Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Production Research Articles

Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 and Taste Perception: From Molecular Mechanisms to Potential Clinical Implications.

Preclinical studies provided some important insights into the action of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in taste perception. This review examines the literature to uncover some molecular mechanisms and connections between GLP-1 and the gustatory coding. Local GLP-1 production in the taste bud cells, the expression of GLP-1 receptor on the adjacent nerves, a functional continuum in the perception of sweet chemicals from the gut to the tongue and an identification of GLP-1 induced signaling pathways in peripheral and central gustatory coding all strongly suggest that GLP-1 is involved in the taste perception, especially sweet. However, the impact of GLP-1 based therapies on gustatory coding in humans remains largely unaddressed. Based on the molecular background we encourage further exploration of the tongue as a new treatment target for GLP-1 receptor agonists in clinical studies. Given that pharmacological manipulation of gustatory coding may represent a new potential strategy against obesity and diabetes, the topic is of utmost clinical relevance.

Hyocholic acid species improve glucose homeostasis through a distinct TGR5 and FXR signaling mechanism

Hyocholic acid (HCA) and its derivatives are found in trace amounts in human blood but constitute approximately 76% of the bile acid (BA) pool in pigs, a species known for its exceptional resistance to type 2 diabetes. Here, we show that BA depletion in pigs suppressed secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and increased blood glucose levels. HCA administration in diabetic mouse models improved serum fasting GLP-1 secretion and glucose homeostasis to a greater extent than tauroursodeoxycholic acid. HCA upregulated GLP-1 production and secretion in enteroendocrine cells via simultaneously activating G-protein-coupled BA receptor, TGR5, and inhibiting farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a unique mechanism that is not found in other BA species. We verified the findings in TGR5 knockout, intestinal FXR activation, and GLP-1 receptor inhibition mouse models. Finally, we confirmed in a clinical cohort, that lower serum concentrations of HCA species were associated with diabetes and closely related to glycemic markers.

Revisiting the Complexity of GLP-1 Action from Sites of Synthesis to Receptor Activation.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is produced in gut endocrine cells and in the brain, and acts through hormonal and neural pathways to regulate islet function, satiety, and gut motility, supporting development of GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. Classic notions of GLP-1 acting as a meal-stimulated hormone from the distal gut are challenged by data supporting production of GLP-1 in the endocrine pancreas, and by the importance of brain-derived GLP-1 in the control of neural activity. Moreover, attribution of direct vs indirect actions of GLP-1 is difficult, as many tissue and cellular targets of GLP-1 action do not exhibit robust or detectable GLP-1R expression. Furthermore, reliable detection of the GLP-1R is technically challenging, highly method dependent, and subject to misinterpretation. Here we revisit the actions of GLP-1, scrutinizing key concepts supporting gut vs extra-intestinal GLP-1 synthesis and secretion. We discuss new insights refining cellular localization of GLP-1R expression and integrate recent data to refine our understanding of how and where GLP-1 acts to control inflammation, cardiovascular function, islet hormone secretion, gastric emptying, appetite, and body weight. These findings update our knowledge of cell types and mechanisms linking endogenous vs pharmacological GLP-1 action to activation of the canonical GLP-1R, and the control of metabolic activity in multiple organs.

Protein restriction during pregnancy impairs intra-islet GLP-1 and the expansion of β-cell mass

We evaluated whether protein restriction during pregnancy alters the morphometry of pancreatic islets, the intra-islet glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) production, and the anti-apoptotic signalling pathway modulated by GLP-1. Control non-pregnant (CNP) and control pregnant (CP) rats were fed a 17% protein diet, and low-protein non-pregnant (LPNP) and low-protein pregnant (LPP) groups were fed a 6% protein diet. The masses of islets and β-cells were similar in the LPNP group and the CNP group but were higher in the CP group than in the CNP group and were equal in the LPP group and the LPNP group. Both variables were lower in the LPP group than in the CP group. Prohormone convertase 2 and GLP-1 fluorescence in α-cells was lower in the low-protein groups than in the control groups. The least PC2/glucagon colocalization was observed in the LPP group, and the most was observed in the CP group. There was less prohormone convertase 1/3/glucagon colocalization in the LPP group than in the CP group. GLP-1/glucagon colocalization was similar in the LPP, CP and CNP groups, which showed less GLP-1/glucagon colocalization than the LPNP group. The mRNA Pka, Creb and Pdx-1 contents were higher in islets from pregnant rats than in islets from non-pregnant rats. Protein restriction during pregnancy impaired the mass of β-cells and the intra-islet GLP-1 production but did not interfere with the transcription of genes of the anti-apoptotic signalling pathway modulated by GLP-1.

Effects of active farnesoid X receptor on GLUTag enteroendocrine L cells

Activated transcription factor (TF) farnesoid X receptor (FXR) represses glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion in enteroendocrine L cells. This, in turn, reduces insulin secretion, which is triggered when β cells bind GLP-1. Preventing FXR activation could boost GLP-1 production and insulin secretion. Yet, FXR's broader role in L cell biology still lacks understanding. Here, we show that FXR is a multifaceted TF in L cells using proteomics and gene expression data generated on GLUTag L cells. Most striking, 252 proteins regulated upon glucose stimulation have their abundances neutralized upon FXR activation. Mitochondrial repression or glucose import block are likely mechanisms of this. Further, FXR physically targets bile acid metabolism proteins, growth factors and other TFs, regulates ChREBP, while extensive text-mining found 30 FXR-regulated proteins to be well-known in L cell biology. Taken together, this outlines FXR as a powerful TF, where GLP-1 secretion block is just one of many downstream effects.

Propofol Improved Glucose Tolerance Associated with Increased FGF-21 and GLP-1 Production in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Anesthetics, particularly volatile anesthetics, have been shown to impair glucose metabolism and cause hyperglycemia, closely linking them with mortality and morbidity as related to surgery. Beyond being an anesthetic used for general anesthesia and sedation, intravenous hypnotic propofol displays an effect on glucose metabolism. To extend the scope of propofol studies, its effects on glucose metabolism were evaluated in male Sprague-Dawley rats of various ages. Unlike chloral hydrate and isoflurane, propofol had little effect on basal glucose levels in rats at 2 months of age, although it did reduce chloral hydrate- and isoflurane-induced hyperglycemia. Propofol reduced postload glucose levels after either intraperitoneal or oral administration of glucose in both 7- and 12-month-old rats, but not those at 2 months of age. These improved effects regarding propofol on glucose metabolism were accompanied by an increase in insulin, fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion. Additionally, an increase in hepatic FGF-21 expression, GLP-1 signaling, and FGF-21 signaling, along with a decrease in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, were noted in propofol-treated rats at 7 months of age. Current findings imply that propofol may turn into insulin-sensitizing molecules during situations of existing insulin resistance, which involve FGF-21, GLP-1, and ER stress.

MYDGF attenuates podocyte injury and proteinuria by activating Akt/BAD signal pathway in mice with diabetic kidney disease.

Myeloid-derived growth factor (MYDGF), mainly secreted by bone marrow-derived cells, has been known to promote glucagon-like peptide-1 production and improve glucose/lipid metabolism in mouse models of diabetes, but little is known about the functions of MYDGF in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Here, we investigated whether MYDGF can prevent the progression of DKD. In vivo experiments, both loss- and gain-of-function strategies were used to evaluate the effect of MYDGF on albuminuria and pathological glomerular lesions. We used streptozotocin-treated Mydgf knockout and wild-type mice on high fat diets to induce a model of DKD. Then, albuminuria, glomerular lesions and podocyte injury were evaluated in Mydgf knockout and wild-type DKD mice treated with adeno-associated virus-mediated Mydgf gene transfer. In vitro and ex vivo experiments, the expression of slit diaphragm protein nephrin and podocyte apoptosis were evaluated in conditionally immortalised mouse podocytes and isolated glomeruli from non-diabetic wild-type mice treated with recombinant MYDGF. MYDGF deficiency caused more severe podocyte injury in DKD mice, including the disruption of slit diaphragm proteins (nephrin and podocin) and an increase in desmin expression and podocyte apoptosis, and subsequently caused more severe glomerular injury and increased albuminuria by 39.6% compared with those of wild-type DKD mice (p < 0.01). Inversely, MYDGF replenishment attenuated podocyte and glomerular injury in both wild-type and Mydgf knockout DKD mice and then decreased albuminuria by 36.7% in wild-type DKD mice (p < 0.01) and 34.9% in Mydgf knockout DKD mice (p < 0.01). Moreover, recombinant MYDGF preserved nephrin expression and inhibited podocyte apoptosis in vitro and ex vivo. Mechanistically, the renoprotection of MYDGF was attributed to the activation of the Akt/Bcl-2-associated death promoter (BAD) pathway. The study demonstrates that MYDGF protects podocytes from injury and prevents the progression of DKD, providing a novel strategy for the treatment of DKD. Graphical abstract.

Glucagon receptor antagonism promotes the production of gut proglucagon-derived peptides in diabetic mice

Glucagon is an essential regulator of glucose homeostasis, particularly in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Blocking the glucagon receptor (GCGR) in diabetic animals and humans has been shown to alleviate hyperglycemia and increase circulating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels. However, the origin of the upregulated GLP-1 remains to be clarified. Here, we administered high-fat diet + streptozotocin-induced T2D mice and diabetic db/db mice with REMD 2.59, a fully competitive antagonistic human GCGR monoclonal antibody (mAb) for 12 weeks. GCGR mAb treatment decreased fasting blood glucose levels and increased plasma GLP-1 levels in the T2D mice. In addition, GCGR mAb upregulated preproglucagon gene expression and the contents of gut proglucagon-derived peptides, particularly GLP-1, in the small intestine and colon. Notably, T2D mice treated with GCGR mAb displayed a higher L-cell density in the small intestine and colon, which was associated with increased numbers of LK-cells coexpressing GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and reduced L-cell apoptosis. Furthermore, GCGR mAb treatment upregulated GLP-1 production in the pancreas, which was detected at lower levels than in the intestine. Collectively, these results suggest that GCGR mAb can increase intestinal GLP-1 production and L-cell number by enhancing LK-cell expansion and inhibiting L-cell apoptosis in T2D.

Silychristin A activates Nrf2-HO-1/SOD2 pathway to reduce apoptosis and improve GLP-1 production through upregulation of estrogen receptor α in GLUTag cells

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a glucagon-like peptide secreted mainly from intestinal L cells, possesses the functions of promoting synthesis and secretion of insulin in pancreatic β-cells, and maintaining glucose homeostasis in an insulin-independent manner. Silychristin A, a major flavonolignan from silymarin, was reported to protect pancreatic β-cells from oxidative damage in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. However, the role of silychristin A in the protection of intestinal L-cells is still unknown. Our current study demonstrated that palmitate (PA) inhibited protein expression of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), and subsequently increased reactive oxygen species level to induce apoptosis and decrease GLP-1 content in intestinal L-cell line GLUTag cells. Pre-incubation of silychristin A effectively reversed PA-inactivated Nrf2-HO-1/SOD2 antioxidative pathway accompanied with decreased apoptosis level and increased GLP-1 level in GLUTag cells. As a potential target of silychristin A, estrogen receptor α was shown to be downregulated by PA stimulation, and the expression of which was improved by silychristin A in a concentration-dependent manner. Further study revealed that the treatment of estrogen receptor α antagonist MPP induced apoptosis and blocked the stimulation of GLP-1 production by silychristin A through the activation of Nrf2-HO-1/SOD2 pathway in GLUTag cells. Taken together, our study found silychristin A activated estrogen receptor α-dependent Nrf2-HO-1/SOD2 pathway to decrease apoptosis and upregulate GLP-1 production in GLUTag cells.

1784-P: Liraglutide Treatment Stimulates Alpha Cells to Produce Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 via Expression of Prohormone Convertase 1/3 in Mice and Human

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) regulates islet function by enhancing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). We previously found that the beta cell GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) contributes to improvements in glucose regulation and islet function in mice that have undergone bariatric surgery, specifically, vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). Further investigation revealed that VSG increases alpha cell GLP-1 production by turning on the expression of prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3, gene: Pcsk1) in a beta cell GLP-1R-dependent fashion. These findings lead us to hypothesize that beta cell GLP-1R signaling increases alpha cell GLP-1 production to augment GSIS in a paracrine positive feedback loop. In the current study, we tested whether the effects of VSG can be recapitulated by pharmacologic stimulation of the GLP-1R, using a GLP-1 analog, liraglutide. We found that liraglutide treatment increases alpha cell GLP-1 expression in a beta cell GLP-1R dependent fashion (GLP-1 area per islet (µm2): Vehicle WT = 132 ± 3, Vehicle KO = 73 ± 2, Liraglutide WT = 241 ± 15, Liraglutide KO = 67 ± 1; P&amp;lt;0.05 Liraglutide WT vs. all groups). We then used an innovative single-cell RNA-sequencing platform, DART-seq, to determine the translational relevance of this new model of islet function. We validated application of DART-seq in human islets, and using this technology we observed that liraglutide induces a 1.5 log-fold increase in Pcsk1 mRNA expression compared with saline treated controls in a subset of alpha cells (P&amp;lt;0.05 saline vs. liraglutide). Additionally, our DART-seq data suggests that liraglutide-induced increase in alpha cell PC1/3 expression may be part of a broader induction of alpha-cell transdifferentiation to beta cells. Thus, our study demonstrates that the effect of beta cell GLP-1R signaling to increase alpha-cell GLP-1 expression can be stimulated by pharmacological activation of the GLP-1R and has translational relevance in humans. Disclosure M. Saikia: None. M.M. Holter: None. D. Garibay: None. A. Garcia-Ocana: None. C.G. Danko: None. B. Cummings: None.

Novel strategy for oral peptide delivery in incretin-based diabetes treatment

ObjectiveTo fulfil an unmet therapeutic need for treating type 2 diabetes by developing an innovative oral drug delivery nanosystem increasing the production of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and the absorption of...

Glucagon receptor antagonist upregulates circulating GLP-1 level by promoting intestinal L-cell proliferation and GLP-1 production in type 2 diabetes

ObjectiveGlucagon receptor (GCGR) blockage improves glycemic control and increases circulating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) level in diabetic animals and humans. The elevated GLP-1 has been reported to be involved in the...

Myeloid-Derived Growth Factor Promotes Intestinal Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Production in Male Mice With Type 2 Diabetes.

Myeloid-derived growth factor (MYDGF), which is produced by bone marrow-derived cells, mediates cardiac repair following myocardial infarction by inhibiting cardiac myocyte apoptosis to subsequently reduce the infarct size. However, the function of MYDGF in the incretin system of diabetes is still unknown. Here, loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments in mice revealed that MYDGF maintains glucose homeostasis by inducing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) production and secretion and that it improves glucose tolerance and lipid metabolism. Treatment with recombinant MYDGF increased the secretion and production of GLP-1 in STC-1 cells in vitro. Mechanistically, the positive effects of MYDGF are potentially attributable to the activation of protein kinase A/glycogen synthase kinase 3β/β-catenin (PKA/GSK-3β/β-catenin) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinases/extracellular regulated protein kinase (MEK/ERK) pathways. Based on these findings, MYDGF promotes the secretion and production of GLP-1 in intestinal L-cells and potentially represents a potential therapeutic medication target for type 2 diabetes.

Glycemic effect of pancreatic preproglucagon in mouse sleeve gastrectomy.

Intestinally derived glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), encoded by the preproglucagon (Gcg) gene, is believed to function as an incretin. However, our previous work questioned this dogma and demonstrated that pancreatic peptides rather than intestinal Gcg peptides, including GLP-1, are a primary regulator of glucose homeostasis in normal mice. The objective of these experiments was to determine whether changes in nutrition or alteration of gut hormone secretion by bariatric surgery would result in a larger role for intestinal GLP-1 in the regulation of insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis. Multiple transgenic models, including mouse models with intestine- or pancreas tissue-specific Gcg expression and a whole-body Gcg-null mouse model, were generated to study the role of organ-specific GLP-1 production on glucose homeostasis under dietary-induced obesity and after weight loss from bariatric surgery (vertical sleeve gastrectomy; VSG). Our findings indicated that the intestine is a major source of circulating GLP-1 after various nutrient and surgical stimuli. However, even with the 4-fold increase in intestinally derived GLP-1 with VSG, it is pancreatic peptides, not intestinal Gcg peptides, that are necessary for surgery-induced improvements in glucose homeostasis.

Low-Energy Extracorporeal Shock Wave Ameliorates Streptozotocin Induced Diabetes and Promotes Pancreatic Beta Cells Regeneration in a Rat Model.

Traditional therapy for diabetes mellitus has focused on supportive treatment, and is not significant in the promotion of pancreatic beta cells regeneration. We investigated the effect of low- energy extracorporeal shock wave (SW) on a streptozotocin induced diabetes (DM) rat model. Methods: The DM rats were treated with ten sessions of low-energy SW therapy (weekly for ten consecutive weeks) or left untreated. We assessed blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), urine volume, pancreatic islets area, c-peptide, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and insulin production, beta cells number, pancreatic tissue inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and stromal cell derived factor 1 (SDF-1) ten weeks after the completion of treatment. Results: The ten- week low-energy SW therapy regimen significantly reduced blood glucose, HbA1c, and urine volume as well as significantly enhancing pancreatic islets area, c-peptide, GLP-1, and insulin production in the rat model of DM. Moreover, low-energy SW therapy increased the beta cells number in DM rats. This was likely primarily attributed to the fact that low-energy SW therapy reduced pancreatic tissue inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress as well as increasing angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and tissue repair potency. Conclusions: Low-energy SW therapy preserved pancreatic islets function in streptozotocin-induced DM. Low-energy SW therapy may serve as a novel noninvasive and effective treatment of DM.

Suppression of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Release by Inhibition of Intestinal NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Asc-/- and Nlrp3-/- Mice.

The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an insulinotropic hormone secreted by intestinal enteroendocrine L-cells, which plays a crucial role in glucose control, regulation, and protection from different pathological conditions such as diabetes mellitus. The present study sought to test whether GLP-1 release increases gut injury with a high-fat diet (HFD) and whether this GLP-1 release is associated with NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Our results showed that the NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in the intestinal tissue of wild-type mice on a HFD, accompanied by GLP-1 overexpression. The number of intestinal L-cells and the GLP-1 level in serum are increased in WT mice with HFD. However, in the Asc–/– and Nlrp3–/– mice, these HFD-induced intestinal and serum GLP-1 changes were suppressed. Using confocal microscopy, the colocalization of GLP-1 and FLICA that labels activated caspase-1 in intestine was decreased in the Asc–/– and Nlrp3–/– mice compared to WT mice. Mechanistically, the inhibitor of caspase-1 or HMGB1 blocker is used to demonstrate the regulatory action of NRLP3 inflammasome in GLP-1 release. It was found that the level of GLP-1 and its colocalization with IL-1β were reduced by inhibition of the caspase-1 activity, but not altered by blockade of HMGB1 action. Our results suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome activation triggers GLP-1 production from the intestine, which is associated with IL-1β, but not with HMGB1. These findings for the first time provide evidence that the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in the intestine increases GLP-1 release in mice, which may serve as an adaptive response to intestinal inflammation.

The role of Leu260Phe polymorphism of the receptor gene to GLP-1 incretin in the pathogenesis of diabetes type 2 diabetes with obesity

BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) stimulates the proliferation of β-cells, enhances their resistance to apoptosis and increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion. AIMS: Study of the relationship of Leu260Phe polymorphism (rs1042044) of the GLP-1R gene with postprandial hormone production (C-peptide, insulin, ghrelin, GLP-1) in obese patients with type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 174 patients, 82 patients with obesity with type 2 diabetes (BMI=40.4±14.3 kg/m 2 )and 92 conditionally healthy donors (BMI=22.6±2.7 kg/m 2 ) were studied. The material for the study was venous blood taken on an empty stomach and 60 minutes after the test breakfast. Genotyping was performed by PCR using the sets for determining polymorphism (rs1042044) of the GLP-1R gene (Sintol) and the amplificator (CFX96 BioRad, USA). Plasma hormone levels were evaluated by flow fluorimetry (Bio-PlexProteinAssaySystem, Bio-Rad, USA) using commercial test systems (Bio-PlexProHumanDiabetes 10-Plex Assay, Bio-Rad, USA). Statistical analysis and graphs were obtained at R Statistical Software. RESULTS: A violation of postprandial production of GLP-1 and ghrelin after a test breakfast in obese patients with type 2 diabetes was found. A postprandial increase in C-peptide levels of 3.25[1.83;4.16] ng/ml and insulin 3048 [1978;4972] ng/ml in carriers of the CC genotype compared with carriers of the CA genotype in the group of patients with obesity with type 2 diabetes type In carriers of the CA genotype, there was a decrease in the C-peptide level of 2.21 [1.8;2.49] ng/ml and insulin 1462 [1146; 2304] ng/ml with a constant concentration of GLP-1. The postprandial level of ghrelin in carriers of the CA genotype of the Leu260Phe polymorphism increased to 118[96.1;157] ng/ml compared to carriers of the AA 98 genotype [86; 109] ng/ml. CONCLUSION: The presence of the CC genotype of the Leu260Phe polymorphism of the GLP-1 receptor gene is associated with an increase in postprandial plasma levels of C-peptide and insulin in obese patients with type 2 diabetes, and the CA genotype with a decrease in these indicators and an increase in ghrelin content.

The role of Leu260Phe polymorphism of the receptor gene to GLP-1 incretin in the pathogenesis of diabetes type 2 diabetes with obesity

BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) stimulates the proliferation of -cells, enhances their resistance to apoptosis and increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion.&#x0D; AIMS: Study of the relationship of Leu260Phe polymorphism (rs1042044) of the GLP-1R gene with postprandial hormone production (C-peptide, insulin, ghrelin, GLP-1) in obese patients with type 2 diabetes.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 174 patients, 82 patients with obesity with type 2 diabetes (BMI=40.414.3 kg/m2)and 92 conditionally healthy donors (BMI=22.62.7 kg/m2) were studied. The material for the study was venous blood taken on an empty stomach and 60 minutes after the test breakfast. Genotyping was performed by PCR using the sets for determining polymorphism (rs1042044) of the GLP-1R gene (Sintol) and the amplificator (CFX96 BioRad, USA). Plasma hormone levels were evaluated by flow fluorimetry (Bio-PlexProteinAssaySystem, Bio-Rad, USA) using commercial test systems (Bio-PlexProHumanDiabetes 10-Plex Assay, Bio-Rad, USA). Statistical analysis and graphs were obtained at R Statistical Software.&#x0D; RESULTS: A violation of postprandial production of GLP-1 and ghrelin after a test breakfast in obese patients with type 2 diabetes was found. A postprandial increase in C-peptide levels of 3.25[1.83;4.16] ng/ml and insulin 3048 [1978;4972] ng/ml in carriers of the CC genotype compared with carriers of the CA genotype in the group of patients with obesity with type 2 diabetes type In carriers of the CA genotype, there was a decrease in the C-peptide level of 2.21 [1.8;2.49] ng/ml and insulin 1462 [1146; 2304] ng/ml with a constant concentration of GLP-1. The postprandial level of ghrelin in carriers of the CA genotype of the Leu260Phe polymorphism increased to 118[96.1;157] ng/ml compared to carriers of the AA 98 genotype [86; 109] ng/ml.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The presence of the CC genotype of the Leu260Phe polymorphism of the GLP-1 receptor gene is associated with an increase in postprandial plasma levels of C-peptide and insulin in obese patients with type 2 diabetes, and the CA genotype with a decrease in these indicators and an increase in ghrelin content.

The inhibitory heterotrimeric G protein, Gz, regulates alpha‐cell active glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) levels

Biologically‐active glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) is a product of the proglucagon gene and amplifies glucose stimulated insulin secretion and promotes beta‐cell survival via stimulation of cAMP production. Neighboring alpha cells produce and secrete active GLP‐1 to influence beta‐cell function. Although alpha‐cell GLP‐1 production and secretion is poorly understood, cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling promotes GLP‐1 released from gut L‐cells. Furthermore, cAMP signaling, through activation of cyclic AMP‐responsive transcription factors, may influence expression of the prohormone convertase enzymes specific for GLP‐1. Therefore, it is possible cAMP positively regulates both GLP‐1 production and secretion. Cyclic AMP levels are augmented by stimulatory heterotrimeric G proteins (Gs) and blocked by inhibitory heterotrimeric G proteins (Gi). A unique Gi family member, Gz, is expressed in both alpha and beta cells. Mice lacking the catalytic alpha subunit of Gz (Gαz), are protected from hyperglycemia in several diabetes model systems due to increased beta‐cell function and beta‐cell replication. At least part of this phenotype is beta‐cell autonomous. We hypothesized part of the protective phenotype may be due to loss of Gαz in the alpha‐cell and increased GLP‐1 production and/or secretion. To determine alpha‐cell levels of active GLP‐1, we used immunofluorescence to co‐localize active GLP‐1 to glucagon positive alpha cells in pancreas sections from wild‐type and Gαz‐null mice in different models of diabetes mellitus. Pancreas sections lacking Gαz displayed a dramatic increase in the percentage of cells that are both active GLP‐1 positive and glucagon positive compared to wild‐type counterparts. To determine if beta‐cell Gαz regulates alpha‐cell active GLP‐1 levels, we imaged pancreas sections from beta‐cell specific Gz‐null mice. Because published evidence has shown that alpha‐cell active GLP‐1 levels are elevated in pre‐diabetic and diabetic conditions, we determined if beta cell Gαz expression altered this compensatory increase in active GLP‐1 production. Whether increased active GLP‐1 levels correlated with increased active GLP‐1 secretion over time was determined by high‐sensitivity ELISA of islet incubation medium. Future experiments will focus whether the Gaz‐null mutation affects the production and/or secretion of active GLP‐1 in response to the glucolipotoxic conditions of severe insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Our results identify Gαz as a potential new therapeutic target to promote beta‐cell function and replication and underscore the role of intra‐islet cell‐cell communication in beta‐cell biology.Support or Funding InformationVA Merit Review Award: I01 BX003700‐01A1, VA BLR&amp;DR01: R01 DK102598, NIH/NIDDK Type 2 Diabetes/Fatty Acid Diet projects (started by 2016) American Diabetes Association Innovative Basic Science Award: 1‐14‐BS‐115 Type 1 Diabetes projects or projects using Gaz‐floxed miceJDRF J&amp;J Industry Partnership Award: 17‐2011‐608This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

The intestine responds to heart failure by enhanced mitochondrial fusion through glucagon-like peptide-1 signalling.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a neuroendocrine hormone secreted by the intestine. Its receptor (GLP-1R) is expressed in various organs, including the heart. However, the dynamics and function of the GLP-1 signal in heart failure remains unclear. We investigated the impact of the cardio-intestinal association on hypertensive heart failure using miglitol, an α-glucosidase inhibitor known to stimulate intestinal GLP-1 production. Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats fed a high-salt diet were assigned to miglitol, exendin (9-39) (GLP-1R blocker) and untreated control groups and treated for 11 weeks. Control DS rats showed marked hypertension and cardiac dysfunction with left ventricular dilatation accompanied by elevated plasma GLP-1 levels and increased cardiac GLP-1R expression as compared with age-matched Dahl salt-resistant (DR) rats. Miglitol further increased plasma GLP-1 levels, suppressed adverse cardiac remodelling, and mitigated cardiac dysfunction. In cardiomyocytes from miglitol-treated DS hearts, mitochondrial size was significantly larger with denser cristae than in cardiomyocytes from control DS hearts. The change in mitochondrial morphology reflected enhanced mitochondrial fusion mediated by protein kinase A activation leading to phosphorylation of dynamin-related protein 1, expression of mitofusin-1 and OPA-1, and increased myocardial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content. GLP-1R blockade with exendin (9-39) exacerbated cardiac dysfunction and led to fragmented mitochondria with disarrayed cristae in cardiomyocytes and reduction of myocardial ATP content. In cultured cardiomyocytes, GLP-1 increased expression of mitochondrial fusion-related proteins and ATP content. When GLP-1 and exendin (9-39) were administered together, their effects cancelled out. Increased intestinal GLP-1 secretion is an adaptive response to heart failure that is enhanced by miglitol. This could be an effective strategy for treating heart failure through regulation of mitochondrial dynamics.