Ileal interposition surgery improves glucose and lipid metabolism and delays diabetes onset in the UCD-T2DM rat

Gastrointestinal changes after bariatric surgery

Severe obesity is a preeminent health care problem that impacts overall health and survival. The most effective treatment for severe obesity is bariatric surgery, an intervention that not only maintains long-term weight loss but also is associated with improvement or remission of several comorbidies including type 2 diabetes mellitus. Some weight loss surgeries modify the gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology, including the secretions and actions of gut peptides. This review describes how bariatric surgery alters the patterns of gastrointestinal motility, nutrient digestion and absorption, gut peptide release, bile acids and the gut microflora, and how these changes alter energy homeostasis and glucose metabolism.

Ileal transposition surgery produces ileal length-dependent changes in food intake, body weight, gut hormones and glucose metabolism in rats

BACKGROUND

Enhanced stimulation of the lower gut is hypothesized to play a key role in the weight loss and resolution of diabetes following bariatric surgeries. Ileal transposition (IT) permits study of the effects of direct lower gut stimulation on body weight, glucose homeostasis and other metabolic adaptations without the confounds of gastric restriction or foregut exclusion. However, the underlying mechanisms and the length of the ileum sufficient to produce metabolic benefits following IT surgery remain largely unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of transposing varying lengths of the ileum to upper jejunum on food intake, body weight, glucose tolerance and lower gut hormones, and the expression of key markers of glucose and lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in rats.

METHODS

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=9/group) were subjected to IT surgery with translocation of 5, 10 or 20 cm of the ileal segment to proximal jejunum or sham manipulations. Daily food intake and body weight were recorded, and an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test was performed. Blood samples were assayed for hormones and tissue samples for mRNA (RT-qPCR) and/or protein abundance (immunoblotting) of regulatory metabolic markers.

RESULTS

We demonstrate that IT surgery exerts ileal length-dependent effects on multiple parameters including: (1) decreased food intake and weight gain, (2) improved glucose tolerance, (3) increased tissue expression and plasma concentrations of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY), and decreased leptin concentrations and (4) upregulation of key markers of glucose metabolism (glucose transporter-4 (GLUT-4), insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), hexokinase (HK) and phosphofructokinase (PFK)) together with a downregulation of lipogenic markers (fatty acid synthase (FAS)) in muscle and adipose tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, our data demonstrate that the reduction in food intake and weight gain, increase in lower gut hormones, glycemic improvements and associated changes in tissue metabolic markers following IT surgery are dependent on the length of the transposed ileum.

Dissociation of intestinal and hepatic activities of FXR and LXRα supports metabolic effects of terminal ileum interposition in rodents

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the liver x receptors (LXRs) are bile acid-activated receptors that are highly expressed in the enterohepatic tissues. The mechanisms that support the beneficial effects of bariatric surgery are only partially defined. We have investigated the effects of ileal interposition (IT), a surgical relocation of the distal ileum into the proximal jejunum, on FXR and LXRs in rats. Seven months after surgery, blood concentrations of total bile acids, taurocholic acid, an FXR ligand, and taurohyocholic acid, an LXRα ligand, were significantly increased by IT (P < 0.05). In contrast, liver and intestinal concentrations of conjugated and nonconjugated bile acids were decreased (P < 0.05). These changes were associated with a robust induction of FXR and FXR-regulated genes in the intestine, including Fgf15, a negative regulator of bile acid synthesis. IT repressed the liver expression of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (Pepck), two gluconeogenetic genes, along with the expression of LXRα and its target genes sterol regulatory element-binding protein (Srebp) 1c and fatty acid synthase (Fas) in the liver. Treating IT rats with chenodeoxycholic acid ameliorated insulin signaling in the liver. Whether confirmed in human settings, these results support the association of pharmacological therapies with bariatric surgeries to exploit the selective activation of intestinal nuclear receptors.

Effects of sleeve gastrectomy and ileal transposition, alone and in combination, on food intake, body weight, gut hormones, and glucose metabolism in rats

Bariatric surgeries are hypothesized to produce weight loss and improve diabetes control by multiple mechanisms including gastric restriction and lower gut stimulation; the relative importance of these mechanisms remains poorly understood. We compared the effects of a typical foregut procedure, sleeve gastrectomy, (SG) with a primarily hindgut surgery, ileal transposition (IT), alone and together (SGIT), or sham manipulations, on food intake, body weight, gut hormones, glucose tolerance, and key markers of glucose homeostasis in peripheral tissues of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (450-550 g, n = 7-9/group). SG, IT, and SGIT surgeries produced transient reduction in food intake and weight gain; the effects of SG and IT on intake and body weight were nonadditive. SG, IT, and SGIT surgeries resulted in increased tissue expression and plasma concentrations of the lower gut hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 and peptide YY and decreased plasma glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, insulin, and leptin concentrations. Despite transient effects on intake and weight gain, the SG, IT, and SGIT surgeries produced a significant improvement in glucose tolerance. In support of glycemic improvements, the protein abundance of key markers of glucose metabolism (e.g., GLUT4, PKA, IRS-1) in muscle and adipose tissue were increased, whereas the expression of key gluconeogenic enzyme in liver (G-6-Pase) were decreased following the surgeries. Therefore, our data suggest that enhanced lower gut stimulation following SG, IT, and SGIT surgeries leads to transient reduction in food intake and weight gain together with enhanced secretion of lower gut hormones and improved glucose clearance by peripheral tissues.

Mechanisms of weight loss, diabetes control and changes in food choices after gastrointestinal surgery

The long-term effects of lifestyle changes, diet and medical therapy on obesity are limited. Bariatric surgery is the most effective long-term treatment with the greatest chances for amelioration of obesity-associated complications, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). There is increasing evidence in the literature that bariatric operations have a profound effect on human physiology, by reducing hunger, increasing satiety, paradoxically increasing energy expenditure, and even promoting healthy food preferences. Some of these operations improve glucose homeostasis in patients with T2DM independently of weight loss. Changes in the gut hormone levels of glucagon-like peptide 1, peptide YY and ghrelin have been proposed as some of the mediators implicated in changing physiology. The aim of this review is to critically explore the current knowledge on the putative mechanisms of the change in weight and improvement in T2DM glycaemic control after the most commonly performed bariatric operations.

Novel insight into the distribution of L-cells in the rat intestinal tract

BACKGROUND

Gut secreted incretin hormones and gastric bypass surgery currently provides some of the most successful treatments for diabetes and obesity respectively. However, despite the evident importance of the gut endocrine system no information exists on the total number and distribution of different types of endocrine cells in the gut. Here we have used the established preclinical Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rat model which displays elevated levels of GLP-1 to assess L-cell distribution and L-cell dynamics in the full rostro-caudal extension of the rat intestinal tract.

METHODS

Using mathematically unbiased stereology we provide total and regional estimates of gut volume, gut surface area and the total number of L-cells throughout the intestinal tract in obese ZDF rats and lean controls.

RESULTS

The total number of L-cells in the lean and obese ZDF gut is estimated to 4.8 and 10.9 million, respectively, coupled with a corresponding near doubling in total gut volume and total surface area. L-cell numbers were found to be distributed rather evenly throughout the jejunum, ileum and colon.

CONCLUSION

The present study provides the first stereological report of total L-cell number and L-cell distribution throughout the rat intestinal tract. In contrast to the currently held view, the majority of L-cells are actually located proximal to the traditionally defined ileum and colon.

Ileal interposition surgery-induced improvement of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in Goto-Kakizaki rats by upregulation of TCF7L2 expression

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ileal interposition (IT) on glucose and insulin resistance (IR) in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM), and the role of T-cell factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2), formerly known as TCF4, in the downregulation of hyperglycemia following IT. Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats subjected to IT surgery (GK-IT group), GK rats subjected to sham surgery (GK-Sham group) and Wistar (WS) rats subjected to sham surgery (WS-Sham group) were investigated in this study. Fasting plasma glucose, body weight, food intake per 1 kg body weight, insulin and a homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured pre- and post-surgery. The rats were euthanized 28 days post-surgery and the pancreas of each rat was dissected. The expression levels of TCF7L2 mRNA and protein were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Our results revealed that IT improved both fasting plasma glucose levels and IR in GK rats by upregulating the expression of the TCF7L2 protein. IT provides a valuable therapeutic option for patients with T2DM. Upregulation of TCF7L2 protein expression may be a possible mechanism underlying the improvement of T2DM following IT.

The entire small intestine mediates the changes in glucose homeostasis after intestinal surgery in Goto-Kakizaki rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential interaction between excluding foregut and interposing hindgut and the role of different portions of the small intestine in mediating changes in some glucoregulatory mechanisms and glucose homeostasis after intestinal surgery in Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats.

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have revealed changes in glucoregulatory mechanisms and glucose homeostasis after excluding foregut and interposing hindgut alone and lead to the "foregut hypothesis" and "hindgut hypothesis." However, these hypotheses are not mutually exclusive.

METHODS

Duodenal-jejunal bypass (DJB), ileal interposition (IT), duodenal-jejunal bypass with ileal interposition (DJBIT), sub-ileal interposition (sIT), and sham operations were performed on GK rats. Main outcome measures were oral glucose tolerance (studied at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 24 weeks), insulin sensitivity, β-cell function, and postprandial levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide(GIP) (evaluated at 2 and 24 weeks).

RESULTS

Global body weight in the control group was higher than in the operation groups at postoperative week 2, but it was similar among groups at postoperative week 24. The DJBIT procedure induced synergistic improvement in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity (P < 0.05). Generalized linear mixed-model analysis confirmed that glucose tolerance in nonsham operation groups improved over time (P < 0.001), with a significant time × treatment interaction (P < 0.001). Fasting C-peptide, postprandial insulin, GLP-1, and PYY levels increased after nonsham operations (P < 0.05); however, they were not significantly different among the DJBIT, DJB, and IT groups (P > 0.05). Compared with sub-IT, IT induced better glucose tolerance (P < 0.05) and higher postprandial insulin, GLP-1 and PYY levels (P < 0.05), and no significant difference in insulin sensitivity and fasting C-peptide was observed (P > 0.05). None of the surgical procedures affected glucose-stimulated GIP levels (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides experimental evidence that excluding foregut and interposing hindgut provided independent and synergistic changes in glucose homeostasis after intestinal surgery in GK rats and that glucose tolerance improved over time.

Long segment ileal transposition leads to early amelioration of glucose control in the diabetic obese Zucker rat

Introduction

Fast delivery of food to the terminal ileum is thought to be pathophysiologically responsible for type 2 diabetes remission after obesity surgery. Imitating this effect, ileal transposition (IT) is designed as initiating diabetes remission for non-obese patients.

Aim

To date, it is not clear which length of the transposed segment achieves the best glucose lowering results. As previous rodent data mostly rely on a 10 cm IT, the current study evaluated a long segment IT (20 cm) in the diabetic obese Zucker rat.

Material and methods

Twenty male diabetic obese Zucker rats (Crl:ZUC-Lepr^fa) were randomly assigned to undergo either a long segment (20 cm; ∼ 50% of ileum) IT or sham surgery. Glucose control was determined by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on day −7, 0, 14 and 20. Analysis of the incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY) and insulin was included in the first and third OGTT.

Results

Ileal transposition animals showed an early improvement of glucose control after 14 days (area under the curve: IT vs. baseline 314.7 ±229.0 mmol/l × min vs. 564.6 ±268.5 mmol/l × min; p < 0.05). Compared to sham animals, glucose-stimulated GLP-1 and PYY levels were raised (5.75 ±3.73 pmol/l vs. 18.52 ±14.22 pmol/l, p < 0.05; 129.7 ±64.62 pmol/l vs. 164.0 ±62.26 pmol/l, p < 0.05). Body weight gain from postoperative day 5 was greater for sham animals (50.22 ±20.93 γ vs. 16.4 ±25.93 g; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Long segment IT shows a rapid rise in GLP-1 and PYY levels, thus leading to early amelioration of glucose control.

Biochemical adaptations of mammalian hibernation: exploring squirrels as a perspective model for naturally induced reversible insulin resistance

An important disease among human metabolic disorders is type 2 diabetes mellitus. This disorder involves multiple physiological defects that result from high blood glucose content and eventually lead to the onset of insulin resistance. The combination of insulin resistance, increased glucose production, and decreased insulin secretion creates a diabetic metabolic environment that leads to a lifetime of management. Appropriate models are critical for the success of research. As such, a unique model providing insight into the mechanisms of reversible insulin resistance is mammalian hibernation. Hibernators, such as ground squirrels and bats, are excellent examples of animals exhibiting reversible insulin resistance, for which a rapid increase in body weight is required prior to entry into dormancy. Hibernator studies have shown differential regulation of specific molecular pathways involved in reversible resistance to insulin. The present review focuses on this growing area of research and the molecular mechanisms that regulate glucose homeostasis, and explores the roles of the Akt signaling pathway during hibernation. Here, we propose a link between hibernation, a well-documented response to periods of environmental stress, and reversible insulin resistance, potentially facilitated by key alterations in the Akt signaling network, PPAR-γ/PGC-1α regulation, and non-coding RNA expression. Coincidentally, many of the same pathways are frequently found to be dysregulated during insulin resistance in human type 2 diabetes. Hence, the molecular networks that may regulate reversible insulin resistance in hibernating mammals represent a novel approach by providing insight into medical treatment of insulin resistance in humans.

Bile-acid-mediated decrease in endoplasmic reticulum stress: a potential contributor to the metabolic benefits of ileal interposition surgery in UCD-T2DM rats

Post-operative increases in circulating bile acids have been suggested to contribute to the metabolic benefits of bariatric surgery; however, their mechanistic contributions remain undefined. We have previously reported that ileal interposition (IT) surgery delays the onset of type 2 diabetes in UCD-T2DM rats and increases circulating bile acids, independently of effects on energy intake or body weight. Therefore, we investigated potential mechanisms by which post-operative increases in circulating bile acids improve glucose homeostasis after IT surgery. IT, sham or no surgery was performed on 2-month-old weight-matched male UCD-T2DM rats. Animals underwent an oral fat tolerance test (OFTT) and serial oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT). Tissues were collected at 1.5 and 4.5 months after surgery. Cell culture models were used to investigate interactions between bile acids and ER stress. IT-operated animals exhibited marked improvements in glucose and lipid metabolism, with concurrent increases in postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion during the OFTT and OGTTs, independently of food intake and body weight. Measurement of circulating bile acid profiles revealed increases in circulating total bile acids in IT-operated animals, with a preferential increase in circulating cholic acid concentrations. Gut microbial populations were assessed as potential contributors to the increases in circulating bile acid concentrations, which revealed proportional increases in Gammaproteobacteria in IT-operated animals. Furthermore, IT surgery decreased all three sub-arms of ER stress signaling in liver, adipose and pancreas tissues. Amelioration of ER stress coincided with improved insulin signaling and preservation of β-cell mass in IT-operated animals. Incubation of hepatocyte, adipocyte and β-cell lines with cholic acid decreased ER stress. These results suggest that postoperative increases in circulating cholic acid concentration contribute to improvements in glucose homeostasis after IT surgery by ameliorating ER stress.

Pharmacological inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase provides cardioprotection in hyperglycemic rats

Glycemic regulation improves myocardial function in diabetic patients, but finding optimal therapeutic strategies remains challenging. Recent data have shown that pharmacological inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), an enzyme that decreases the endogenous levels of protective epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), improves glucose homeostasis in insulin-resistant mice. Here, we tested whether the administration of sEH inhibitors preserves cardiac myocyte structure and function in hyperglycemic rats. University of California-Davis-type 2 diabetes mellitus (UCD-T2DM) rats with nonfasting blood glucose levels in the range of 150-200 mg/dl were treated with the sEH inhibitor 1-(1-acetypiperidin-4-yl)-3-adamantanylurea (APAU) for 6 wk. Administration of APAU attenuated the progressive increase of blood glucose concentration and preserved mitochondrial structure and myofibril morphology in cardiac myocytes, as revealed by electron microscopy imaging. Fluorescence microscopy with Ca(2+) indicators also showed a 40% improvement of cardiac Ca(2+) transients in treated rats. Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) content was decreased in both treated and untreated rats compared with control rats. However, treatment limited this reduction by 30%, suggesting that APAU may protect the intracellular Ca(2+) effector system. Using Western blot analysis on cardiac myocyte lysates, we found less downregulation of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA), the main route of Ca(2+) reuptake in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and lower expression of hypertrophic markers in treated versus untreated UCD-T2DM rats. In conclusion, APAU enhances the therapeutic effects of EETs, resulting in slower progression of hyperglycemia, efficient protection of myocyte structure, and reduced Ca(2+) dysregulation and SERCA remodeling in hyperglycemic rats. The results suggest that sEH/EETs may be an effective therapeutic target for cardioprotection in insulin resistance and diabetes.

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy improves glucose and lipid metabolism and delays diabetes onset in UCD-T2DM rats

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) has gained interest as a low morbidity bariatric surgery, which is effective in producing weight loss and causing type 2 diabetes resolution. However, the efficacy of VSG to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes has not been previously investigated. VSG or sham surgery was performed on 2-month-old prediabetic male University of California Davis-type 2 diabetes mellitus rats. Sham-operated animals were either sham-operated ad libitum fed (S-AL) or were weight-matched to VSG-operated animals (S-WM). Diabetes onset was determined by weekly nonfasting blood glucose measurements. Animals underwent oral glucose tolerance tests at 1 and 4 months after surgery and indirect calorimetry at 1.5 months after surgery. VSG surgery significantly delayed diabetes onset compared with both S-AL and S-WM animals. VSG-operated animals ate 23% less and weighed 20% less than S-AL. Energy expenditure did not differ between VSG-operated animals and controls. Results from the oral glucose tolerance tests demonstrate improved glucose tolerance and islet function in VSG-operated animals compared with S-AL and S-WM. Nutrient-stimulated glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1, GLP-2, and peptide YY excursions were greater in VSG-operated animals. VSG surgery resulted in decreased fasting plasma insulin, ghrelin and lipid concentrations, and markedly higher fasting plasma adiponectin and bile acid concentrations, independent of body weight. Increases of circulating bile acid concentrations were due to selective increases of taurine-conjugated bile acids. Thus, VSG delays type 2 diabetes onset in the University of California Davis-type 2 diabetes mellitus rat, independent of body weight. This is potentially mediated by increases of circulating bile acids, adiponectin, and nutrient-stimulated GLP-1 secretion and decreased circulating ghrelin concentrations.

All bariatric surgeries are not created equal: insights from mechanistic comparisons

Despite considerable scientific progress on the biological systems that regulate energy balance, we have made precious little headway in providing new treatments to curb the obesity epidemic. Diet and exercise are the most popular treatment options for obesity, but rarely are they sufficient to produce long-term weight loss. Bariatric surgery, on the other hand, results in dramatic, sustained weight loss and for this reason has gained increasing popularity as a treatment modality for obesity. At least some surgical approaches also reduce obesity-related comorbidities including type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidemia. This success puts a premium on understanding how these surgeries exert their effects. This review focuses on the growing human and animal model literature addressing the underlying mechanisms. We compare three common procedures: Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB), vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), and adjustable gastric banding (AGB). Although many would group together VSG and AGB as restrictive procedures of the stomach, VSG is more like RYGB than AGB in its effects on a host of endpoints including intake, food choice, glucose regulation, lipids and gut hormone secretion. Our strong belief is that to advance our understanding of these procedures, it is necessary to group bariatric procedures not on the basis of surgical similarity but rather on how they affect key physiological variables. This will allow for greater mechanistic insight into how bariatric surgery works, making it possible to help patients better choose the best possible procedure and to develop new therapeutic strategies that can help a larger portion of the obese population.

Current evidence for a role of GLP-1 in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass-induced remission of type 2 diabetes

Weight-reducing surgical procedures such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) have proven efficient as means of decreasing excess body weight. Furthermore, some studies report that up to 80% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) undergoing RYGB experience complete remission of their T2DM. Interestingly, the majority of remissions occur almost immediately following the operation and long before significant weight loss has taken place. Following RYGB, dramatic increases in postprandial plasma concentrations of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) have been recorded, and the known antidiabetic effects of GLP-1 are thought to be key mediators in RYGB-induced remission of T2DM. However, the published studies on the impact of RYGB on GLP-1 secretion are few, small and often not controlled properly. Furthermore, mechanistic studies delineating the role of endogenous GLP-1 secretion in RYGB-induced remission of T2DM are lacking. This article critically evaluates the current evidence for a role of GLP-1 in RYGB-induced remission of T2DM.

Effects of ileal interposition on glucose metabolism in obese rats with diabetes

BACKGROUND

Ileal interposition (IT), in which the distal ileum is transposed isoperistaltically into the proximal jejunum, is considered as a procedure for metabolic or antidiabetes surgery. Our aim was to study the effects of IT on glycemic control, fat metabolism, and hormonal changes in obese rats with spontaneous diabetes.

METHODS

Animals were divided into either an IT or a sham (SH) group. They underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) before and 4 and 8 weeks after the operation. All animals were killed 10 weeks after operation for analyses of tissue weight (liver, pancreas, epididymal fat, brown fat), immunoblotting of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) protein in brown adipose tissue (BAT), and fasting plasma levels of glucose, insulin, glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1, peptide YY (PYY), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and leptin.

RESULTS

Body weight increased postoperatively in both groups compared with preoperative weight, but it did not differ between the 2 groups. Eight weeks postoperatively, integrated blood glucose levels during the OGTT were decreased in IT compared with SH (P < .05). Fasting plasma levels of insulin, GLP-1, and GIP did not differ between the 2 groups, but PYY levels were higher in the IT animals (P < .01). The weight of epididymal and BATs, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance, and fasting plasma leptin levels were decreased in the IT group (P < .05). Expression of UCP1 was higher in IT than SH animals (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that IT improves glucose and lipid metabolism by decreasing insulin resistance and epididymal fat, and increased expression of UCP1 in BAT might be among the mechanisms responsible.

Incretin-based therapies for treatment of postprandial dyslipidemia in insulin-resistant states

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In prediabetes and diabetes, hyperglycemia is often accompanied by fasting and postprandial hyperlipidemia. Incretin-based therapies are in increasing clinical use for treating hyperglycemia, but recent evidence emphasizes their ability to improve lipoprotein abnormalities. This is significant as heightened postprandial chylomicron levels during insulin resistance contribute to atherogenic diabetic dyslipidemia. This review summarises the evidence supporting a beneficial effect of incretin-based therapies on diabetic dyslipidemia through modulation of intestinal lipoprotein metabolism.

RECENT FINDINGS

Preclinical and clinical trials have involved administering dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists to healthy and insulin-resistant individuals. Results indicate that enhancing GLP-1R signalling decreases postprandial apoB48-containing triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. These effects may be direct or may be secondary to reduced gastric emptying, increased insulin secretion, or enhanced chylomicron clearance.

SUMMARY

Enhancing GLP-1R activity improves intestinal lipoprotein metabolism. GLP-1-mediated control of postprandial chylomicron production may be lost in type 2 diabetes in which the incretin response is impaired and in which associated dyslipidemia involves an excess of atherogenic chylomicron remnants. Further human studies are needed to better establish the impact of incretin-based therapies on dyslipidemia, as this offers a major new therapeutic approach to reduce cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetic patients.

Could the mechanisms of bariatric surgery hold the key for novel therapies? report from a Pennington Scientific Symposium

Bariatric surgery is the most effective method for promoting dramatic and durable weight loss in morbidly obese subjects. Furthermore, type 2 diabetes is resolved in over 80% of patients. The mechanisms behind the amelioration in metabolic abnormalities are largely unknown but may be due to changes in energy metabolism, gut peptides and food preference. The goal of this meeting was to review the latest research to better understand the mechanisms behind the 'magic' of bariatric surgery. Replication of these effects in a non-surgical manner remains one of the ultimate challenges for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. Promising data on energy metabolism, gastrointestinal physiology, hedonic response and food intake were reviewed and discussed.

Sleeve gastrectomy in rats improves postprandial lipid clearance by reducing intestinal triglyceride secretion

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Postprandial hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for atherosclerotic heart disease and is associated with the consumption of high-fat diets and obesity. Bariatric surgeries result in superior and more durable weight loss than dieting. These surgeries are also associated with multiple metabolic improvements, including reduced plasma lipid levels. We investigated whether the beneficial effects of vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) on plasma lipid levels are weight independent.

METHODS

VSG was performed on Long-Evans rats with diet-induced obesity. Controls were sham-operated animals who were either pair-fed or ad libitum-fed. We measured fasting and postprandial levels of plasma lipid. To determine hepatic and intestinal triglyceride secretion, we injected the lipase inhibitor poloxamer 407 alone or before oral lipid gavage. (13)C-Triolein was used to estimate postprandial uptake of lipid in the intestine.

RESULTS

Rats that received VSG and high-fat diets had markedly lower fasting levels of plasma triglyceride, cholesterol, and phospholipid than obese and lean (pair-fed) controls that were fed high-fat diets. Rats that received VSG had a marked, weight-independent reduction in secretion of intestinal triglycerides. VSG did not alter total intestinal triglyceride levels or size of the cholesterol storage pool nor did it affect the expression of genes in the intestine that control triglyceride metabolism and synthesis. VSG did not affect fasting secretion of triglyceride, liver weight, hepatic lipid storage, or transcription of genes that regulate hepatic lipid processing.

CONCLUSIONS

VSG reduced postprandial levels of plasma lipid, independently of body weight. This resulted from reduced intestinal secretion of triglycerides following ingestion of a lipid meal and indicates that VSG has important effects on metabolism.

Ileal interposition attenuates the satiety responses evoked by cholecystokinin-8 and -33

One of the possible mechanisms by which the weight-reducing surgical procedure ileal interposition (II) works is by increasing circulating levels of lower gut peptides that reduce food intake, such as glucagon like peptide-1 and peptide YY. However, since this surgery involves both lower and upper gut segments, we tested the hypothesis that II alters the satiety responses evoked by the classic upper gut peptide cholecystokinin (CCK). To test this hypothesis, we determined meal size (MS), intermeal interval (IMI) and satiety ratio (SR) evoked by CCK-8 and -33 (0, 1, 3, 5nmol/kg, i.p.) in two groups of rats, II and sham-operated. CCK-8 and -33 reduced MS more in the sham group than in the II group; CCK-33 prolonged IMI in the sham group and increased SR in both groups. Reduction of cumulative food intake by CCK-8 in II rats was blocked by devazepide, a CCK(1) receptor antagonist. In addition, as previously reported, we found that II resulted in a slight reduction in body weight compared to sham-operated rats. Based on these observations, we conclude that ileal interposition attenuates the satiety responses of CCK. Therefore, it is unlikely that this peptide plays a significant role in reduction of body weight by this surgery.

Gastric bypass surgery, but not caloric restriction, decreases dipeptidyl peptidase-4 activity in obese patients with type 2 diabetes

The mechanism by which incretins and their effect on insulin secretion increase markedly following gastric bypass (GBP) surgery is not fully elucidated. We hypothesized that a decrease in the activity of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), the enzyme which inactivates incretins, may explain the rise in incretin levels post-GBP. Fasting plasma DPP-4 activity was measured after 10-kg equivalent weight loss by GBP (n = 16) or by caloric restriction (CR,n = 14) in obese patients with type 2 diabetes. DPP-4 activity decreased after GBP by 11.6% (p = 0.01), but not after CR. The increased peak glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) response to oral glucose after GBP did not correlate with DPP-4 activity. The decrease in fasting plasma DPP-4 activity after GBP occurred by a mechanism independent of weight loss and did not relate to change in incretin concentrations. Whether the change in DPP-4 activity contributes to improved diabetes control after GBP remains therefore to be determined.

Loss of intestinal GATA4 prevents diet-induced obesity and promotes insulin sensitivity in mice

Transcriptional regulation of small intestinal gene expression controls plasma total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels, which are major determinants of metabolic diseases. GATA4, a zinc finger domain transcription factor, is critical for jejunal identity, and intestinal GATA4 deficiency leads to a jejunoileal transition. Although intestinal GATA4 ablation is known to misregulate jejunal gene expression, its pathophysiological impact on various components of metabolic syndrome remains unknown. Here, we used intestine-specific GATA4 knockout (GATA4iKO) mice to dissect the contribution of GATA4 on obesity development. We challenged adult GATA4iKO mice and control littermates with a Western-type diet (WTD) for 20 wk. Our findings show that WTD-fed GATA4iKO mice are resistant to diet-induced obesity. Accordingly, plasma TG and TC levels are markedly decreased. Intestinal lipid absorption in GATA4iKO mice was strongly reduced, whereas luminal lipolysis was unaffected. GATA4iKO mice displayed a greater glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) release on normal chow and even after long-term challenge with WTD remained glucose sensitive. In summary, our findings show that the absence of intestinal GATA4 has a beneficial effect on decreasing intestinal lipid absorption causing resistance to hyperlipidemia and obesity. In addition, we show that increased GLP-1 release in GATA4iKO mice decreases the risk for development of insulin resistance.

Intestinal adaptation after ileal interposition surgery increases bile acid recycling and protects against obesity-related comorbidities

Surgical interposition of distal ileum into the proximal jejunum is a bariatric procedure that improves the metabolic syndrome. Changes in intestinal and hepatic physiology after ileal interposition (transposition) surgery (IIS) are not well understood. Our aim was to elucidate the adaptation of the interposed ileum, which we hypothesized, would lead to early bile acid reabsorption in the interposed ileum, thus short circuiting enterohepatic bile acid recycling to more proximal bowel segments. Rats with diet-induced obesity were randomized to IIS, with 10 cm of ileum repositioned distal to the duodenum, or sham surgery. A subgroup of sham rats was pair-fed to IIS rats. Physiological parameters were measured until 6 wk postsurgery. IIS rats ate less and lost more weight for the first 2 wk postsurgery. At study completion, body weights were not different, but IIS rats had reversed components of the metabolic syndrome. The interposed ileal segment adapted to a more jejunum-like villi length, mucosal surface area, and GATA4/ILBP mRNA. The interposed segment retained capacity for bile acid reabsorption and anorectic hormone secretion with the presence of ASBT and glucagon-like-peptide-1-positive cells in the villi. IIS rats had reduced primary bile acid levels in the proximal intestinal tract and higher primary bile acid levels in the serum, suggesting an early and efficient reabsorption of primary bile acids. IIS rats also had increased taurine and glycine-conjugated serum bile acids and reduced fecal bile acid loss. There was decreased hepatic Cyp27A1 mRNA with no changes in hepatic FXR, SHP, or NTCP expression. IIS protects against the metabolic syndrome through short-circuiting enterohepatic bile acid recycling. There is early reabsorption of primary bile acids despite selective "jejunization" of the interposed ileal segment. Changes in serum bile acids or bile acid enterohepatic recycling may mediate the metabolic benefits seen after bariatric surgery.