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Tanday N, Zhu W, Tarasov AI, Flatt PR, Irwin N. [P 3]PP, a stable, long-acting pancreatic polypeptide analogue, evokes weight lowering and pancreatic beta-cell-protective effects in obesity-associated diabetes. Diabetes Obes Metab 2024. [PMID: 39192525 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
AIM To thoroughly investigate the impact of sustained neuropeptide Y4 receptor (NPY4R) activation in obesity-associated diabetes. METHODS Initially, the prolonged pharmacodynamic profile of the enzymatically stable pancreatic polypeptide (PP) analogue, [P3]PP, was confirmed in normal mice up to 24 h after injection. Subsequent to this, [P3]PP was administered twice daily (25 nmol/kg) for 28 days to high-fat-fed mice with streptozotocin-induced insulin deficiency, known as HFF/STZ mice. RESULTS Treatment with [P3]PP for 28 days reduced energy intake and was associated with notable weight loss. In addition, circulating glucose was returned to values of approximately 8 mmol/L in [P3]PP-treated mice, with significantly increased plasma insulin and decreased glucagon concentrations. Glucose tolerance and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion were improved in [P3]PP-treated HFF/STZ mice, with no obvious effect on peripheral insulin sensitivity. Benefits on insulin secretion were associated with elevated pancreatic insulin content as well as islet and beta-cell areas. Positive effects on islet architecture were linked to increased beta-cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis. Treatment intervention also decreased islet alpha-cell area, but pancreatic glucagon content remained unaffected. In addition, [P3]PP-treated HFF/STZ mice presented with reduced plasma alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels, with no change in circulating amylase concentrations. In terms of plasma lipid profile, triglyceride and cholesterol levels were significantly decreased by [P3]PP treatment, when compared to saline controls. CONCLUSION Collectively, these data highlight for the first time the potential of enzymatically stable PP analogues for the treatment of obesity and related diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Tanday
- Diabetes Research Centre, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Wuyun Zhu
- Diabetes Research Centre, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | | | - Peter R Flatt
- Diabetes Research Centre, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Nigel Irwin
- Diabetes Research Centre, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
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2
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Ghasemi Gojani E, Rai S, Norouzkhani F, Shujat S, Wang B, Li D, Kovalchuk O, Kovalchuk I. Targeting β-Cell Plasticity: A Promising Approach for Diabetes Treatment. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:7621-7667. [PMID: 39057094 PMCID: PMC11275945 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46070453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The β-cells within the pancreas play a pivotal role in insulin production and secretion, responding to fluctuations in blood glucose levels. However, factors like obesity, dietary habits, and prolonged insulin resistance can compromise β-cell function, contributing to the development of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). A critical aspect of this dysfunction involves β-cell dedifferentiation and transdifferentiation, wherein these cells lose their specialized characteristics and adopt different identities, notably transitioning towards progenitor or other pancreatic cell types like α-cells. This process significantly contributes to β-cell malfunction and the progression of T2D, often surpassing the impact of outright β-cell loss. Alterations in the expressions of specific genes and transcription factors unique to β-cells, along with epigenetic modifications and environmental factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, underpin the occurrence of β-cell dedifferentiation and the onset of T2D. Recent research underscores the potential therapeutic value for targeting β-cell dedifferentiation to manage T2D effectively. In this review, we aim to dissect the intricate mechanisms governing β-cell dedifferentiation and explore the therapeutic avenues stemming from these insights.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Olga Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; (E.G.G.)
| | - Igor Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; (E.G.G.)
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3
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Chernysheva МB, Ruchko ЕS, Karimova МV, Vorotelyak ЕA, Vasiliev АV. Development, regeneration, and physiological expansion of functional β-cells: Cellular sources and regulators. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1424278. [PMID: 39045459 PMCID: PMC11263198 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1424278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic regeneration is a complex process observed in both normal and pathological conditions. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the emergence of a functionally active population of insulin-secreting β-cells in the adult pancreas. The renewal of β-cells is governed by a multifaceted interaction between cellular sources of genetic and epigenetic factors. Understanding the development and heterogeneity of β-cell populations is crucial for functional β-cell regeneration. The functional mass of pancreatic β-cells increases in situations such as pregnancy and obesity. However, the specific markers of mature β-cell populations and postnatal pancreatic progenitors capable of increasing self-reproduction in these conditions remain to be elucidated. The capacity to regenerate the β-cell population through various pathways, including the proliferation of pre-existing β-cells, β-cell neogenesis, differentiation of β-cells from a population of progenitor cells, and transdifferentiation of non-β-cells into β-cells, reveals crucial molecular mechanisms for identifying cellular sources and inducers of functional cell renewal. This provides an opportunity to identify specific cellular sources and mechanisms of regeneration, which could have clinical applications in treating various pathologies, including in vitro cell-based technologies, and deepen our understanding of regeneration in different physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- М. B. Chernysheva
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Е. S. Ruchko
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Moscow, Russia
| | - М. V. Karimova
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, The Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Е. A. Vorotelyak
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Moscow, Russia
| | - А. V. Vasiliev
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Moscow, Russia
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4
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Hossein A, Firouzeh G, Zeinab K, Gholamreza D. Quercetin prevents kidney against diabetes mellitus (type 1) in rats by inhibiting TGF-β/apelin gene expression. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:677. [PMID: 38796641 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09617-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the main causes of diabetic nephropathy is oxidative stress induced by hyperglycemia. Apelin inhibits insulin secretion. Besides, renal expression of TGF-β is increased in diabetes mellitus (DM). The preventive effect of quercetin (Q) against renal functional disorders and tissue damage developed by DM in rats was assessed. METHODS Forty male Wistar rats were grouped into normal control (NC), normal + quercetin (NQ: quercetin, 50 mg/kg/day by gavage), diabetic control (DC: streptozotocin, 65 mg/kg, i.p.), diabetic + quercetin pretreatment (D + Qpre), and diabetic + quercetin post-treatment (D + Qpost). All samples (24-hour urine, plasma, pancreatic, and renal tissues) were obtained at the terminal of the experiment. RESULTS Compared to NC and NQ groups, DM ended in elevated plasma and glucose levels, decreased plasma insulin level, kidney dysfunction, augmented levels of malondialdehyde, decreased level of reduced glutathione, reduced enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, elevated gene expression levels of apelin and TGF-β, also renal and pancreatic histological damages. Quercetin administration diminished entire the changes. However, the measure of improvement in the D + Qpre group was higher than that of the D + Qpost group. CONCLUSION Quercetin prevents renal dysfunction induced by DM, which might be related to the diminution of lipid peroxidation, strengthening of antioxidant systems, and prevention of the apelin/ TGF-β signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Hossein
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Karimi Zeinab
- Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Daryabor Gholamreza
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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5
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Ciftel S, Tumkaya L, Saral S, Mercantepe T, Akyildiz K, Yilmaz A, Mercantepe F. The impact of apelin-13 on cisplatin-induced endocrine pancreas damage in rats: an in vivo study. Histochem Cell Biol 2024:10.1007/s00418-024-02269-x. [PMID: 38368592 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-024-02269-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Apelin-13 is a peptide hormone that regulates pancreatic endocrine functions, and its benefits on the endocrine pancreas are of interest. This study aims to investigate the potential protective effects of apelin-13 in cisplatin-induced endocrine pancreatic damage. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups: control, apelin-13, cisplatin, and cisplatin + apelin-13. Caspase-3, TUNEL, and Ki-67 immunohistochemical staining were used as markers of apoptosis and mitosis. NF-κB/p65 and TNFα were used to show inflammation. β-cells and α-cells were also evaluated with insulin and glucagon staining in the microscopic examination. Pancreatic tissue was subjected to biochemical analyses of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Apelin-13 ameliorated cisplatin-induced damage in the islets of Langerhans. The immunopositivity of apelin-13 on β-cells and α-cells was found to be increased compared to the cisplatin group (p = 0.001, p = 0.001). Mitosis and apoptosis were significantly higher in the cisplatin group (p = 0.001). Apelin-13 reduced TNFα, NF-κB/p65 positivity, and apoptosis caused by cisplatin (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001). While cisplatin caused a significant increase in MDA levels (p = 0.001), apelin caused a significant decrease in MDA levels (p = 0.001). The results demonstrated a significant decrease in pancreatic tissue GSH levels following cisplatin treatment (p = 0.001). Nevertheless, apelin-13 significantly enhanced cisplatin-induced GSH reduction (p = 0.001). On the other hand, the serum glucose level, which was measured as 18.7 ± 2.5 mmol/L in the cisplatin group, decreased to 13.8 ± 0.7 mmol/L in the cisplatin + apelin-13 group (p = 0.001). The study shows that apelin-13 ameliorated cisplatin-induced endocrine pancreas damage by reducing oxidative stress and preventing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serpil Ciftel
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Erzurum Regional Training and Research Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Levent Tumkaya
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey
| | - Sinan Saral
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey
| | - Tolga Mercantepe
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey
| | - Kerimali Akyildiz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey
| | - Adnan Yilmaz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey
| | - Filiz Mercantepe
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine Recep, Tayyip Erdogan University, 53010, Rize, Turkey.
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Tanday N, Tarasov AI, Moffett RC, Flatt PR, Irwin N. Pancreatic islet cell plasticity: Pathogenic or therapeutically exploitable? Diabetes Obes Metab 2024; 26:16-31. [PMID: 37845573 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
The development of pancreatic islet endocrine cells is a tightly regulated process leading to the generation of distinct cell types harbouring different hormones in response to small changes in environmental stimuli. Cell differentiation is driven by transcription factors that are also critical for the maintenance of the mature islet cell phenotype. Alteration of the insulin-secreting β-cell transcription factor set by prolonged metabolic stress, associated with the pathogenesis of diabetes, obesity or pregnancy, results in the loss of β-cell identity through de- or transdifferentiation. Importantly, the glucose-lowering effects of approved and experimental antidiabetic agents, including glucagon-like peptide-1 mimetics, novel peptides and small molecules, have been associated with preventing or reversing β-cell dedifferentiation or promoting the transdifferentiation of non-β-cells towards an insulin-positive β-cell-like phenotype. Therefore, we review the manifestations of islet cell plasticity in various experimental settings and discuss the physiological and therapeutic sides of this phenomenon, focusing on strategies for preventing β-cell loss or generating new β-cells in diabetes. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning islet cell plasticity is a prerequisite for more targeted therapies to help prevent β-cell decline in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Tanday
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Andrei I Tarasov
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
| | - R Charlotte Moffett
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
| | - Peter R Flatt
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
| | - Nigel Irwin
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
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7
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Lafferty R, Tanday N, Dubey V, Coulter-Parkhill A, Vishal K, Moffett RC, O'Harte F, Flatt PR, Irwin N. The glucagon receptor antagonist desHis 1Pro 4Glu 9-glucagon(Lys 12PAL) alters alpha-cell turnover and lineage in mice, but does not cause alpha-cell hyperplasia. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 570:111932. [PMID: 37080378 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.111932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glucagon receptor (GCGR) antagonism elicits antihyperglycemic effects in rodents and humans. The present study investigates whether the well characterised peptide-based GCGR antagonist, desHis1Pro4Glu9-glucagon (Lys12PAL), alters alpha-cell turnover or identity in mice. METHODS Multiple low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) treated (50 mg/kg bw, 5 days) transgenic GluCreERT2;ROSA26-eYFP mice were employed. STZ mice received twice daily administration of saline vehicle or desHis1Pro4Glu9-glucagon (Lys12PAL), at low- or high-dose (25 and 100 nmol/kg, respectively) for 11 days. RESULTS No GCGR antagonist induced changes in food or fluid intake, body weight or glucose homeostasis were observed. As expected, STZ dramatically reduced (P < 0.001) islet numbers and increased (P < 0.01) alpha-to beta-cell ratio, which was linked to elevated (P < 0.05) levels of beta-cell apoptosis. Whilst treatment with desHis1Pro4Glu9-glucagon (Lys12PAL) decreased (P < 0.05-P < 0.001) alpha- and beta-cell areas, it also helped restore the classic rodent islet alpha-cell mantle in STZ mice. Interestingly, low-dose desHis1Pro4Glu9-glucagon (Lys12PAL) increased (P < 0.05) alpha-cell apoptosis rates whilst high dose decreased (p < 0.05) this parameter. This difference reflects substantially increased (P < 0.001) alpha-to beta-cell transdifferentiation following high dose desHis1Pro4Glu9-glucagon (Lys12PAL) treatment, which was not fully manifest with low-dose therapy. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, the present study indicates that peptidic GCGR antagonists can positively influence alpha-cell turnover and lineage in identity in multiple low-dose STZ mice, but that such effects are dose-related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Lafferty
- Centre for Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Neil Tanday
- Centre for Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Vaibhav Dubey
- Centre for Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | | | - Karthick Vishal
- Centre for Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | | | - Finbarr O'Harte
- Centre for Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Peter R Flatt
- Centre for Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Nigel Irwin
- Centre for Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK.
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8
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Kurtzhals P, Østergaard S, Nishimura E, Kjeldsen T. Derivatization with fatty acids in peptide and protein drug discovery. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:59-80. [PMID: 36002588 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00529-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Peptides and proteins are widely used to treat a range of medical conditions; however, they often have to be injected and their effects are short-lived. These shortcomings of the native structure can be addressed by molecular engineering, but this is a complex undertaking. A molecular engineering technology initially applied to insulin - and which has now been successfully applied to several biopharmaceuticals - entails the derivatization of peptides and proteins with fatty acids. Various protraction mechanisms are enabled by the specific characteristics and positions of the attached fatty acid. Furthermore, the technology can ensure a long half-life following oral administration of peptide drugs, can alter the distribution of peptides and may hold potential for tissue targeting. Due to the inherent safety and well-defined chemical nature of the fatty acids, this technology provides a versatile approach to peptide and protein drug discovery.
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9
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Klempel N, Thomas K, Conlon JM, Flatt PR, Irwin N. Alpha-cells and therapy of diabetes: Inhibition, antagonism or death? Peptides 2022; 157:170877. [PMID: 36108978 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Absolute or relative hyperglucagonaemia is a characteristic of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, resulting in fasting hyperglycaemia due in part to increased hepatic glucose production and lack of postprandial suppression of circulating glucagon concentrations. Consequently, therapeutics that target glucagon secretion or biological action may be effective antidiabetic agents. In this regard, specific glucagon receptor (GCGR) antagonists have been developed that exhibit impressive glucose-lowering actions, but unfortunately may cause off-target adverse effects in humans. Further to this, several currently approved antidiabetic agents, including GLP-1 mimetics, DPP-4 inhibitors, metformin, sulphonylureas and pramlintide likely exert part of their glucose homeostatic actions through direct or indirect inhibition of GCGR signalling. In addition to agents that inhibit the release of glucagon, compounds that enhance the transdifferentiation of glucagon secreting alpha-cells towards an insulin positive beta-cell phenotype could also help curb excess glucagon secretion in diabetes. Use of alpha-cell toxins represents another possible strategy to address hyperglucagonaemia in diabetes. In that respect, research from the 1920 s with diguanides such as synthalin A demonstrated effective glucose-lowering with alpha-cell ablation in both animal models and humans with diabetes. However, further clinical use of synthalin A was curtailed due its adverse effects and the increased availability of insulin. Overall, these observations with therapeutics that directly target alpha-cells, or GCGR signaling, highlight a largely untapped potential for diabetes therapy that merits further detailed consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Klempel
- Diabetes Research Centre, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Keith Thomas
- Diabetes Research Centre, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK
| | - J Michael Conlon
- Diabetes Research Centre, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Peter R Flatt
- Diabetes Research Centre, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Nigel Irwin
- Diabetes Research Centre, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK.
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10
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Sarnobat D, Lafferty RA, Charlotte Moffett R, Tarasov AI, Flatt PR, Irwin N. Effects of artemether on pancreatic islet morphology, islet cell turnover and α-cell transdifferentiation in insulin-deficient GluCreERT2;ROSA26-eYFP diabetic mice. J Pharm Pharmacol 2022; 74:1758-1764. [PMID: 36206181 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgac075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The antimalarial drug artemether is suggested to effect pancreatic islet cell transdifferentiation, presumably through activation γ-aminobutyric acid receptors, but this biological action is contested. METHODS We have investigated changes in α-cell lineage in response to 10-days treatment with artemether (100 mg/kg oral, once daily) on a background of β-cell stress induced by multiple low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) injection in GluCreERT2; ROSA26-eYFP transgenic mice. KEY FINDINGS Artemether intervention did not affect the actions of STZ on body weight, food and fluid intake or blood glucose. Circulating insulin and glucagon were reduced by STZ treatment, with a corresponding decline in pancreatic insulin content, which were not altered by artemether. The detrimental changes to pancreatic islet morphology induced by STZ were also evident in artemether-treated mice. Tracing of α-cell lineage, through co-staining for glucagon and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP), revealed a significant decrease of the proportion of glucagon+YFP- cells in STZ-diabetic mice, which was reversed by artemether. However, artemether had no effect on transdifferentiation of α-cells into β-cells and failed to augment the number of bi-hormonal, insulin+glucagon+, islet cells. CONCLUSIONS Our observations confirm that artemisinin derivatives do not impart meaningful benefits on islet cell lineage transition events or pancreatic islet morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipak Sarnobat
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Centre for Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Ryan A Lafferty
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Centre for Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - R Charlotte Moffett
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Centre for Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Andrei I Tarasov
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Centre for Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Peter R Flatt
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Centre for Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Nigel Irwin
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Centre for Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
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11
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Porter JM, Guerassimoff L, Castiello FR, Charette A, Tabrizian M. INGAP-Peptide Variants as a Novel Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes: Effect on Human Islet Insulin Secretion and Gene Expression. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091833. [PMID: 36145580 PMCID: PMC9502412 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Islet transplantation offers a long-term cure for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), freeing patients from daily insulin injections. Therapeutic peptides have shown potential to increase the insulin output of pancreatic islets, maximizing the impact of grafted cells. The islet neogenesis-associated protein (INGAP), and its bioactive core (INGAP-P), stimulate beta-cell function and viability, offering the possibility for islet treatment prior to implant. However, dosing efficacy is limited by low circulation time and enzyme degradation. This proof-of-concept study presents the investigation of novel molecular variants of INGAP-P to find a more bioactive form. Custom-designed peptide variants of INGAP-P were synthesized and tested for their effect on the insulin secretion and gene expression of live human islets. We exposed the live islets of five donors to varying glucose concentrations with INGAP-P variants in solution. We identified four peptide variants (I9, I15Tyr, I19 and I15Cys) which displayed statistically significant enhancements over negative controls (representing a 1.6–2.8-fold increase in stimulation index). This is the first study that has assessed these INGAP-P variants in human islets. It highlights the potential for customized peptides for type 1 diabetes therapy and provides a foundation for future peptide-screening experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. Porter
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Léa Guerassimoff
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Campus MIL, l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - Francisco Rafael Castiello
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - André Charette
- Campus MIL, l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - Maryam Tabrizian
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1G1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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12
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Reiterer M, Gilani A, Lo JC. Pancreatic Islets as a Target of Adipokines. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:4039-4065. [PMID: 35950650 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Rising rates of obesity are intricately tied to the type 2 diabetes epidemic. The adipose tissues can play a central role in protection against or triggering metabolic diseases through the secretion of adipokines. Many adipokines may improve peripheral insulin sensitivity through a variety of mechanisms, thereby indirectly reducing the strain on beta cells and thus improving their viability and functionality. Such effects will not be the focus of this article. Rather, we will focus on adipocyte-secreted molecules that have a direct effect on pancreatic islets. By their nature, adipokines represent potential druggable targets that can reach the islets and improve beta-cell function or preserve beta cells in the face of metabolic stress. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:1-27, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Reiterer
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Weill Center for Metabolic Health, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ankit Gilani
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Weill Center for Metabolic Health, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - James C Lo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Weill Center for Metabolic Health, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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13
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Lv C, Sun Y, Zhang ZY, Aboelela Z, Qiu X, Meng ZX. β-cell dynamics in type 2 diabetes and in dietary and exercise interventions. J Mol Cell Biol 2022; 14:6656373. [PMID: 35929791 PMCID: PMC9710517 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjac046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance are two of the major causes of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Recent clinical and experimental studies have suggested that the functional capacity of β-cells, particularly in the first phase of insulin secretion, is a primary contributor to the progression of T2D and its associated complications. Pancreatic β-cells undergo dynamic compensation and decompensation processes during the development of T2D, in which metabolic stresses such as endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, and inflammatory signals are key regulators of β-cell dynamics. Dietary and exercise interventions have been shown to be effective approaches for the treatment of obesity and T2D, especially in the early stages. Whilst the targeted tissues and underlying mechanisms of dietary and exercise interventions remain somewhat vague, accumulating evidence has implicated the improvement of β-cell functional capacity. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the understanding of the dynamic adaptations of β-cell function in T2D progression and clarify the effects and mechanisms of dietary and exercise interventions on β-cell dysfunction in T2D. This review provides molecular insights into the therapeutic effects of dietary and exercise interventions on T2D, and more importantly, it paves the way for future research on the related underlying mechanisms for developing precision prevention and treatment of T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengan Lv
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology and Metabolic Research Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China,Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yuchen Sun
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology and Metabolic Research Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China,Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China,Zhejiang University–University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE), Zhejiang University, Haining 314400, China
| | - Zhe Yu Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology and Metabolic Research Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China,Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zeyad Aboelela
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology and Metabolic Research Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China,Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China,Bachelors of Surgery, Bachelors of Medicine (MBBS), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
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14
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Mohan S, Lafferty RA, Flatt PR, Moffett RC, Irwin N. Ac3IV, a V1a and V1b receptor selective vasopressin analogue, protects against hydrocortisone-induced changes in pancreatic islet cell lineage. Peptides 2022; 152:170772. [PMID: 35202749 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Avpr1a (V1a) and Avpr1b (V1b) receptor selective, vasopressin (AVP) analogue, Ac3IV has been shown to improve metabolism and pancreatic islet structure in diabetes and insulin resistance. The present study further investigates these actions by assessing the ability of Ac3IV to protect against pancreatic islet architectural disturbances induced by hydrocortisone (HC) treatment in transgenic Ins1Cre/+;Rosa26-eYFP mice, that possess beta-cell lineage tracing capabilities. HC intervention increased (p < 0.001) energy intake but reduced (p < 0.01) body weight gain, with no impact of Ac3IV. All HC mice had reduced (p < 0.05) circulating glucose, but plasma insulin and glucagon concentrations remained unchanged. However, HC mice presented with increased (p < 0.001) pancreatic insulin content, which was further augmented by Ac3IV. In addition, Ac3IV treatment countered HC-induced increases in islet-, beta- and alpha-cell areas (p < 0.01), as well as promoting islet number towards control levels. This was accompanied by reduced (p < 0.05) beta-cell growth, but enhanced (p < 0.001) alpha-cell proliferation. There were no changes in islet cell apoptotic rates in any of the groups of HC mice, but co-expression of CK19 with insulin in pancreatic ductal cells was reduced by Ac3IV. Assessment of beta-cell lineage revealed that Ac3IV partially protected against HC-mediated de-differentiation of mature beta-cells, whilst also decreasing (p < 0.01) beta- to alpha-cell transdifferentiation. Our data indicate that sustained activation of V1a and V1b receptors exerts positive islet cell transition effects to help retain beta-cell identity in HC mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Mohan
- SAAD Centre for Pharmacy and Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Ryan A Lafferty
- SAAD Centre for Pharmacy and Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Peter R Flatt
- SAAD Centre for Pharmacy and Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - R Charlotte Moffett
- SAAD Centre for Pharmacy and Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Nigel Irwin
- SAAD Centre for Pharmacy and Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK.
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15
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Biondi G, Marrano N, Borrelli A, Rella M, Palma G, Calderoni I, Siciliano E, Lops P, Giorgino F, Natalicchio A. Adipose Tissue Secretion Pattern Influences β-Cell Wellness in the Transition from Obesity to Type 2 Diabetes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105522. [PMID: 35628332 PMCID: PMC9143684 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of the β-cell functional mass, which is a reduction in the number of β-cells and their ability to secure adequate insulin secretion, represents a key mechanistic factor leading to the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Obesity is recognised as a leading cause of β-cell loss and dysfunction and a risk factor for T2D. The natural history of β-cell failure in obesity-induced T2D can be divided into three steps: (1) β-cell compensatory hyperplasia and insulin hypersecretion, (2) insulin secretory dysfunction, and (3) loss of β-cell mass. Adipose tissue (AT) secretes many hormones/cytokines (adipokines) and fatty acids that can directly influence β-cell function and viability. As this secretory pattern is altered in obese and diabetic patients, it is expected that the cross-talk between AT and pancreatic β-cells could drive the maintenance of the β-cell integrity under physiological conditions and contribute to the reduction in the β-cell functional mass in a dysmetabolic state. In the current review, we summarise the evidence of the ability of the AT secretome to influence each step of β-cell failure, and attempt to draw a timeline of the alterations in the adipokine secretion pattern in the transition from obesity to T2D that reflects the progressive deterioration of the β-cell functional mass.
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16
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Palmer ES, Irwin N, O’Harte FPM. Potential Therapeutic Role for Apelin and Related Peptides in Diabetes: An Update. Clin Med Insights Endocrinol Diabetes 2022; 15:11795514221074679. [PMID: 35177945 PMCID: PMC8844737 DOI: 10.1177/11795514221074679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an epidemic with an ever-increasing global prevalence. Current treatment strategies, although plentiful and somewhat effective, often fail to achieve desired glycaemic goals in many people, leading ultimately to disease complications. The lack of sustained efficacy of clinically-approved drugs has led to a heightened interest in the development of novel alternative efficacious antidiabetic therapies. One potential option in this regard is the peptide apelin, an adipokine that acts as an endogenous ligand of the APJ receptor. Apelin exists in various molecular isoforms and was initially studied for its cardiovascular benefits, however recent research suggests that it also plays a key role in glycaemic control. As such, apelin peptides have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance and lower circulating blood glucose. Nevertheless, native apelin has a short biological half-life that limits its therapeutic potential. More recently, analogues of apelin, particularly apelin-13, have been developed that possess a significantly extended biological half-life. These analogues may represent a promising target for future development of therapies for metabolic disease including diabetes and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan S Palmer
- Ethan S Palmer, Diabetes Research Group, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK.
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17
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Mohan S, Lafferty R, Tanday N, Flatt PR, Moffett RC, Irwin N. Beneficial impact of Ac3IV, an AVP analogue acting specifically at V1a and V1b receptors, on diabetes islet morphology and transdifferentiation of alpha- and beta-cells. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261608. [PMID: 34929019 PMCID: PMC8687525 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ac3IV (Ac-CYIQNCPRG-NH2) is an enzymatically stable vasopressin analogue that selectively activates Avpr1a (V1a) and Avpr1b (V1b) receptors. In the current study we have employed streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic transgenic Ins1Cre/+;Rosa26-eYFP and GluCreERT2;Rosa26-eYFP mice, to evaluate the impact of sustained Ac3IV treatment on pancreatic islet cell morphology and transdifferentiation. Twice-daily administration of Ac3IV (25 nmol/kg bw) to STZ-diabetic Ins1Cre/+;Rosa26-eYFP mice for 12 days increased pancreatic insulin (p<0.01) and significantly reversed the detrimental effects of STZ on pancreatic islet morphology. Such benefits were coupled with increased (p<0.01) beta-cell proliferation and decreased (p<0.05) beta-cell apoptosis. In terms of islet cell lineage tracing, induction of diabetes increased (p<0.001) beta- to alpha-cell differentiation in Ins1Cre/+;Rosa26-eYFP mice, with Ac3IV partially reversing (p<0.05) such transition events. Comparable benefits of Ac3IV on pancreatic islet architecture were observed in STZ-diabetic GluCreERT2;ROSA26-eYFP transgenic mice. In this model, Ac3IV provoked improvements in islet morphology which were linked to increased (p<0.05-p<0.01) transition of alpha- to beta-cells. Ac3IV also increased (p<0.05-p<0.01) CK-19 co-expression with insulin in pancreatic ductal and islet cells. Blood glucose levels were unchanged by Ac3IV in both models, reflecting the severity of diabetes induced. Taken together these data indicate that activation of islet receptors for V1a and V1b positively modulates alpha- and beta-cell turnover and endocrine cell lineage transition events to preserve beta-cell identity and islet architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Mohan
- SAAD Centre for Pharmacy and Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan Lafferty
- SAAD Centre for Pharmacy and Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Tanday
- SAAD Centre for Pharmacy and Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Peter R. Flatt
- SAAD Centre for Pharmacy and Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - R. Charlotte Moffett
- SAAD Centre for Pharmacy and Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel Irwin
- SAAD Centre for Pharmacy and Diabetes, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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18
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Strutt B, Szlapinski S, Gnaneswaran T, Donegan S, Hill J, Bennett J, Hill DJ. Ontology of the apelinergic system in mouse pancreas during pregnancy and relationship with β-cell mass. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15475. [PMID: 34326390 PMCID: PMC8322410 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94725-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The apelin receptor (Aplnr) and its ligands, Apelin and Apela, contribute to metabolic control. The insulin resistance associated with pregnancy is accommodated by an expansion of pancreatic β-cell mass (BCM) and increased insulin secretion, involving the proliferation of insulin-expressing, glucose transporter 2-low (Ins+Glut2LO) progenitor cells. We examined changes in the apelinergic system during normal mouse pregnancy and in pregnancies complicated by glucose intolerance with reduced BCM. Expression of Aplnr, Apelin and Apela was quantified in Ins+Glut2LO cells isolated from mouse pancreata and found to be significantly higher than in mature β-cells by DNA microarray and qPCR. Apelin was localized to most β-cells by immunohistochemistry although Aplnr was predominantly associated with Ins+Glut2LO cells. Aplnr-staining cells increased three- to four-fold during pregnancy being maximal at gestational days (GD) 9-12 but were significantly reduced in glucose intolerant mice. Apelin-13 increased β-cell proliferation in isolated mouse islets and INS1E cells, but not glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Glucose intolerant pregnant mice had significantly elevated serum Apelin levels at GD 9 associated with an increased presence of placental IL-6. Placental expression of the apelinergic axis remained unaltered, however. Results show that the apelinergic system is highly expressed in pancreatic β-cell progenitors and may contribute to β-cell proliferation in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Strutt
- Lawson Health Research Institute, St Joseph Health Care, 268 Grosvenor St, London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Sandra Szlapinski
- Lawson Health Research Institute, St Joseph Health Care, 268 Grosvenor St, London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Thineesha Gnaneswaran
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Sarah Donegan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Jessica Hill
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Jamie Bennett
- Lawson Health Research Institute, St Joseph Health Care, 268 Grosvenor St, London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada
- Life Sciences Program, School of Interdisciplinary Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4LD, Canada
| | - David J Hill
- Lawson Health Research Institute, St Joseph Health Care, 268 Grosvenor St, London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada.
- Departments of Medicine and Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada.
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19
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Gao Z, Zhong X, Tan YX, Liu D. Apelin‑13 alleviates diabetic nephropathy by enhancing nitric oxide production and suppressing kidney tissue fibrosis. Int J Mol Med 2021; 48:175. [PMID: 34278446 PMCID: PMC8354312 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.5008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is a serious metabolic disease, and the kidney damage induced by diabetes also seriously affects the survival of patients. Apelin is a molecule that plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism, and recent studies have revealed that apelin-13, a subtype of apelin, plays an important role in regulating blood glucose levels. However, the role of apelin-13 in diabetic nephropathy remains unclear. In the present study, a rat model of diabetic nephropathy was constructed by the injection of streptozocin (STZ). During this process, these rats were injected with apelin-13. The blood glucose, urine protein and insulin levels were determined weekly. Next, the expression of angiotensin domain type 1 receptor-associated protein (APJ), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), E-cadherin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the kidney tissues was determined with western blotting. Then, the endothelial cells of glomerular vessels were cultured with high glucose medium. These cells were treated with apelin-13 for 24 h. Finally, cell viability of these cells and the expression of APJ, eNOS, E-cadherin and α-SMA in these cells were determined with western blotting. As a result, treatment of apelin-13 induced the lower levels of blood glucose and urine protein. In addition, application of apelin-13 promoted the production of insulin and alleviated the insulin resistance. Treatment with apelin-13 promoted the expression of APJ, eNOS and E-cadherin while it suppressed the expression of α-SMA in kidney tissues of rats and endothelial cells of glomerular vessels. Furthermore, application of apelin-13 also promoted the cell viability of these cells. In conclusion, apelin-13 relieved diabetic nephropathy by promoting the production of nitric oxide (NO) and alleviating the fibrosis of kidney tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Gao
- Department of Nephrology, Air Force Medical Center, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zhong
- Department of Nephrology, Longgang District Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518116, P.R. China
| | - Ying-Xia Tan
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Air Force Medical Center, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
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20
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Trân K, Murza A, Sainsily X, Delile E, Couvineau P, Côté J, Coquerel D, Peloquin M, Auger-Messier M, Bouvier M, Lesur O, Sarret P, Marsault É. Structure-Activity Relationship and Bioactivity of Short Analogues of ELABELA as Agonists of the Apelin Receptor. J Med Chem 2020; 64:602-615. [PMID: 33350824 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
ELABELA (ELA) is the second endogenous ligand of the apelin receptor (APJ). Although apelin-13 and ELA both target APJ, there is limited information on structure-activity relationship (SAR) of ELA. In the present work, we identified the shortest bioactive C-terminal fragment ELA23-32, which possesses high affinity for APJ (Ki 4.6 nM) and produces cardiorenal effects in vivo similar to those of ELA. SAR studies on conserved residues (Leu25, His26, Val29, Pro30, Phe31, Pro32) show that ELA and apelin-13 may interact differently with APJ. His26 and Val29 emerge as important for ELA binding. Docking and binding experiments suggest that Phe31 of ELA may bind to a tight groove distinct from that of Phe13 of Ape13, while the Phe13 pocket may be occupied by Pro32 of ELA. Further characterization of signaling profiles on the Gαi1, Gα12, and β-arrestin2 pathways reveals the importance of aromatic residue at the Phe31 or Pro32 position for receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kien Trân
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Alexandre Murza
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Xavier Sainsily
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Eugénie Delile
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Pierre Couvineau
- Département de Biochimie et de Médecine Moléculaire & Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et Cancérologie (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montréal H3T 1J4, Québec, Canada
| | - Jérôme Côté
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - David Coquerel
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Maude Peloquin
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Mannix Auger-Messier
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Michel Bouvier
- Département de Biochimie et de Médecine Moléculaire & Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et Cancérologie (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montréal H3T 1J4, Québec, Canada
| | - Olivier Lesur
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Philippe Sarret
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
| | - Éric Marsault
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada.,Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
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