3%) after a single-dose of the glucagon receptor antagonist (GRA) LY2409021 or placebo. Total AA and glucagon concentrations are means of 3 samples (15 minutes apart) on 3 GRA and 3 placebo days. Fractioned AA were analyzed from one sample per day. Total AA concentrations were increased by GRA compared to placebo by 1.4 fold in T2D and 1.3 fold in controls (P≤0.001) with threonine, proline and the glucagonotropic AAs alanine and tyrosine exhibiting the greatest increases in T2D (1.6-2 fold) and controls (1.4-1.5 fold). GRA also increased plasma glucagon concentrations by more than 3-fold (P≤0.0001), and the glucagonotropic AAs alanine (R2 0.24, P=0.0012) and tyrosine (R2 0.30, P=0.0002) were correlated to glucagon. In conclusion, acute inhibition of glucagon receptor signaling by GRA causes hyperaminoacidemia linked to hyperglucagonemia, supporting the importance of the liver-alpha cell axis in regulating circulating glucagon and AA in humans. Disclosure S. Haedersdal: None. N.J. Wewer Albrechtsen: Research Support; Self; Mercodia, Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Merck Sharp &amp; Dohme Corp. A.B. Lund: None. K.D. Galsgaard: None. M. Winther-Soerensen: None. J.J. Holst: Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. F.K. Knop: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, MedImmune, Merck Sharp &amp; Dohme Corp., Mundipharma, Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi. Consultant; Self; Amgen Inc., Carmot Therapeutics, Novo Nordisk A/S. Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker's Bureau; Self; AstraZeneca, MedImmune, Merck Sharp &amp; Dohme Corp., Mundipharma, Norgine, Novo Nordisk A/S. T. Vilsbøll: None. Funding Novo Nordisk Foundation

396-P: SGLT2 Inhibition Suppresses Glucagon Response to Hypoglycemia in Male but Not Female Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Type 1 Diabetes

Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) show promise as an add-on to insulin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), however their effect on glucagon secretion in T1D is not yet known. Increases in glucagon have the potential to protect against hypoglycemia that may develop from insulin overtreatment or exercise. We investigated whether 8 days of SGLT2i treatment (10mg/kg empagliflozin, 2x/day) altered plasma glucagon concentrations in response to voluntary running wheel activity and insulin-induced hypoglycemia in male and female Wistar rats with streptozotocin-induced T1D. SGLT2 inhibition did not alter basal or post-exercise glucagon concentrations and did not affect exercise-associated changes in blood glucose (BG) levels. Additionally, SGLT2 inhibition did not alter voluntary activity levels. However, in males, SGLT2 inhibition lowered plasma glucagon response during an insulin tolerance test (+22.7±30.8 pg/mL vs. +40.4±48.6 pg/mL, p=0.02) and decreased the time taken to reach hypoglycemia (30±13.4 min vs. 63.8±17.2 min, p&amp;lt;0.0001), as compared to placebo. We also observed novel sex differences in the response of BG and glucagon concentrations to voluntary exercise. In female rats alone, voluntary exercise decreased BG concentrations (-2.9±2.6 mM vs. +1.7±1.8 mM, p=0.0003) and led to lower post-exercise glucagon concentrations (37.3±47.9 pg/mL vs. 117.9±86.0 pg/mL, p=0.01), as compared to inactive animals. On average, voluntary activity levels were higher in females than in males (539.2±199.4 m vs. 308.4±215.6 m, p=0.02), however running distances were not correlated with changes in BG levels during exercise (r2=0.02). Our finding of increased hypoglycemia risk with SGLT2i has concerning implications for its use as an adjunct to insulin therapy in T1D. The novel sex differences that we observed should be investigated in individuals with T1D to determine their human applicability and potential mechanisms. Disclosure C.A. Greenberg: None. E.R. Mandel: None. A.M. Pasieka: None. M. Jahangiriesmaili: None. J. Tremblay: None. M. Riddell: Advisory Panel; Self; Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Research Support; Self; Dexcom, Inc. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Insulet Corporation, Medtronic MiniMed, Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Zucara Therapeutics Inc.

274-OR: Beta-Cell Dysfunction Is Associated with Impaired Insulin-Mediated Suppression of Glucagon in Obese Hispanic Americans

Recent studies have demonstrated an increase in the glucagon:insulin ratio in lean versus obese subjects. We assessed insulin-mediated suppression of plasma glucagon levels in 260 obese Hispanic Americans (59 NGT, HbA1c= 5.1±0.1%, BMI= 32.6±0.7; 109 Prediabetes, HbA1c= 5.8±0.1%, BMI= 33.8±0.5; 92 T2D, HbA1c= 7.3±0.2%, BMI= 34±0.5) with varying glucose tolerance. Subjects participated in a 2-h OGTT with measurement of plasma glucose, insulin, glucagon concentrations. During the OGTT, we quantitated insulin-mediated suppression of plasma glucagon concentration, Matsuda Index of insulin sensitivity, and the insulin secretion/insulin sensitivity (disposition) index using plasma C-peptide concentration. There was no difference in fasting plasma glucagon level between obese subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, there was a progressive decrease in fasting glucagon:insulin ratio from NGT to prediabetes to T2D (8.71±0.72 vs. 6.92±0.53 vs. 5.66±0.41, P&amp;lt;0.01). During OGTT at 60 min, glucagon:insulin ratio increased from NGT to T2D (0.93±0.09 vs. 0.89±0.07 vs. 2.33±0.20, P&amp;lt;0.001), and the suppression of plasma glucagon (compared to basal value) was markedly decreased (10.3±3.4% vs. 9.3±1.9% vs. 2.5±2.8%, P&amp;lt;0.05). At 120 min (OGTT), glucagon:insulin ratio was increased in T2D versus NGT (1.28±0.17 vs. 2.0±0.20, P&amp;lt;0.01). The glucagon:insulin ratio was closely correlated with whole body insulin sensitivity and β-cell function during the fasting state (Matsuda Index, r= 0.51, P&amp;lt;0.001; Disposition Index, r= 0.30, P&amp;lt;0.001) and with Disposition Index during the OGTT at 60 and 120 min (r= -0.41, P&amp;lt;0.001; r= -0.21, P&amp;lt;0.01), respectively. Collectively, these findings indicate that insulin-mediated suppression of glucagon secretion is impaired with increasing severity of glucose intolerance in obese Hispanic Americans and is closely associated with insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Disclosure X. Chen: None. E.R. Maldonado Corchado: None. A. Merovci: None. E. Case: None. D. Tripathy: None. R.A. DeFronzo: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Elcelyx Therapeutics, Inc., Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc., Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Novo Nordisk Inc. Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck &amp; Co., Inc. Speaker's Bureau; Self; AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk Inc.

The Liver-α-Cell Axis and Type 2 Diabetes.

Both type 2 diabetes (T2D) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) strongly associate with increasing body mass index, and together these metabolic diseases affect millions of individuals. In patients with T2D, increased secretion of glucagon (hyperglucagonemia) contributes to diabetic hyperglycemia as proven by the significant lowering of fasting plasma glucose levels following glucagon receptor antagonist administration. Emerging data now indicate that the elevated plasma concentrations of glucagon may also be associated with hepatic steatosis and not necessarily with the presence or absence of T2D. Thus, fatty liver disease, most often secondary to overeating, may result in impaired amino acid turnover, leading to increased plasma concentrations of certain glucagonotropic amino acids (e.g., alanine). This, in turn, causes increased glucagon secretion that may help to restore amino acid turnover and ureagenesis, but it may eventually also lead to increased hepatic glucose production, a hallmark of T2D. Early experimental findings support the hypothesis that hepatic steatosis impairs glucagon's actions on amino acid turnover and ureagenesis. Hepatic steatosis also impairs hepatic insulin sensitivity and clearance that, together with hyperglycemia and hyperaminoacidemia, lead to peripheral hyperinsulinemia; systemic hyperinsulinemia may itself contribute to worsen peripheral insulin resistance. Additionally, obesity is accompanied by an impaired incretin effect, causing meal-related glucose intolerance. Lipid-induced impairment of hepatic sensitivity, not only to insulin but potentially also to glucagon, resulting in both hyperinsulinemia and hyperglucagonemia, may therefore contribute to the development of T2D at least in a subset of individuals with NAFLD.

Effects of sodium salicylate on glucose kinetics and insulin signaling in postpartum dairy cows

Low-grade inflammation has been implicated as a contributor to metabolic disease during the transition to lactation. In previous work, administration of sodium salicylate (SS) for 7 d led to hypoglycemia in mature dairy cows in early lactation. The purpose of this study was to identify the mode of action underlying this response to SS. Twenty mature (parity 3) cows were assigned alternately at time of calving to either control or SS treatments; the control received a molasses placebo in drinking water, whereas SS received 2.3 g/L of SS with the molasses carrier in drinking water for 7 d after parturition. Blood samples were collected daily. A glucose turnover assay was performed on d 7, followed by liver, muscle, and adipose tissue biopsies. There were no treatment effects on intake of dry matter or water. Tumor necrosis factor α mRNA abundance tended to be decreased by SS in adipose tissue but not in muscle or liver, and plasma haptoglobin and adiponectin concentrations were not altered by treatment. Treatment did not significantly alter plasma glucose or insulin concentrations, but plasma glucagon concentration tended to be increased by SS and the insulin:glucagon molar ratio was significantly decreased. Cows on SS had a tendency for a 25% decrease in glucose turnover rate compared with control cows. However, there were no differences in transcript abundance of pyruvate carboxylase (PC) or glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) in liver or of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in any of the tissues. Finally, SS did not alter insulin receptor substrate-1 phosphorylation in muscle or adipose, but tended to increase phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase and decrease protein kinase B phosphorylation in adipose tissue. These findings may be explained by enhanced hepatic insulin sensitivity leading to posttranscriptional suppression of gluconeogenesis and adaptive responses to decreased glucose supply in the pancreas and adipose tissue.

Effects of Exendin-4 on pancreatic islets function in treating hyperglycemia post severe scald injury in rats.

It has been established that glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP 1) inhibits pancreatic β-cell apoptosis, increases insulin secretion, and improves glucose tolerance in scald injury. However, the effects of Exendin-4, a long-acting incretin similar to GLP 1, remained unclear in severe scald injury. Hence, this study attempted to investigate whether Exendin-4 had similar effects by protecting the histology of pancreas in severely scalded rats. One hundred sixty-two adult Wistar rats were equally randomized to sham burn group, burn group and burn with Exendin-4 treatment group. Rats were subjected to full skin thickness scald injuries (total body surface area: 50%) and were injected subcutaneously with Exendin-4 (4 μg/kg) twice daily. The histological changes of islets, the apoptosis of β cells, the amount of glucagon and insulin, and the concentration of plasma glucagon and insulin were observed; and the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test was performed as well. The islets and β cells were injured and the number of secretory granules decreased in the scalded rats, but less histopathological changes were seen in the rats treated with Exendin-4. The apoptosis index of treated rats was significantly lower than that of the scalded rats (p < 0.05). There was significant difference in β-cell density postinjury between the two groups (p < 0.05). More insulin and less glucagon in islets and plasma were found in the treated rats (p < 0.05), suggesting improved intraperitoneal glucose tolerance (p < 0.05) and fasting blood glucose (p < 0.05) in this group. Based on our previous finding that GLP-1 could control hyperglycemia by increasing insulin secretion and inhibiting β-cell apoptosis in severe scald injuries, this study further confirmed that Exendin-4 could increase glycemic control following severe scald by preserving the histology of β cells in pancreatic islets and inhibiting their apoptosis.

Effects of Moderate Cycling Exercise on Blood Glucose Regulation Following Successful Clinical Islet Transplantation.

Islet transplantation is effective in preventing hypoglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, it is unknown whether transplanted islets regulate plasma glucose concentrations appropriately during and after exercise in human islet transplant recipient (ITxs). To determine the effect of exercise on plasma glucose, insulin, and glucagon concentrations in ITxs compared with control subjects (CONs) without diabetes. Participants completed two conditions in random order: 45 minutes of aerobic exercise (60% VO2peak) and 45 minutes of seated rest. Blood samples were drawn at baseline, immediately after exercise or rest, and every 15 minutes throughout a 60-minute recovery period. Postexercise (24 hours) interstitial glucose was monitored with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Twenty-four participants (12 ITxs, 12 CONs) completed the protocol. Plasma glucose decreased more over time with exercise in ITxs compared with CONs [main effects of treatment (P = 0.019), time (P = 0.001), and group (P = 0.012)]. Plasma glucose was lower during exercise vs rest in ITxs but not CONs [treatment by group interaction (P = 0.028)]. Plasma glucose decreased more during exercise than during rest [treatment by time interaction (P = 0.001)]. One ITx and one CON experienced plasma glucose concentrations <3.5 mmol/L at the end of exercise, both of whom returned above that threshold within 15 minutes. Nocturnal CGM glucose <3.5 mmol/L was detected in two CONs but no ITxs. Despite a greater plasma glucose decline during exercise in ITxs, hypoglycemia risk was similar during and after exercise in ITxs compared with CONs.

Copeptin, a surrogate marker for arginine vasopressin secretion, is positively associated with glucagon

To explore the association of plasma copeptin, the C-terminal portion of provasopressin and a stable surrogate marker for arginine vasopressin secretion, with plasma glucagon in obese men and men of normal weight. We measured fasting blood concentrations ofcopeptin and glucagon in 102 healthy obese men (mean ± sd age 49.4 ± 10.2 years) and a control group 27 healthy men of normal weight (mean ± sd age 51.5 ± 8.4 years). Differences between groups were evaluated using t-tests, and multiple linear regression analysis, adjusting for age and weight status (normal weight vs obese), was used to calculate unstandardized regression coefficients (β) with 95% CIs between copeptin and glucagon. Copeptin was (natural) log-transformed. The obese men had higher [median (interquartile range)] plasma copeptinconcentrations [6.6 (4.6-9.5) vs 4.9 (3.5-6.8) pmol/l; P = 0.040] and higher mean ± sd plasma glucagon concentrations (8.5 ± 3.8 vs 5.3 ± 1.4 pmol/l; P < 0.001) than the normal-weight men. Adjusted for age and weight status, copeptin was significantly associated with glucagon (β = 1.35, 95% CI 0.13-2.57; P = 0.031). No significant interaction effect between copeptin and weight status on glucagon was found (P = 0.81). Obese men had higher concentrations of copeptin and glucagon than men of normal weight. Copeptin was positively associated with glucagon. Our data suggest that increased arginine vasopressin-stimulated glucagon secretion might contribute to higher glucagon concentrations; therefore, increased arginine vasopressin secretion, in addition to other factors, could further aggravate the hyperglucagonaemic state found in obese individuals.