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Impaired insulin and incretin secretion underlie abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) in pancreatic insufficient cystic fibrosis (PI-CF). Whether the incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) can enhance pancreatic islet function in cystic fibrosis (CF) is not known. We studied 32 adults with PI-CF and AGT randomized to receive either GLP-1 (n = 16) or GIP (n = 16) during glucose-potentiated arginine (GPA) testing of islet function on two occasions, with either incretin or placebo infused, in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over fashion. Another four adults with PI-CF and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and four matched control participants without CF underwent similar assessment with GIP. In PI-CF with AGT, GLP-1 substantially augmented second-phase insulin secretion but without effect on the acute insulin response to GPA or the proinsulin secretory ratio (PISR), while GIP infusion did not enhance second-phase or GPA-induced insulin secretion but increased the PISR. GIP also did not enhance second-phase insulin in PI-CF with NGT but did so markedly in control participants without CF controls. These data indicate that GLP-1, but not GIP, augments glucose-dependent insulin secretion in PI-CF, supporting the likelihood that GLP-1 agonists could have therapeutic benefit in this population. Understanding loss of GIP's insulinotropic action in PI-CF may lead to novel insights into diabetes pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) degrades the incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). DPP-4 inhibitors improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, but the importance of protecting GIP from degradation for their clinical effects is unknown. We included 12 patients with type 2 diabetes (mean ± SD BMI 27 ± 2.6 kg/m2, HbA1c 7.1 ± 1.4% [54 ± 15 mmol/mol]) in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study to investigate the contribution of endogenous GIP to the effects of the DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin. Participants underwent two randomized, 13-day treatment courses of sitagliptin (100 mg/day) and placebo, respectively. At the end of each treatment period, we performed two mixed-meal tests with infusion of the GIP receptor antagonist GIP(3-30)NH2 (1,200 pmol/kg/min) or saline placebo. Sitagliptin lowered mean fasting plasma glucose by 1.1 mmol/L compared with placebo treatment. During placebo treatment, postprandial glucose excursions were increased during GIP(3-30)NH2 compared with saline (difference in area under the curve ± SEM 7.3 ± 2.8%) but were unchanged during sitagliptin treatment. Endogenous GIP improved β-cell function by 37 ± 12% during DPP-4 inhibition by sitagliptin. This was determined by the insulin secretion rate/plasma glucose ratio. We calculated an estimate of the absolute sitagliptin-mediated impact of GIP on β-cell function as the insulinogenic index during sitagliptin treatment plus saline infusion minus the insulinogenic index during sitagliptin plus GIP(3-30)NH2. This estimate was expressed relative to the maximal potential contribution of GIP to the effect of sitagliptin (100%), defined as the difference between the full sitagliptin treatment effect, including actions mediated by GIP (sitagliptin + saline), and the physiological response minus any contribution by GIP [placebo treatment + GIP(3-30)NH2]. We demonstrate insulinotropic and glucose-lowering effects of endogenous GIP in patients with type 2 diabetes and that endogenous GIP contributes to the improved β-cell function observed during DPP-4 inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial glucose metabolism is essential for stimulated insulin release from pancreatic β-cells. Whether mitofusin gene expression, and hence, mitochondrial network integrity, is important for glucose or incretin signaling has not previously been explored. Here, we generated mice with β-cell-selective, adult-restricted deletion knock-out (dKO) of the mitofusin genes Mfn1 and Mfn2 (βMfn1/2 dKO). βMfn1/2-dKO mice displayed elevated fed and fasted glycemia and a more than fivefold decrease in plasma insulin. Mitochondrial length, glucose-induced polarization, ATP synthesis, and cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+ increases were all reduced in dKO islets. In contrast, oral glucose tolerance was more modestly affected in βMfn1/2-dKO mice, and glucagon-like peptide 1 or glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide receptor agonists largely corrected defective glucose-stimulated insulin secretion through enhanced EPAC-dependent signaling. Correspondingly, cAMP increases in the cytosol, as measured with an Epac-camps-based sensor, were exaggerated in dKO mice. Mitochondrial fusion and fission cycles are thus essential in the β-cell to maintain normal glucose, but not incretin, sensing. These findings broaden our understanding of the roles of mitofusins in β-cells, the potential contributions of altered mitochondrial dynamics to diabetes development, and the impact of incretins on this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the worldwide prevalence of diabetes and obesity continues to rise, so does the risk of debilitating cardiovascular complications. Given the significant association between diabetes and cardiovascular risk, the actions of glucose-lowering therapies within the cardiovascular system must be clearly defined. Incretin hormones, including GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), are gut hormones secreted in response to nutrient intake that maintain glycemic control by regulating insulin and glucagon release. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1Ras) and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4is) represent two drug classes used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that improve glucose regulation through stimulating the actions of gut-derived incretin hormones or inhibiting their degradation, respectively. Despite both classes acting to potentiate the incretin response, the potential cardioprotective benefits afforded by GLP-1Ras have not been recapitulated in cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) evaluating DPP-4is. This review provides insights through discussion of clinical and preclinical studies to illuminate the physiological mechanisms that may underlie and reconcile observations from GLP-1Ra and DPP-4i CVOTs. Furthermore, critical knowledge gaps and areas for further investigation will be emphasized to guide future studies and, ultimately, facilitate improved clinical management of cardiovascular disease in T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMOylation reduces oxidative stress and preserves islet mass at the expense of robust insulin secretion. To investigate a role for the deSUMOylating enzyme sentrin-specific protease 1 (SENP1) following metabolic stress, we put pancreas/gut-specific SENP1 knockout (pSENP1-KO) mice on a high-fat diet (HFD). Male pSENP1-KO mice were more glucose intolerant following HFD than littermate controls but only in response to oral glucose. A similar phenotype was observed in females. Plasma glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) responses were identical in pSENP1-KO and wild-type littermates, including the HFD-induced upregulation of GIP responses. Islet mass was not different, but insulin secretion and β-cell exocytotic responses to the GLP-1 receptor agonist exendin-4 (Ex4) and GIP were impaired in islets lacking SENP1. Glucagon secretion from pSENP1-KO islets was also reduced, so we generated β-cell-specific SENP1 KO mice. These phenocopied the pSENP1-KO mice with selective impairment in oral glucose tolerance following HFD, preserved islet mass expansion, and impaired β-cell exocytosis and insulin secretion to Ex4 and GIP without changes in cAMP or Ca2+ levels. Thus, β-cell SENP1 limits oral glucose intolerance following HFD by ensuring robust insulin secretion at a point downstream of incretin signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In my lecture given on the occasion of the 2021 Banting Medal for Scientific Achievement, I briefly described the history of the incretin effect and summarized some of the developments leading to current therapies of obesity and diabetes based on the incretin hormones, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). In the text below, I discuss in further detail the role of these two hormones for postprandial insulin secretion in humans on the basis of recent studies with antagonists. Their direct and indirect actions on the β-cells are discussed next as well as their contrasting actions on glucagon secretion. After a brief discussion of their effect on insulin sensitivity, I describe their immediate actions in patients with type 2 diabetes and emphasize the actions of GLP-1 on β-cell glucose sensitivity, followed by a discussion of their extrapancreatic actions, including effects on appetite and food intake in humans. Finally, possible mechanisms of action of GIP-GLP-1 coagonists are discussed, and it is concluded that therapies based on incretin actions are likely to change the current hesitant therapy of both obesity and diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dorsal vagal complex (DVC) in the hindbrain, composed of the area postrema, nucleus of the solitary tract, and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, plays a critical role in modulating satiety. The incretins glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) act directly in the brain to modulate feeding, and receptors for both are expressed in the DVC. Given the impressive clinical responses to pharmacologic manipulation of incretin signaling, understanding the central mechanisms by which incretins alter metabolism and energy balance is of critical importance. Here, we review recent single-cell approaches used to detect molecular signatures of GLP-1 and GIP receptor-expressing cells in the DVC. In addition, we discuss how current advancements in single-cell transcriptomics, epigenetics, spatial transcriptomics, and circuit mapping techniques have the potential to further characterize incretin receptor circuits in the hindbrain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controversy exists regarding the potential regenerative influences of incretin therapy on pancreatic β-cells versus possible adverse pancreatic proliferative effects. Examination of pancreata from age-matched organ donors with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) treated by incretin therapy (n = 8) or other therapy (n = 12) and nondiabetic control subjects (n = 14) reveals an ∼40% increased pancreatic mass in DM treated with incretin therapy, with both increased exocrine cell proliferation (P < 0.0001) and dysplasia (increased pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia, P < 0.01). Pancreata in DM treated with incretin therapy were notable for α-cell hyperplasia and glucagon-expressing microadenomas (3 of 8) and a neuroendocrine tumor. β-Cell mass was reduced by ∼60% in those with DM, yet a sixfold increase was observed in incretin-treated subjects, although DM persisted. Endocrine cells costaining for insulin and glucagon were increased in DM compared with non-DM control subjects (P < 0.05) and markedly further increased by incretin therapy (P < 0.05). In conclusion, incretin therapy in humans resulted in a marked expansion of the exocrine and endocrine pancreatic compartments, the former being accompanied by increased proliferation and dysplasia and the latter by α-cell hyperplasia with the potential for evolution into neuroendocrine tumors.

To clarify the physiological role of Na(+)-D-glucose cotransporter SGLT1 in small intestine and kidney, Sglt1(-/-) mice were generated and characterized phenotypically. After gavage of d-glucose, small intestinal glucose absorption across the brush-border membrane (BBM) via SGLT1 and GLUT2 were analyzed. Glucose-induced secretion of insulinotropic hormone (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in wild-type and Sglt1(-/-) mice were compared. The impact of SGLT1 on renal glucose handling was investigated by micropuncture studies. It was observed that Sglt1(-/-) mice developed a glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome but thrive normally when fed a glucose-galactose-free diet. In wild-type mice, passage of D-glucose across the intestinal BBM was predominantly mediated by SGLT1, independent the glucose load. High glucose concentrations increased the amounts of SGLT1 and GLUT2 in the BBM, and SGLT1 was required for upregulation of GLUT2. SGLT1 was located in luminal membranes of cells immunopositive for GIP and GLP-1, and Sglt1(-/-) mice exhibited reduced glucose-triggered GIP and GLP-1 levels. In the kidney, SGLT1 reabsorbed ∼3% of the filtered glucose under normoglycemic conditions. The data indicate that SGLT1 is 1) pivotal for intestinal mass absorption of d-glucose, 2) triggers the glucose-induced secretion of GIP and GLP-1, and 3) triggers the upregulation of GLUT2.

Incretin-based therapies, including glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, are potent glucose-lowering drugs. Still, only GLP-1 receptor agonists with close peptide homology to GLP-1 (liraglutide and semaglutide) but neither exenatide-based GLP-1 receptor agonists nor DPP-4 inhibitors were found to reduce cardiovascular events. This different response might relate to GLP-1 receptor-independent actions of GLP-1 caused by cleavage products only liberated by GLP-1 receptor agonists with close peptide structure to GLP-1. To test this hypothesis, we directly compared metabolic, renal, and cardiac effects of GLP-1 and its cleavage products in diabetic db/db mice. Using an adeno-associated viral vector system, we overexpressed DPP-4-resistant GLP-1 (7-37 Mut8) and the two GLP-1 cleavage products, GLP-1 (9-37) and GLP-1 (28-37), in diabetic db/db mice. Only GLP-1 (7-37 Mut8), but none of the cleavage products, significantly improved glucose metabolism. Still, all GLP-1 constructs significantly reduced tubulointerstitial renal damage, lowered expression of the tubular injury markers, and attenuated renal accumulation of macrophages and T cells. This was associated with a systemic immunomodulatory effect, which was similarly found in an acute renal ischemia/reperfusion injury model. In conclusion, GLP-1 cleavage products proved sufficient to mediate organ-protective effects, which might help to explain differences between GLP-1 receptor agonists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Cell-β-cell interactions are required for normal regulation of insulin secretion. We previously found that formation of spheroid clusters (called K20-SC) from MIN6-K20 clonal β-cells lacking incretin-induced insulin secretion (IIIS) under monolayer culture (called K20-MC) drastically induced incretin responsiveness. Here we investigated the mechanism by which an incretin-unresponsive state transforms to an incretin-responsive state using K20-SC as a model. Glutamate production by glucose through the malate-aspartate shuttle and cAMP signaling, both of which are critical for IIIS, were enhanced in K20-SC. SC formed from β-cells deficient for aspartate aminotransferase 1, a critical enzyme in the malate-aspartate shuttle, exhibited reduced IIIS. Expression of the sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 5 (SNAT5), which is involved in glutamine transport, was downregulated in K20-SC and pancreatic islets of normal mice but was upregulated in K20-MC and islets of rodent models of obesity and diabetes, both of which exhibit impaired IIIS. Inhibition of SNAT5 significantly increased cellular glutamate content and improved IIIS in islets of these models and in K20-MC. These results suggest that suppression of SNAT5 activity, which results in increased glutamate production, and enhancement of cAMP signaling endows incretin-unresponsive β-cells with incretin responsiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor (GLP-1R) is a key target for type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment. Because endocytic trafficking of agonist-bound receptors is one of the most important routes for regulation of receptor signaling, a better understanding of this process may facilitate the development of new T2D therapeutic strategies. Here, we screened 29 proteins with known functions in G protein-coupled receptor trafficking for their role in GLP-1R potentiation of insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells. We identify five (clathrin, dynamin1, AP2, sorting nexins [SNX] SNX27, and SNX1) that increase and four (huntingtin-interacting protein 1 [HIP1], HIP14, GASP-1, and Nedd4) that decrease insulin secretion from murine insulinoma MIN6B1 cells in response to the GLP-1 analog exendin-4. The roles of HIP1 and the endosomal SNX1 and SNX27 were further characterized in mouse and human β-cell lines and human islets. While HIP1 was required for the coupling of cell surface GLP-1R activation with clathrin-dependent endocytosis, the SNXs were found to control the balance between GLP-1R plasma membrane recycling and lysosomal degradation and, in doing so, determine the overall β-cell incretin responses. We thus identify key modulators of GLP-1R trafficking and signaling that might provide novel targets to enhance insulin secretion in T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the mechanisms by which glucose regulates insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells are now well described, the way glucose modulates gene expression in such cells needs more understanding. Here, we demonstrate that MondoA, but not its paralog carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein, is the predominant glucose-responsive transcription factor in human pancreatic β-EndoC-βH1 cells and in human islets. In high-glucose conditions, MondoA shuttles to the nucleus where it is required for the induction of the glucose-responsive genes arrestin domain-containing protein 4 (ARRDC4) and thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), the latter being a protein strongly linked to β-cell dysfunction and diabetes. Importantly, increasing cAMP signaling in human β-cells, using forskolin or the glucagon-like peptide 1 mimetic Exendin-4, inhibits the shuttling of MondoA and potently inhibits TXNIP and ARRDC4 expression. Furthermore, we demonstrate that silencing MondoA expression improves glucose uptake in EndoC-βH1 cells. These results highlight MondoA as a novel target in β-cells that coordinates transcriptional response to elevated glucose levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP1R) agonists are widely used to treat diabetes. However, their function is dependent on adequate GLP1R expression, which is downregulated in diabetes. GLP1R is highly expressed on pancreatic β-cells, and activation by endogenous incretin or GLP1R agonists increases cAMP generation, which stimulates glucose-induced β-cell insulin secretion and helps maintain glucose homeostasis. We now have discovered that the highly β-cell-enriched microRNA, miR-204, directly targets the 3' UTR of GLP1R and thereby downregulates its expression in the β-cell-derived rat INS-1 cell line and primary mouse and human islets. Furthermore, in vivo deletion of miR-204 promoted islet GLP1R expression and enhanced responsiveness to GLP1R agonists, resulting in improved glucose tolerance, cAMP production, and insulin secretion as well as protection against diabetes. Since we recently identified thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) as an upstream regulator of miR-204, we also assessed whether in vivo deletion of TXNIP could mimic that of miR-204. Indeed, it also enhanced islet GLP1R expression and GLP1R agonist-induced insulin secretion and glucose tolerance. Thus, the present studies show for the first time that GLP1R is under the control of a microRNA, miR-204, and uncover a previously unappreciated link between TXNIP and incretin action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal nutrients stimulate insulin secretion more potently than intravenous (IV) glucose administration under similar plasma glucose levels (incretin effect). According to the anti-incretin theory, intestinal nutrients should also cause a reduction of insulin sensitivity and/or secretion (anti-incretin effect) to defend against hyperinsulinemia-hypoglycemia. An exaggerated anti-incretin effect could contribute to insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes, whereas reduction of anti-incretin signals might explain diabetes improvement after bariatric surgery. In this study, we tested some of the predictions made by the anti-incretin theory. Eight healthy volunteers and eight severely obese subjects with insulin resistance were studied. Insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, Ra, and disposition index were measured after oral glucose tolerance test and isoglycemic IV glucose injection (IGIV). Obese subjects were studied before and after intestinal bypass surgery (biliopancreatic diversion [BPD]). The d-xylose test and lactulose-to-rhamnose ratio were used to test for possible malabsorption of glucose after surgery. Monte Carlo mathematical simulations were used to test whether insulin secretion induced by oral glucose could cause hypoglycemia when coupled with the levels of insulin sensitivity measured during IGIV. Despite isoglycemic conditions, insulin sensitivity was lower during oral than during IV glucose administration. This difference was amplified in obese subjects and reduced to normal after BPD. No evidence of glucose malabsorption was found. Mathematical simulations showed that hypoglycemia would occur if insulin sensitivity were not reduced by oral glucose stimulation. This study demonstrates an anti-incretin effect of intestinal glucose stimulation, which downregulates insulin sensitivity. The findings support a new model for how foodborne factors can induce insulin-resistance and provide a possible explanation for the improvement of insulin resistance/diabetes after gastrointestinal bypass surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal glucose stimulates secretion of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). The mechanisms underlying this pathway have not been fully investigated in humans. In this study, we showed that a 30-min intraduodenal glucose infusion activated half of all duodenal L cells in humans. This infusion was sufficient to increase plasma GLP-1 levels. With an ex vivo model using human gut tissue specimens, we showed a dose-responsive GLP-1 secretion in the ileum at ≥200 mmol/L glucose. In ex vivo tissue from the duodenum and ileum, but not the colon, 300 mmol/L glucose potently stimulated GLP-1 release. In the ileum, this response was independent of osmotic influences and required delivery of glucose via GLUT2 and mitochondrial metabolism. The requirement of voltage-gated Na+ and Ca2+ channel activation indicates that membrane depolarization occurs. KATP channels do not drive this, as tolbutamide did not trigger release. The sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) substrate α-MG induced secretion, and the response was blocked by the SGLT1 inhibitor phlorizin or by replacement of extracellular Na+ with N-methyl-d-glucamine. This is the first report of the mechanisms underlying glucose-induced GLP-1 secretion from human small intestine. Our findings demonstrate a dominant role of SGLT1 in controlling glucose-stimulated GLP-1 release in human ileal L cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GPR119 was originally identified as an orphan β-cell receptor; however, subsequent studies demonstrated that GPR119 also regulates β-cell function indirectly through incretin hormone secretion. We assessed the importance of GPR119 for β-cell function in Gpr119-/- mice and in newly generated Gpr119βcell-/- mice. Gpr119-/- mice displayed normal body weight and glucose tolerance on a regular chow (RC) diet. After high-fat feeding, Gpr119-/- mice exhibited reduced fat mass, decreased levels of circulating adipokines, improved insulin sensitivity, and better glucose tolerance. Unexpectedly, oral and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance and the insulin response to glycemic challenge were not perturbed in Gpr119βcell-/- mice on RC and high-fat diets. Moreover, islets from Gpr119-/- and Gpr119βcell-/- mice exhibited normal insulin responses to glucose and β-cell secretagogues. Furthermore, the selective GPR119 agonist AR231453 failed to directly enhance insulin secretion from perifused islets. In contrast, AR231453 increased plasma glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and insulin levels and improved glucose tolerance in wild-type and Gpr119βcell-/- mice. These findings demonstrate that β-cell GPR119 expression is dispensable for the physiological control of insulin secretion and the pharmacological response to GPR119 agonism, findings that may inform the lack of robust efficacy in clinical programs assessing GPR119 agonists for the therapy of type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies in animal models of type 2 diabetes have shown that glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists prevent β-cell loss. Whether GLP-1 mediates β-cell survival via the key lysosomal-mediated process of autophagy is unknown. In this study, we report that treatment of INS-1E β-cells and primary islets with glucolipotoxicity (0.5 mmol/L palmitate and 25 mmol/L glucose) increases LC3 II, a marker of autophagy. Further analysis indicates a blockage in autophagic flux associated with lysosomal dysfunction. Accumulation of defective lysosomes leads to lysosomal membrane permeabilization and release of cathepsin D, which contributes to cell death. Our data further demonstrated defects in autophagic flux and lysosomal staining in human samples of type 2 diabetes. Cotreatment with the GLP-1 receptor agonist exendin-4 reversed the lysosomal dysfunction, relieving the impairment in autophagic flux and further stimulated autophagy. Small interfering RNA knockdown showed the restoration of autophagic flux is also essential for the protective effects of exendin-4. Collectively, our data highlight lysosomal dysfunction as a critical mediator of β-cell loss and shows that exendin-4 improves cell survival via restoration of lysosomal function and autophagic flux. Modulation of autophagy/lysosomal homeostasis may thus define a novel therapeutic strategy for type 2 diabetes, with the GLP-1 signaling pathway as a potential focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In pancreatic β-cells, pharmacological concentrations of catecholamines, including adrenaline, have been used to inhibit insulin release and explore the multiple mechanisms involved. However, the significance of these signaling pathways for physiological adrenergic functions in β-cells is largely unknown. In the process of glucose-induced insulin secretion, opening of background current through nonselective cation channels (NSCCs) might facilitate membrane depolarization by closure of the ATP-sensitive K+ channels. Here, we examined whether physiological insulinostatic adrenaline action is mediated via the transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channel, a type of NSCC, in β-cells. Results showed that physiological concentrations of adrenaline strongly suppressed glucose-induced and incretin-potentiated cAMP production and insulin secretion and inhibited NSCCs current and membrane excitability via the α2A-adrenoceptor in wild-type mice; however, insulin secretion was not attenuated in TRPM2-knockout (KO) mice. Administration of yohimbine, an α2-adrenoceptor antagonist, failed to affect glucose tolerance in TRPM2-KO mice, in contrast to an improved glucose tolerance in wild-type mice receiving the antagonist. The current study demonstrated that a physiological concentration of adrenaline attenuates insulin release via coupling of α2A-adrenoceptor to cAMP/TRPM2 signaling, thereby providing a potential therapeutic tool to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhanced secretion of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) seems to be essential for improved postprandial β-cell function after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) but is less studied after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Moreover, the role of the other major incretin hormone, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), is relatively unexplored after bariatric surgery. We studied the effects of separate and combined GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and GIP receptor (GIPR) blockade during mixed-meal tests in unoperated (CON), SG-operated, and RYGB-operated people with no history of diabetes. Postprandial GLP-1 concentrations were highest after RYGB but also higher after SG compared with CON. In contrast, postprandial GIP concentrations were lowest after RYGB. The effect of GLP-1R versus GIPR blockade differed between groups. GLP-1R blockade reduced β-cell glucose sensitivity and increased or tended to increase postprandial glucose responses in the surgical groups but had no effect in CON. GIPR blockade reduced β-cell glucose sensitivity and increased or tended to increase postprandial glucose responses in the CON and SG groups but had no effect in the RYGB group. Our results support that GIP is the most important incretin hormone in unoperated people, whereas GLP-1 and GIP are equally important after SG, and GLP-1 is the most important incretin hormone after RYGB., (© 2023 by the American Diabetes Association.)

Incretin-related drugs and sulfonylureas are currently used worldwide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. We recently found that Epac2A, a cAMP binding protein having guanine nucleotide exchange activity toward Rap, is a target of both incretin and sulfonylurea. This suggests the possibility of interplay between incretin and sulfonylurea through Epac2A/Rap1 signaling in insulin secretion. In this study, we examined the combinatorial effects of incretin and various sulfonylureas on insulin secretion and activation of Epac2A/Rap1 signaling. A strong augmentation of insulin secretion by combination of GLP-1 and glibenclamide or glimepiride, which was found in Epac2A+/+ mice, was markedly reduced in Epac2A-/- mice. In contrast, the combinatorial effect of GLP-1 and gliclazide was rather mild, and the effect was not altered by Epac2A ablation. Activation of Rap1 was enhanced by the combination of an Epac-selective cAMP analog with glibenclamide or glimepiride but not gliclazide. In diet-induced obese mice, ablation of Epac2A reduced the insulin secretory response to coadministration of the GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide and glimepiride. These findings clarify the critical role of Epac2A/Rap1 signaling in the augmenting effect of incretin and sulfonylurea on insulin secretion and provide the basis for the effects of combination therapies of incretin-related drugs and sulfonylureas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, pleiotropic benefits of incretin therapy beyond glycemic control have been reported. Although cancer is one of the main causes of death in diabetic patients, few reports describe the anticancer effects of incretin. Here, we examined the effect of the incretin drug exendin (Ex)-4, a GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist, on prostate cancer. In human prostate cancer tissue obtained from patients after they had undergone radical prostatectomy, GLP-1R expression colocalized with P504S, a marker of prostate cancer. In in vitro experiments, Ex-4 significantly decreased the proliferation of the prostate cancer cell lines LNCap, PC3, and DU145, but not that of ALVA-41. This antiproliferative effect depended on GLP-1R expression. In accordance with the abundant expression of GLP-1R in LNCap cells, a GLP-1R antagonist or GLP-1R knockdown with small interfering RNA abolished the inhibitory effect of Ex-4 on cell proliferation. Although Ex-4 had no effect on either androgen receptor activation or apoptosis, it decreased extracellular signal--regulated kinase (ERK)-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation in LNCap cells. Importantly, Ex-4 attenuated in vivo prostate cancer growth induced by transplantation of LNCap cells into athymic mice and significantly reduced the tumor expression of P504S, Ki67, and phosphorylated ERK-MAPK. These data suggest that Ex-4 attenuates prostate cancer growth through the inhibition of ERK-MAPK activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the hyperglycemic and euglycemic clamp, we demonstrated impaired β-cell function in obese youth with increasing dysglycemia. Herein we describe oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)-modeled β-cell function and incretin effect in obese adolescents spanning the range of glucose tolerance. β-Cell function parameters were derived from established mathematical models yielding β-cell glucose sensitivity (βCGS), rate sensitivity, and insulin sensitivity in 255 obese adolescents (173 with normal glucose tolerance [NGT], 48 with impaired glucose tolerance [IGT], and 34 with type 2 diabetes [T2D]). The incretin effect was calculated as the ratio of the OGTT-βCGS to the 2-h hyperglycemic clamp-βCGS. Incretin and glucagon concentrations were measured during the OGTT. Compared with NGT, βCGS was 30 and 65% lower in youth with IGT and T2D, respectively; rate sensitivity was 40% lower in T2D. Youth with IGT or T2D had 32 and 38% reduced incretin effect compared with NGT in the face of similar changes in GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) in response to oral glucose. We conclude that glucose sensitivity deteriorates progressively in obese youth across the spectrum of glucose tolerance in association with impairment in incretin effect without reduction in GLP-1 or GIP, similar to that seen in adult dysglycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is widely located throughout the brain, but the precise molecular mechanisms mediating the actions of GLP-1 and its long-acting analogs on adipose tissue as well as the brain areas responsible for these interactions remain largely unknown. We found that central injection of a clinically used GLP-1R agonist, liraglutide, in mice stimulates brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis and adipocyte browning independent of nutrient intake. The mechanism controlling these actions is located in the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus (VMH), and the activation of AMPK in this area is sufficient to blunt both central liraglutide-induced thermogenesis and adipocyte browning. The decreased body weight caused by the central injection of liraglutide in other hypothalamic sites was sufficiently explained by the suppression of food intake. In a longitudinal study involving obese type 2 diabetic patients treated for 1 year with GLP-1R agonists, both exenatide and liraglutide increased energy expenditure. Although the results do not exclude the possibility that extrahypothalamic areas are also modulating the effects of GLP-1R agonists, the data indicate that long-acting GLP-1R agonists influence body weight by regulating either food intake or energy expenditure through various hypothalamic sites and that these mechanisms might be clinically relevant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous subgroup of non-autoimmune diabetes, constituting 1-2% of all diabetes. Because little is known about incretin function in patients with MODY, we studied the incretin effect and hormone responses to oral and intravenous glucose loads in patients with glucokinase (GCK)-diabetes (MODY2) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF1A)-diabetes (MODY3), respectively, and in matched healthy control subjects. Both MODY groups exhibited glucose intolerance after oral glucose (most pronounced in patients with HNF1A-diabetes), but only patients with HNF1A-diabetes had impaired incretin effect and inappropriate glucagon responses to OGTT. Both groups of patients with diabetes showed normal suppression of glucagon in response to intravenous glucose. Thus, HNF1A-diabetes, similar to type 2 diabetes, is characterized by an impaired incretin effect and inappropriate glucagon responses, whereas incretin effect and glucagon response to oral glucose remain unaffected in GCK-diabetes, reflecting important pathogenetic differences between the two MODY forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential influence of gastric emptying on the "incretin effect," mediated by glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), is unknown. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of intraduodenal (ID) glucose infusions at 2 (ID2) and 4 (ID4) kcal/min (equating to two rates of gastric emptying within the physiological range) on the size of the incretin effect, gastrointestinal glucose disposal (GIGD), plasma GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon secretion in health and type 2 diabetes. We studied 10 male BMI-matched controls and 11 male type 2 patients managed by diet or metformin only. In both groups, GIP, GLP-1, and the magnitude of incretin effect were greater with ID4 than ID2, as was GIGD; plasma glucagon was suppressed by ID2, but not ID4. There was no difference in the incretin effect between the two groups. Based on these data, we conclude that the rate of small intestinal glucose exposure (i.e., glucose load) is a major determinant of the comparative secretion of GIP and GLP-1, as well as the magnitude of the incretin effect and GIGD in health and type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucagon-like peptide 1-based therapies, collectively described as incretins, produce glycemic benefits in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Recent publications raised concern for a potential increased risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer with incretins based in part on findings from a small number of rodents. However, extensive toxicology assessments in a substantial number of animals dosed up to 2 years at high multiples of human exposure do not support these concerns. We hypothesized that the lesions being attributed to incretins are commonly observed background findings and endeavored to characterize the incidence of spontaneous pancreatic lesions in three rat strains (Sprague-Dawley [S-D] rats, Zucker diabetic fatty [ZDF] rats, and rats expressing human islet amyloid polypeptide [HIP]; n = 36/group) on a normal or high-fat diet over 4 months. Pancreatic findings in all groups included focal exocrine degeneration, atrophy, inflammation, ductular cell proliferation, and/or observations in large pancreatic ducts similar to those described in the literature, with an incidence of exocrine atrophy/inflammation seen in S-D (42-72%), HIP (39%), and ZDF (6%) rats. These data indicate that the pancreatic findings attributed to incretins are common background findings, observed without drug treatment and independent of diet or glycemic status, suggesting a need to exercise caution when interpreting the relevance of some recent reports regarding human safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors reflect on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (exenatide) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors (sitagliptin) in 2005 and 2006, respectively. They discuss the relationship between incretin treatment and pancreatitis, and the drugs' link to pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. They also mention a 2013 study which assessed pancreata from patients on incretin, patients on insulin, and nondiabetic patients.

Understanding the incretin pathway has led to significant advancements in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Still, the exact mechanisms are not fully understood. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, four-period, crossover study in 24 patients with T2D, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibition and its glucose-lowering actions were tested after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The contribution of GLP-1 was examined by infusion of the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1r) antagonist exendin-9. DPP-4 inhibition reduced glycemia and enhanced insulin levels and the incretin effect (IE). Glucagon was suppressed, and gastric emptying (GE) was decelerated. Exendin-9 increased glucose levels and glucagon secretion, attenuated insulinemia and the IE, and accelerated GE. With the GLP-1r antagonist, the glucose-lowering effects of DPP-4 inhibition were reduced by ~50%. However, a significant effect on insulin secretion remained during GLP-1r blockade, whereas the inhibitory effects of DPP-4 inhibition on glucagon and GE were abolished. Thus, in this cohort of T2D patients with a substantial IE, GLP-1 contributed ~50% to the insulin excursion after an OGTT with and without DPP-4 inhibition. Thus, a significant DPP-4-sensitive glucose-lowering mechanism contributes to glycemic control in T2D patients that may be not mediated by circulating GLP-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are incretin hormones that control the secretion of insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin to facilitate glucose disposal. The actions of incretin hormones are terminated via enzymatic cleavage by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and through renal clearance. GLP-1 and GIP promote β-cell proliferation and survival in rodents. DPP-4 inhibitors expand β-cell mass, reduce α-cell mass, and inhibit glucagon secretion in preclinical studies; however, whether incretin-based therapies sustain functional β-cell mass in human diabetic subjects remains unclear. GLP-1 and GIP exert their actions predominantly through unique G protein-coupled receptors expressed on β-cells and other pancreatic cell types. Accurate localization of incretin receptor expression in pancreatic ductal or acinar cells in normal or diabetic human pancreas is challenging because antisera used for detection of the GLP-1 receptor often are neither sufficiently sensitive nor specific to yield reliable data. This article reviews recent advances and controversies in incretin hormone action in the pancreas and contrasts established mechanisms with areas of uncertainty. Furthermore, methodological challenges and pitfalls are highlighted and key areas requiring additional scientific investigation are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion is classically regulated by ingested nutrients. To identify novel molecular targets controlling incretin secretion, we analyzed enteroendocrine cell pathways important for hormone biosynthesis and secretion. We demonstrate that progesterone increases GLP-1 secretion and extracellular signal--related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation in enteroendocrine GLUTag cells via mechanisms sensitive to the mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor U0126. The stimulatory effects of progesterone (P4) or the synthetic progestin R5020 on ERK1/2 phosphorylation were independent of the classical progesterone receptor antagonist RU486. Furthermore, a cell-impermeable BSA--progesterone conjugate rapidly increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation and GLP-1 secretion. Knockdown of the membrane progesterone receptors Paqr5 or Paqr7 in GLUTag cells eliminated the stimulatory effect of R5020 and progesterone on GLP-1 secretion. Enteral progesterone administration increased plasma levels of GLP-1, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and insulin, and improved oral glucose tolerance in an RU486-insensitve manner in mice: however, systemic progesterone exposure did not improve glucose homeostasis. Unexpectedly, the glucoregulatory actions of enteral progesterone did not require classical incretin receptor signaling and were preserved in Glp1r-/- and Glp1r-/-:Gipr2/2 mice. Intestine-restricted activation of membrane progesterone receptors may represent a novel approach for stimulation of incretin hormone secretion and control of glucose homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incretin effect, reflecting the enhancement of postprandial insulin secretion by factors including the intestinal hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, increases in proportion to meal size. However, it is unknown whether the incretin effect is dependent on ambient glucose. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of plasma glycemia on the incretin effect. Thirteen healthy subjects consumed 50 g oral glucose solution mixed with D-xylose during fixed hyperglycemia at 8 and 10.5 mmol/L, on 3 separate days, twice at lower glycemia (LOW) and once at higher values (HIGH). The relative increase in insulin release after glucose ingestion at fixed hyperglycemia, a surrogate for the incretin effect, was similar among all three studies. The GLP-1 response to oral glucose was significantly lower at higher plasma glycemia, as was the appearance of D-xylose after the meal. Between the two LOW studies, the reproducibility of insulin release in response to intravenous glucose alone and intravenous plus ingested glucose was similar. These findings indicate that the incretin contribution to postprandial insulin release is independent of glycemia in healthy individuals, despite differences in GLP-1 secretion. The incretin effect is a reproducible trait among humans with normal glucose tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to quantify the role of incretins in first- and second-phase insulin secretion (ISR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a doubleblind, randomized study with 12 T2DM subjects and 12 healthy subjects (HS) was conducted using the hyperglycemic clamp technique together with duodenal nutrition perfusion and intravenous infusion of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor antagonist exendin(9-39). Intravenous glucose alone resulted in a significantly greater first- and second-phase ISR in HS compared with T2DM subjects. Duodenal nutrition perfusion augmented both first- and second-phase ISR but first-phase ISR more in T2DM subjects (approximately eight- vs. twofold). Glucose-related stimulation of ISR contributed only 20% to overall ISR. Infusion with exendin(9-39) significantly reduced first- and second-phase ISR in both HS and T2DM subjects. Thus, both GLP-1 and non-GLP-1 incretins contribute to the incretin effect. In conclusion, both phases of ISR are impaired in T2DM. In particular, the responsiveness to glucose in first-phase ISR is blunted. GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) secretions are unaltered. The absolute incretin effect is reduced in T2DM; its relative importance, however, appears to be increased, highlighting its role as an important amplifier of first-phase ISR in T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the physiological role of Na+ -D-glucose cotransporter SGLT1 in small intestine and kidney, Sglt1-/- mice were generated and characterized phenotypically. After gavage of D-glucose, small intestinal glucose absorption across the brush-border membrane (BBM) via SGLT1 and GLUT2 were analyzed. Glucose-induced secretion of insulinotropic hormone (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in wild-type and Sglt1-/- mice were compared. The impact of SGLT1 on renal glucose handling was investigated by micropuncture studies. It was observed that Sglt1-/- mice developed a glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome but thrive normally when fed a glucose-galactose--free diet. In wild-type mice, passage of D-glucose across the intestinal BBM was predominantly mediated by SGLT1, independent the glucose load. High glucose concentrations increased the amounts of SGLT1 and GLUT2 in the BBM, and SGLT1 was required for upregulation of GLUT2. SGLT1 was located in luminal membranes of cells immunopositive for GIP and GLP-1, and Sglt1-/- mice exhibited reduced glucose-triggered GIP and GLP-1 levels. In the kidney, SGLT1 re-absorbed ~3% of the filtered glucose under normoglycemic conditions. The data indicate that SGLT1 is ) pivotal for intestinal mass absorption of D-glucose, ) triggers the glucose-induced secretion of GIP and GLP-1, and ) triggers the upregulation of GLUT2. 61:187--196, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE--The incretin hormone GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) promotes pancreatic β-cell function by potentiating insulin secretion and β-cell proliferation. Recently, a combined analysis of several genome-wide association studies (Meta-analysis of Glucose and Insulin-Related Traits Consortium [MAGIC]) showed association to postprandial insulin at the GIP receptor (GIPR) locus. Here we explored mechanisms that could explain the protective effects of GIP on islet function. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS--Associations of GIPR rs10423928 with metabolic and anthropometric phenotypes in both nondiabetic (N = 53,730) and type 2 diabetic individuals (N = 2,731) were explored by combining data from 11 studies. Insulin secretion was measured both in vivo in nondiabetic subjects and in vitro in islets from cadaver donors. Insulin secretion was also measured in response to exogenous GIP. The in vitro measurements included protein and gene expression as well as measurements of β-cell viability and proliferation. RESULTS--The A allele of GIPR rs10423928 was associated with impaired glucose- mid GIP-stimulated insulin secretion and a decrease in BMI, lean body mass, and waist circumference. The decrease in BMI almost completely neutralized the effect of impaired insulin secretion on risk of type 2 diabetes. Expression of GIPR mRNA was decreased in human islets from carriers of the A allele or patients with type 2 diabetes. GIP stimulated osteopontin (OPN) mRNA and protein expression. OPN expression was lower in carriers of the A allele. Both GIP and OPN prevented cytokine-induced reduction in cell viability (apoptosis). In addition, OPN stimulated cell proliferation in insulin-secreting cells. CONCLUSIONS--These findings support β-cell proliferative and antiapoptotic roles for GIP in addition to its action as an incretin hormone. Identification of a link between GIP and OPN may shed new light on the role of GIP in preservation of functional β-cell mass in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE--Gastric bypass (GB) surgery is associated with prostprandial hyperinsulinemia, and this effect is accentuated in postsurgical patients who develop recurrent hypoglycemia. Plasma levels of the incretin glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) are dramatically increased after GB, suggesting that its action contributes to alteration in postprandial glucose regulation. The aim of this study was to establish the role of GLP-1 on insulin secretion in patients with GB. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS--Twelve asymptomatic individuals with previous GB (Asym-GB), 10 matched healthy nonoperated control subjects, and 12 patients with recurrent hypoglycemia after GB (Hypo-GB) had pre- and postprandial hormone levels and insulin secretion rates (ISR) measured during a hyperglycemic clamp with either GLP-1 receptor blockade with exendin-(9-39) or saline. RESULTS--Blocking the action of GLP-1 suppressed postprandial ISR to a larger extent in Asym-GB individuals versus control subjects (33 ± 4 vs.16 ± 5%; P = 0.04). In Hypo-GB patients, GLP-1 accounted for 43 ± 4% of postprandial ISR, which was not significantly higher than that in Asym-GB subjects (P = 0.20). Glucagon was suppressed similarly by hyperglycemia in all groups but rose significantly after the meal in surgical individuals but remained suppressed in nonsurgical subjects. GLP-1 receptor blockade increased postprandial glucagon in both surgical groups. CONCLUSIONS--Increased GLP-1--stimulated insulin secretion contributes significantly to hyperinsulinism in GB subjects. However, the exaggerated effect of GLP-1 on postprandial insulin secretion in surgical subjects is not significantly different in those with and without recurrent hypoglycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research by J. Gagnon and colleagues on the role of ghrelin in enhancing incretin system in overweight patients with diabetes. Topics mentioned include the enhancement of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) secretion and glucose handling through administration of exogenous ghrelin in mice models, the effects of ghrelin on glucose tolerance, and levels of ghrelin before meal time.

The article presents a commentary on the effect of the incretin hormone GLP-1 on hepatic glucose production. It highlights the ability of the incretin to stimulate insulin secretion and inhibit glucagon secretion. Also discussed is the enhancement of glucose levels when the β-cells where detsroyed by streptozotocin in mice.