Improved blood glucose disposal and altered insulin secretion patterns in adenosine A(1) receptor knockout mice

Feeding desensitizes A1 adenosine receptors in adipose through FOXO1-mediated transcriptional regulation

OBJECTIVE

Adipose tissue is a critical regulator of energy balance that must rapidly shift its metabolism between fasting and feeding to maintain homeostasis. Adenosine has been characterized as an important regulator of adipocyte metabolism primarily through its actions on A₁ adenosine receptors (A1R). We sought to understand the role A1R plays specifically in adipocytes during fasting and feeding to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism.

METHODS

We used Adora1 floxed mice with an inducible, adiponectin-Cre to generate FAdora1^-/- mice, where F designates a fat-specific deletion of A1R. We used these FAdora1^-/- mice along with specific agonists and antagonists of A1R to investigate changes in adenosine signaling within adipocytes between the fasted and fed state.

RESULTS

We found that the adipose tissue response to adenosine is not static, but changes dynamically according to nutrient conditions through the insulin-Akt-FOXO1 axis. We show that under fasted conditions, FAdora1^-/- mice had impairments in the suppression of lipolysis by insulin on normal chow and impaired glucose tolerance on high-fat diet. FAdora1^-/- mice also exhibited a higher lipolytic response to isoproterenol than WT controls when fasted, however this difference was lost after a 4-hour refeeding period. We demonstrate that FOXO1 binds to the A1R promoter, and refeeding leads to a rapid downregulation of A1R transcript and desensitization of adipocytes to A1R agonism. Obesity also desensitizes adipocyte A1R, and this is accompanied by a disruption of cyclical changes in A1R transcription between fasting and refeeding.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose that FOXO1 drives high A1R expression under fasted conditions to limit excess lipolysis during stress and augment insulin action upon feeding. Subsequent downregulation of A1R under fed conditions leads to desensitization of these receptors in adipose tissue. This regulation of A1R may facilitate reentrance into the catabolic state upon fasting.

Adenosine/A1R signaling pathway did not play dominant roles on the influence of SGLT2 inhibitor in the kidney of BSA‐overloaded STZ‐induced diabetic mice

Aims/Introduction

Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been shown to display excellent renoprotective effects in diabetic kidney disease with macroalbuminuria/proteinuria. Regarding the renoprotective mechanism of SGLT2i, a sophisticated hypothesis was made by explaining the suppression of glomerular hypertension/hyperfiltration through the adenosine/adenosine type 1 receptor (A1R) signaling‐mediated restoration of the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism; however, how such A1R signaling is relevant for renoprotection by SGLT2i in diabetic kidney disease with proteinuria has not been elucidated.

Materials and Methods

Streptozotocin‐induced diabetic CD‐1 mice were injected with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and treated with SGLT2i in the presence/absence of A1R inhibitor administration.

Results

We found that the influences of SGLT2i are essentially independent of the activation of A1R signaling in the kidney of BSA‐overloaded streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice. BSA‐overloaded diabetic mice showed the trend of kidney damage with higher glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the significant induction of fibrogenic genes, such as transforming growth factor‐β2 and collagen type III. SGLT2i TA‐1887 suppressed diabetes‐induced GFR in BSA‐overloaded diabetic mice was associated with the significant suppression of transforming growth factor‐β2 and collagen type III; A1R‐specific inhibitor 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine did not cancel the effects of TA‐1887 on either GFR or associated gene levels. Both TA‐1887 and 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine‐treated BSA‐overloaded diabetic mice showed suppressed glycated hemoglobin levels associated with the increased food intake. When analyzing the association among histological evaluation, GFR and potential fibrogenic gene levels, each group of mice showed distinct correlation patterns.

Conclusions

A1R signaling activation was not the dominant mechanism on the influence of SGLT2i in the kidney of BSA‐overloaded diabetic mice.

Obesity-induced changes in human islet G protein-coupled receptor expression: Implications for metabolic regulation

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large family of cell surface receptors that are the targets for many different classes of pharmacotherapy. The islets of Langerhans are central to appropriate glucose homeostasis through their secretion of insulin, and islet function can be modified by ligands acting at the large number of GPCRs that islets express. The human islet GPCRome is not a static entity, but one that is altered under pathophysiological conditions and, in this review, we have compared expression of GPCR mRNAs in human islets obtained from normal weight range donors, and those with a weight range classified as obese. We have also considered the likely outcomes on islet function that the altered GPCR expression status confers and the possible impact that adipokines, secreted from expanded fat depots, could have at those GPCRs showing altered expression in obesity.

Transcriptomic and methylomic analysis reveal the toxicological effect of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin on human embryonic stem cell

Cumulating epidemiological studies demonstrated that environmental exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during the early stages of fetal development is associated with the increase in disease susceptibility in later life. The fetal developmental plasticity is considered as a protective mechanism against an undesirable prenatal environment. Dioxin is one of the environmental contaminants and is considered a diabetogenic factor. Experimental animal and human epidemiological studies have revealed that dioxin exposure was associated with insulin resistance and altered beta cell function. But the effect of dioxin exposure in early stage of fetal development is still largely unknown. In this report, we used the human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line, VAL-3, as a model, together with Methyl-CpG Binding Domain (MBD) protein-enriched genome sequencing and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), in order to determine the dynamic changes of the epigenetic landscape and transcriptional dysregulation in hESC upon dioxin exposure. The bioinformatics analyses including the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) analysis and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) highlighted the predisposed neural, hepatic, cardiac and metabolic toxicological effects of dioxin during the fetal development.

The adenosine, adrenergic and opioid pathways in the regulation of insulin secretion, beta cell proliferation and regeneration

Insulin, a key hormone produced by pancreatic beta cells precisely regulates glucose metabolism in vertebrates. In type 1 diabetes, the beta cell mass is destroyed, a process triggered by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. This ultimately results in absolute insulin deficiency and dysregulated glucose metabolism resulting in a number of detrimental pathophysiological effects. The traditional focus of treating type 1 diabetes has been to control blood sugar levels through the administration of exogenous insulin. Newer approaches aim to replace the beta cell mass through pancreatic or islet transplantation. Type 2 diabetes results from a relative insulin deficiency for the prevailing insulin resistance. Treatments are generally aimed at reducing insulin resistance and/or augmenting insulin secretion and the use of insulin itself is often required. It is increasingly being recognized that the beta cell mass is dynamic and increases insulin secretion in response to beta cell mitogens and stress signals to maintain glycemia within a very narrow physiological range. This review critically discusses the role of adrenergic, adenosine and opioid pathways and their interrelationship in insulin secretion, beta cell proliferation and regeneration.

HPA axis and vagus nervous function are involved in impaired insulin secretion of MSG-obese rats

Neuroendocrine dysfunctions such as the hyperactivity of the vagus nerve and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis greatly contribute to obesity and hyperinsulinemia; however, little is known about these dysfunctions in the pancreatic β-cells of obese individuals. We used a hypothalamic-obesity model obtained by neonatal treatment with monosodium l-glutamate (MSG) to induce obesity. To assess the role of the HPA axis and vagal tonus in the genesis of hypercorticosteronemia and hyperinsulinemia in an adult MSG-obese rat model, bilateral adrenalectomy (ADX) and subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (VAG) alone or combined surgeries (ADX-VAG) were performed. To study glucose-induced insulin secretion (GIIS) and the cholinergic insulinotropic process, pancreatic islets were incubated with different glucose concentrations with or without oxotremorine-M, a selective agonist of the M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M3AChR) subtype. Protein expression of M3AChR in pancreatic islets, corticosteronemia, and vagus nerve activity was also evaluated. Surgeries reduced 80% of the body weight gain. Fasting glucose and insulin were reduced both by ADX and ADX-VAG, whereas VAG was only associated with hyperglycemia. The serum insulin post-glucose stimulation was lower in all animals that underwent an operation. Vagal activity was decreased by 50% in ADX rats. In the highest glucose concentration, both surgeries reduced GIIS by 50%, whereas ADX-VAG decreased by 70%. Additionally, M3AChR activity was recovered by the individual surgeries. M3AChR protein expression was reduced by ADX. Both the adrenal gland and vagus nerve contribute to the hyperinsulinemia in the MSG model, although adrenal is more crucial as it appears to modulate parasympathetic activity and M3AChR expression in obesity.

New Molecular Insights of Insulin in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a highly prevalent disease worldwide. Cardiovascular disorders generated as a consequence of T2DM are a major cause of death related to this disease. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by the morphological, functional and metabolic changes in the heart produced as a complication of T2DM. This cardiac disorder is characterized by constant high blood glucose and lipids levels which eventually generate oxidative stress, defective calcium handling, altered mitochondrial function, inflammation and fibrosis. In this context, insulin is of paramount importance for cardiac contractility, growth and metabolism and therefore, an impaired insulin signaling plays a critical role in the DCM development. However, the exact pathophysiological mechanisms leading to DCM are still a matter of study. Despite the numerous questions raised in the study of DCM, there have also been important findings, such as the role of micro-RNAs (miRNAs), which can not only have the potential of being important biomarkers, but also therapeutic targets. Furthermore, exosomes also arise as an interesting variable to consider, since they represent an important inter-cellular communication mechanism and therefore, they may explain many aspects of the pathophysiology of DCM and their study may lead to the development of therapeutic agents capable of improving insulin signaling. In addition, adenosine and adenosine receptors (ARs) may also play an important role in DCM. Moreover, the possible cross-talk between insulin and ARs may provide new strategies to reverse its defective signaling in the diabetic heart. This review focuses on DCM, the role of insulin in this pathology and the discussion of new molecular insights which may help to understand its underlying mechanisms and generate possible new therapeutic strategies.

Abrogation of adenosine A1 receptor signalling improves metabolic regulation in mice by modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Adenosine is an important regulator of metabolism; however, the role of the A1 receptor during ageing and obesity is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of A1 signalling in modulating metabolic function during ageing.

METHODS

Age-matched young and aged A 1 (also known as Adora1)-knockout (A1(-/-)) and wild-type (A1(+/+)) mice were used. Metabolic regulation was evaluated by body composition, and glucose and insulin tolerance tests. Isolated islets and islet arterioles were used to detect islet endocrine and vascular function. Oxidative stress and inflammation status were measured in metabolic organs and systemically.

RESULTS

Advanced age was associated with both reduced glucose clearance and insulin sensitivity, as well as increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in A1(+/+) compared with A1(-/-) mice. Islet morphology and insulin content were similar between genotypes, but relative changes in in vitro insulin release following glucose stimulation were reduced in aged A1(+/+) compared with A1(-/-) mice. Islet arteriolar responses to angiotensin II were stronger in aged A1(+/+) mice, this being associated with increased NADPH oxidase activity. Ageing resulted in multiple changes in A1(+/+) compared with A1(-/-) mice, including enhanced NADPH oxidase-derived O2(-) formation and NADPH oxidase isoform 2 (Nox2) protein expression in pancreas and VAT; elevated levels of circulating insulin, leptin and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-12); and accumulation of CD4(+) T cells in VAT. This was associated with impaired insulin signalling in VAT from aged A1(+/+) mice.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

These studies emphasise that A1 receptors regulate metabolism and islet endocrine and vascular functions during ageing, including via the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, among other things.

Adenosine signalling in diabetes mellitus--pathophysiology and therapeutic considerations

Adenosine is a key extracellular signalling molecule that regulates several aspects of tissue function by activating four G-protein-coupled receptors, A1, A2A, A2B and A1 adenosine receptors. Accumulating evidence highlights a critical role for the adenosine system in the regulation of glucose homeostasis and the pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although adenosine signalling is known to affect insulin secretion, new data indicate that adenosine signalling also contributes to the regulation of β-cell homeostasis and activity by controlling the proliferation and regeneration of these cells as well as the survival of β cells in inflammatory microenvironments. Furthermore, adenosine is emerging as a major regulator of insulin responsiveness by controlling insulin signalling in adipose tissue, muscle and liver; adenosine also indirectly mediates effects on inflammatory and/or immune cells in these tissues. This Review critically discusses the role of the adenosine-adenosine receptor system in regulating both the onset and progression of T1DM and T2DM, and the potential of pharmacological manipulation of the adenosinergic system as an approach to manage T1DM, T2DM and their associated complications.

Type 1 diabetes in mice and men: gene expression profiling to investigate disease pathogenesis

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a complex polygenic disease that is triggered by various environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals. The emphasis placed on genome-wide association studies to explain the genetics of T1D has failed to advance our understanding of T1D pathogenesis or identify biomarkers of disease progression or therapeutic targets. Using the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse model of T1D and the non-disease prone congenic NOD.B10 mice, our laboratory demonstrated striking tissue-specific and age-dependent changes in gene expression during disease progression. We established a "roadmap" of differential gene expression and used this to identify candidate genes in mice (and human orthologs) that play a role in disease pathology. Here, we describe two genes, Deformed epidermal autoregulatory factor 1 (Deaf1) and Adenosine A1 receptor (Adora1), that are differentially expressed and alternatively spliced in the pancreatic lymph nodes or islets of NOD mice and T1D patients to form dominant-negative non-functional isoforms. Loss of Deaf1 function leads to reduced peripheral tissue antigen expression in lymph node stromal cells and may contribute to a breakdown in peripheral tolerance, while reduced Adora1 function results in an early intrinsic alpha cell defect that may explain the hyperglucagonemia and resulting beta cell stress observed prior to the onset of diabetes. Remarkably, both genes were also alternatively spliced in the same tissues of auto-antibody positive prediabetic patients, and these splicing events resulted in similar downstream effects as those seen in NOD mice. These findings demonstrate the value of gene expression profiling in studying disease pathogenesis in T1D.

Diminished adenosine A1 receptor expression in pancreatic α-cells may contribute to the pathology of type 1 diabetes

Prediabetic NOD mice exhibit hyperglucagonemia, possibly due to an intrinsic α-cell defect. Here, we show that the expression of a potential glucagon inhibitor, the adenosine A1 receptor (Adora1), is gradually diminished in α-cells of NOD mice, autoantibody-positive (AA(+)) and overtly type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients during the progression of disease. We demonstrated that islet inflammation was associated with loss of Adora1 expression through the alternative splicing of Adora1. Expression of the spliced variant (Adora1-Var) was upregulated in the pancreas of 12-week-old NOD versus age-matched NOD.B10 (non-diabetes-susceptible) control mice and was detected in the pancreas of AA(+) patients but not in control subjects or overtly diabetic patients, suggesting that inflammation drives the splicing of Adora1. We subsequently demonstrated that Adora1-Var expression was upregulated in the islets of NOD.B10 mice after exposure to inflammatory cytokines and in the pancreas of NOD.SCID mice after adoptive transfer of activated autologous splenocytes. Adora1-Var encodes a dominant-negative N-terminal truncated isoform of Adora1. The splicing of Adora1 and loss of Adora1 expression on α-cells may explain the hyperglucagonemia observed in prediabetic NOD mice and may contribute to the pathogenesis of human T1D and NOD disease.

Modulation of pancreatic exocrine and endocrine secretion

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recent advances in the regulation of pancreatic secretion by secretagogues, modulatory proteins and neural pathways are discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Downstream events involved in secretagogue stimulation of pancreatic secretion have been elucidated through characterization of the Src kinase pathway. An additional mechanism regulating vagus nerve effects on the pancreas involves Group II and III metabotropic glutamate receptors that are located presynaptically on certain vagal pancreas-projecting neurons. Hypothalamic neurons perceive glucose and regulate insulin release by direct communication with islets, and activation of proopiomelanocortin neurons by leptin enhances insulin secretion and modulates glucose but not energy homeostasis. Ghrelin and somatostatin mediate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by differential receptor signaling that is dependent on the amount of ghrelin and state of receptor heterodimerization. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and loss-of-function mutations of a key ER stress protein are associated with disruption of membrane translocation and reduction in insulin secretion. The importance of hormones, neuropeptides, amino acids, cytokines and regulatory proteins in pancreatic secretion and the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes are also discussed.

SUMMARY

The biomolecular pathways regulating pancreatic secretions are still not fully understood. New secretagogues and mechanisms continue to be identified and this information will aid in drug discovery and development of new and improved therapy for pancreatic disorders.

Adenosine, adenosine receptors and their role in glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism

Adenosine is an endogenous metabolite that is released from all tissues and cells including liver, pancreas, muscle and fat, particularly under stress, intense exercise, or during cell damage. The role of adenosine in glucose homeostasis has been attributed to its ability to regulate, through its membrane receptors, processes such as insulin secretion, glucose release and clearance, glycogenolysis, and glycogenesis. Additionally, adenosine and its multiple receptors have been connected to lipid metabolism by augmenting insulin-mediated inhibition of lipolysis, and the subsequent increase in free fatty acids and glycerol levels. Furthermore, adenosine was reported to control liver cholesterol synthesis, consequently affecting plasma levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, and the amount of fat tissue. Alterations in the balance of glucose and lipid homeostasis have implications in both cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The ability of different adenosine receptors to activate and inhibit the same signaling cascades has made it challenging to study the influence of adenosine, adenosine analogs and their receptors in health and disease. This review focuses on the role and significance of different adenosine receptors in mediating the effect of adenosine on glucose and lipid homeostasis. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The CD39-adenosinergic axis in the pathogenesis of immune and nonimmune diabetes

Diabetes mellitus encompasses two distinct disease processes: autoimmune Type 1 (T1D) and nonimmune Type 2 (T2D) diabetes. Despite the disparate aetiologies, the disease phenotype of hyperglycemia and the associated complications are similar. In this paper, we discuss the role of the CD39-adenosinergic axis in the pathogenesis of both T1D and T2D, with particular emphasis on the role of CD39 and CD73.