Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor-Dependent GLP-1 and PYY Secretion in Mice and Humans

The role of gut microbiota in the development of salt-sensitive hypertension and the possible preventive effect of exercise

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the present study is to analyze the data indicating an association between high salt intake and the gastrointestinal microbiota in the development of salt-sensitive hypertension in animals and men. It is also, to discuss the preventive effects of exercise on gut-induced hypertension by favorably modifying the composition of gut microbiota.

AREAS COVERED

Salt sensitivity is quite common, accounting for 30%-60% in hypertensive subjects. Recently, a novel cause for salt-sensitive hypertension has been discovered through the action of gut microbiota by the secretion of several hormones and the action of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In addition, recent studies indicate that exercise might favorably modify the adverse effects of gut microbiota regarding their effects on BP. To identify the role of gut microbiota on the incidence of hypertension and CVD and the beneficial effect of exercise, a Medline search of the English literature was conducted between 2018 and 2023 and 42 pertinent papers were selected.

EXPERT OPINION

The analysis of data from the selected papers disclosed that the gut microbiota contribute significantly to the development of salt-sensitive hypertension and that exercise modifies their gut composition and ameliorates their adverse effects on BP.

Paracrine relationship between incretin hormones and endogenous 5-hydroxytryptamine in the small and large intestine

BACKGROUND

Enterochromaffin (EC) cell-derived 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a mediator of toxin-induced reflexes, initiating emesis via vagal and central 5-HT3 receptors. The amine is also involved in gastrointestinal (GI) reflexes that are prosecretory and promotile, and recently 5-HT's roles in chemosensation in the distal bowel have been described. We set out to establish the efficacy of 5-HT signaling, local 5-HT levels and pharmacology in discrete regions of the mouse small and large intestine. We also investigated the inter-relationships between incretin hormones, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and endogenous 5-HT in mucosal and motility assays.

METHODS

Adult mouse GI mucosae were mounted in Ussing chambers and area-specific studies were performed to establish the 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 pharmacology, the sidedness of responses, and the inter-relationships between incretins and endogenous 5-HT. Natural fecal pellet transit in vitro and full-length GI transit in vivo were also measured.

KEY RESULTS

We observed the greatest level of tonic and exogenous 5-HT-induced ion transport and highest levels of 5-HT in ascending colon mucosa. Here both 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors were involved but elsewhere in the GI tract epithelial basolateral 5-HT4 receptors mediate 5-HT's prosecretory effect. Exendin-4 and GIP induced 5-HT release in the ascending colon, while L cell-derived PYY also contributed to GIP mucosal effects in the descending colon. Both peptides slowed colonic transit.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

We provide functional evidence for paracrine interplay between 5-HT, GLP-1 and GIP, particularly in the colonic mucosal region. Basolateral epithelial 5-HT4 receptors mediated both 5-HT and incretin mucosal responses in healthy colon.

What do we know about the renin angiotensin system and inflammatory bowel disease?

INTRODUCTION

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is an important homeostatic pathway, with emerging evidence for the impact of its components on inflammation and fibrosis in gastrointestinal tissues. This review aims to review current knowledge of the physiological mechanism of RAS in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and potential therapeutic implications.

AREAS COVERED

An extensive online literature review including Pubmed, Medline, and Google Scholar was undertaken. Discussion on the components of the RAS, localization, and physiological functions in the gastrointestinal tract, preclinical, and clinical data in IBD, and the relation with SARS-Cov-2 are covered in this review.

EXPERT OPINION

RAS inhibition may have a role as anti-fibrotic adjunct therapy. Targeting the local gastrointestinal RAS with novel modes of delivery may be a target for future therapeutics for IBD, given the widespread availability and safety of current options as utilized in other diseases. Further insight into the mechanism and downstream effects of gastrointestinal ACE2 may lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of IBD.

Insulinotropic Effects of Neprilysin and/or Angiotensin Receptor Inhibition in Mice

Treatment of heart failure with the angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril/valsartan improved glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The relative contribution of neprilysin inhibition versus angiotensin II receptor antagonism to this glycemic benefit remains unknown. Thus, we sought to determine the relative effects of the neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril versus the angiotensin II receptor blocker valsartan on beta-cell function and glucose homeostasis in a mouse model of reduced first-phase insulin secretion, and whether any beneficial effects are additive/synergistic when combined in sacubitril/valsartan. High fat-fed C57BL/6J mice treated with low-dose streptozotocin (or vehicle) were followed for eight weeks on high fat diet alone or supplemented with sacubitril, valsartan or sacubitril/valsartan. Body weight and fed glucose levels were assessed weekly. At the end of the treatment period, insulin release in response to intravenous glucose, insulin sensitivity, and beta-cell mass were determined. Sacubitril and valsartan, but not sacubitril/valsartan, lowered fasting and fed glucose levels and increased insulin release in diabetic mice. None of the drugs altered insulin sensitivity or beta-cell mass, but all reduced body weight gain. Effects of the drugs on insulin release were reproduced in angiotensin II-treated islets from lean C57BL/6J mice, suggesting the insulin response to each of the drugs is due to a direct effect on islets and mechanisms therein. In summary, sacubitril and valsartan each exert beneficial insulinotropic, glycemic and weight-reducing effects in obese and/or diabetic mice when administered alone; however, when combined, mechanisms within the islet contribute to their inability to enhance insulin release.

The Enteroendocrine System in Obesity

The enteroendocrine system coordinates the physiological response to food intake by regulating rates of digestion, nutrient absorption, insulin secretion, satiation and satiety. Gut hormones with important anorexigenic and/or insulinotropic roles include glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY_3-36), cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). High BMI or obesogenic diets do not markedly disrupt this enteroendocrine system, which represents a critical target for inducing weight loss and treating co-morbidities in individuals with obesity.

Chemosensing in enteroendocrine cells: mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) are scattered chemosensory cells in the intestinal epithelium that release hormones with a wide range of actions on intestinal function, food intake and glucose homeostasis. The mechanisms by which gut hormones are secreted postprandially, or altered by antidiabetic agents and surgical interventions are of considerable interest for future therapeutic development.

RECENT FINDINGS

EECs are electrically excitable and express a repertoire of G-protein coupled receptors that sense nutrient and nonnutrient stimuli, coupled to intracellular Ca2+ and cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Our knowledge of EEC function, previously developed using mouse models, has recently been extended to human cells. Gut hormone release in humans is enhanced by bariatric surgery, as well as by some antidiabetic agents including sodium-coupled glucose transporter inhibitors and metformin.

SUMMARY

EECs are important potential therapeutic targets. A better understanding of their chemosensory mechanisms will enhance the development of new therapeutic strategies to treat metabolic and gastrointestinal diseases.

Metabolic Messengers: glucagon-like peptide 1

Glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a peptide hormone from the intestinal tract, plays a central role in the coordination of postprandial glucose homeostasis through actions on insulin secretion, food intake and gut motility. GLP-1 forms the basis for a variety of current drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, as well as new agents currently being developed. Here, we provide a concise overview of the core physiology of GLP-1 secretion and action, and the role of the peptide in human health, disease and therapeutics.

What Is an L-Cell and How Do We Study the Secretory Mechanisms of the L-Cell?

Synthetic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues are effective anti-obesity and anti-diabetes drugs. The beneficial actions of GLP-1 go far beyond insulin secretion and appetite, and include cardiovascular benefits and possibly also beneficial effects in neurodegenerative diseases. Considerable reserves of GLP-1 are stored in intestinal endocrine cells that potentially might be mobilized by pharmacological means to improve the body's metabolic state. In recognition of this, the interest in understanding basic L-cell physiology and the mechanisms controlling GLP-1 secretion, has increased considerably. With a view to home in on what an L-cell is, we here present an overview of available data on L-cell development, L-cell peptide expression profiles, peptide production and secretory patterns of L-cells from different parts of the gut. We conclude that L-cells differ markedly depending on their anatomical location, and that the traditional definition of L-cells as a homogeneous population of cells that only produce GLP-1, GLP-2, glicentin and oxyntomodulin is no longer tenable. We suggest to sub-classify L-cells based on their differential peptide contents as well as their differential expression of nutrient sensors, which ultimately determine the secretory responses to different stimuli. A second purpose of this review is to describe and discuss the most frequently used experimental models for functional L-cell studies, highlighting their benefits and limitations. We conclude that no experimental model is perfect and that a comprehensive understanding must be built on results from a combination of models.

Pharmacotherapy in COVID-19 patients: a review of ACE2-raising drugs and their clinical safety

The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the severe acute-respiratory-syndrome-coronavirus-2 that uses ACE2 as its receptor. Drugs that raise serum/tissue ACE2 levels include ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs) that are commonly used in patients with hypertension, cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes. These comorbidities have adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients that might result from pharmacotherapy. Increasing ACE2 could potentially increase the risk of infection, severity or mortality in COVID-19 or it might be protective as it forms angiotensin-(1-7) which exhibits anti-inflammatory/anti-oxidative effects and prevents diabetes- and/or hypertension-induced end-organ damage. Thus, there existed clinical uncertainty. Here, we review studies implicating 15 classes of drugs in increasing ACE2 levels in vivo and the available literature on the clinical safety of these drugs in COVID-19 patients. Further, in a re-analysis of clinical data from a meta-analysis of 9 studies, we show that ACEIs/ARBs usage was not associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Literature suggests that ACEIs/ARBs usage generally appears to be clinically safe though their use in severe COVID-19 patients might increase the risk of acute renal injury. For definitive clarity, further clinical and mechanistic studies are needed in assessing the safety of all classes of ACE2 raising medications.

Selective stimulation of colonic L cells improves metabolic outcomes in mice

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Insulin-like peptide-5 (INSL5) is found only in distal colonic L cells, which co-express glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY). GLP-1 is a well-known insulin secretagogue, and GLP-1 and PYY are anorexigenic, whereas INSL5 is considered orexigenic. We aimed to clarify the metabolic impact of selective stimulation of distal colonic L cells in mice.

METHODS

Insl5 promoter-driven expression of Gq-coupled Designer Receptor Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD) was employed to activate distal colonic L cells (LdistalDq). IPGTT and food intake were assessed with and without DREADD activation.

RESULTS

LdistalDq cell stimulation with clozapine N-oxide (CNO; 0.3 mg/kg i.p.) increased plasma GLP-1 and PYY (2.67- and 3.31-fold, respectively); INSL5 was not measurable in plasma but was co-secreted with GLP-1 and PYY in vitro. IPGTT (2 g/kg body weight) revealed significantly improved glucose tolerance following CNO injection. CNO-treated mice also exhibited reduced food intake and body weight after 24 h, and increased defecation, the latter being sensitive to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor 3 inhibition. Pre-treatment with a GLP1 receptor-blocking antibody neutralised the CNO-dependent improvement in glucose tolerance but did not affect the reduction in food intake, and an independent group of animals pair-fed to the CNO-treatment group demonstrated attenuated weight loss. Pre-treatment with JNJ-31020028, a neuropeptide Y receptor type 2 antagonist, abolished the CNO-dependent effect on food intake. Assessment of whole body physiology in metabolic cages revealed LdistalDq cell stimulation increased energy expenditure and increased activity. Acute CNO-induced food intake and glucose homeostasis outcomes were maintained after 2 weeks on a high-fat diet.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that selective distal colonic L cell stimulation has beneficial metabolic outcomes. Graphical abstract.

Labeling and Characterization of Human GLP-1-Secreting L-cells in Primary Ileal Organoid Culture

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) from intestinal L-cells stimulates insulin secretion and reduces appetite after food ingestion, and it is the basis for drugs against type-2 diabetes and obesity. Drugs targeting L- and other enteroendocrine cells are under development, with the aim to mimic endocrine effects of gastric bypass surgery, but they are difficult to develop without human L-cell models. Human ileal organoids, engineered by CRISPR-Cas9, express the fluorescent protein Venus in the proglucagon locus, enabling maintenance of live, identifiable human L-cells in culture. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-purified organoid-derived L-cells, analyzed by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), express hormones, receptors, and ion channels, largely typical of their murine counterparts. L-cells are electrically active and exhibit membrane depolarization and calcium elevations in response to G-protein-coupled receptor ligands. Organoids secrete hormones in response to glucose and other stimuli. The ability to label and maintain human L-cells in organoid culture opens avenues to explore L-cell function and develop drugs targeting the human enteroendocrine system.

SCFA: mechanisms and functional importance in the gut

In recent years, the importance of the gut microbiota in human health has been revealed and many publications have highlighted its role as a key component of human physiology. Owing to the use of modern sequencing approaches, the characterisation of the microbiome in healthy individuals and in disease has demonstrated a disturbance of the microbiota, or dysbiosis, associated with pathological conditions. The microbiota establishes a symbiotic crosstalk with their host: commensal microbes benefit from the nutrient-rich environment provided by the gut and the microbiota produces hundreds of proteins and metabolites that modulate key functions of the host, including nutrient processing, maintenance of energy homoeostasis and immune system development. Many bacteria-derived metabolites originate from dietary sources. Among them, an important role has been attributed to the metabolites derived from the bacterial fermentation of dietary fibres, namely SCFA linking host nutrition to intestinal homoeostasis maintenance. SCFA are important fuels for intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) and regulate IEC functions through different mechanisms to modulate their proliferation, differentiation as well as functions of subpopulations such as enteroendocrine cells, to impact gut motility and to strengthen the gut barrier functions as well as host metabolism. Recent findings show that SCFA, and in particular butyrate, also have important intestinal and immuno-modulatory functions. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms and the impact of SCFA on gut functions and host immunity and consequently on human health.

Abcc5 Knockout Mice Have Lower Fat Mass and Increased Levels of Circulating GLP-1

OBJECTIVE

A previous genome-wide association study linked overexpression of an ATP-binding cassette transporter, ABCC5, in humans with a susceptibility to developing type 2 diabetes with age. Specifically, ABCC5 gene overexpression was shown to be strongly associated with increased visceral fat mass and reduced peripheral insulin sensitivity. Currently, the role of ABCC5 in diabetes and obesity is unknown. This study reports the metabolic phenotyping of a global Abcc5 knockout mouse.

METHODS

A global Abcc5^-/- mouse was generated by CRISPR/Cas9. Fat mass was determined by weekly EchoMRI and fat pads were dissected and weighed at week 18. Glucose homeostasis was ascertained by an oral glucose tolerance test, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test. Energy expenditure and locomotor activity were measured using PhenoMaster cages. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) levels in plasma, primary gut cell cultures, and GLUTag cells were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Abcc5^-/- mice had decreased fat mass and increased plasma levels of GLP-1, and they were more insulin sensitive and more active. Recombinant overexpression of ABCC5 protein in GLUTag cells decreased GLP-1 release.

CONCLUSIONS

ABCC5 protein expression levels are inversely related to fat mass and appear to play a role in the regulation of GLP-1 secretion from enteroendocrine cells.

Calcium Signaling Pathways: Key Pathways in the Regulation of Obesity

Nowadays, high epidemic obesity-triggered hypertension and diabetes seriously damage social public health. There is now a general consensus that the body's fat content exceeding a certain threshold can lead to obesity. Calcium ion is one of the most abundant ions in the human body. A large number of studies have shown that calcium signaling could play a major role in increasing energy consumption by enhancing the metabolism and the differentiation of adipocytes and reducing food intake through regulating neuronal excitability, thereby effectively decreasing the occurrence of obesity. In this paper, we review multiple calcium signaling pathways, including the IP3 (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate)-Ca²⁺ (calcium ion) pathway, the p38-MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathway, and the calmodulin binding pathway, which are involved in biological clock, intestinal microbial activity, and nerve excitability to regulate food intake, metabolism, and differentiation of adipocytes in mammals, resulting in the improvement of obesity.

Adenosine triphosphate is co-secreted with glucagon-like peptide-1 to modulate intestinal enterocytes and afferent neurons

Enteroendocrine cells are specialised sensory cells located in the intestinal epithelium and generate signals in response to food ingestion. Whilst traditionally considered hormone-producing cells, there is evidence that they also initiate activity in the afferent vagus nerve and thereby signal directly to the brainstem. We investigate whether enteroendocrine L-cells, well known for their production of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), also release other neuro-transmitters/modulators. We demonstrate regulated ATP release by ATP measurements in cell supernatants and by using sniffer patches that generate electrical currents upon ATP exposure. Employing purinergic receptor antagonists, we demonstrate that evoked ATP release from L-cells triggers electrical responses in neighbouring enterocytes through P2Y₂ and nodose ganglion neurones in co-cultures through P2X_2/3-receptors. We conclude that L-cells co-secrete ATP together with GLP-1 and PYY, and that ATP acts as an additional signal triggering vagal activation and potentially synergising with the actions of locally elevated peptide hormone concentrations.

Models and Tools for Studying Enteroendocrine Cells

Gut hormones produced by gastrointestinal enteroendocrine cells modulate key physiological processes including glucose homeostasis and food intake, making them potential therapeutic candidates to treat obesity and diabetes. Understanding the function of enteroendocrine cells and the molecular mechanisms driving hormone production is a key step toward mobilizing endogenous hormone reserves in the gut as a therapeutic strategy. In this review, we will discuss the variety of ex vivo and in vitro model systems driving this research and their contributions to our current understanding of nutrient-sensing mechanisms in enteroendocrine cells.

Novel ex Vivo Experimental Setup to Assay the Vectorial Transepithelial Enteroendocrine Secretions of Different Intestinal Segments

The enteroendocrine system coordinates gastrointestinal (GI) tract functionality and the whole organism. However, the scarcity of enteroendocrine cells and their scattered distribution make them difficult to study. Here, we glued segments of the GI wall of pigs to a silicon tube, keeping the apical and the basolateral sides separate. The fact that there was less than 1% of 70-kDa fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran on the basolateral side proved that the gluing was efficient. Since the lactate dehydrogenase leakage at basolateral side was lower than 0.1% (1.40 ± 0.17 nKatals) it proved that the tissue was viable. The intestinal barrier function was maintained as it is in segments mounted in Ussing chambers (the amount of Lucifer Yellow crossing it, was similar between them; respectively, % LY, 0.48 ± 0.13; 0.52 ± 0.09; p > 0.05). Finally, apical treatments with two different extract produced differential basolateral enterohormone secretions (basolateral PYY secretion vs control; animal extract, 0.35 ± 0.16; plant extract, 2.5 ± 0.74; p < 0.05). In conclusion, we report an ex vivo system called "Ap-to-Bas" for assaying vectorial transepithelial processes that makes it possible to work with several samples at the same time. It is an optimal device for enterohormone studies in the intestine.

Co-storage and release of insulin-like peptide-5, glucagon-like peptide-1 and peptideYY from murine and human colonic enteroendocrine cells

OBJECTIVE

Insulin-like peptide-5 (INSL5) is an orexigenic gut hormone found in a subset of colonic and rectal enteroendocrine L-cells together with the anorexigenic hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptideYY (PYY). Unlike GLP-1 and PYY, INSL5 levels are elevated by calorie restriction, raising questions about how these hormones respond to different stimuli when they arise from the same cell type. The aim of the current study was to identify whether and how INSL5, GLP-1 and PYY are co-secreted or differentially secreted from colonic L-cells.

METHODS

An inducible reporter mouse (Insl5-rtTA) was created to enable selective characterisation of Insl5-expressing cells. Expression profiling and Ca²⁺-dynamics were assessed using TET-reporter mice. Secretion of INSL5, PYY, and GLP-1 from murine and human colonic crypt cultures was quantified by tandem mass spectrometry. Vesicular co-localisation of the three hormones was analysed in 3D-SIM images of immunofluorescently-labelled murine colonic primary cultures and tissue sections.

RESULTS

INSL5-producing cells expressed a range of G-protein coupled receptors previously identified in GLP-1 expressing L-cells, including Ffar1, Gpbar1, and Agtr1a. Pharmacological or physiological agonists for these receptors triggered Ca²⁺ transients in INSL5-producing cells and stimulated INSL5 secretion. INSL5 secretory responses strongly correlated with those of PYY and GLP-1 across a range of stimuli. The majority (>80%) of secretory vesicles co-labelled for INSL5, PYY and GLP-1.

CONCLUSIONS

INSL5 is largely co-stored with PYY and GLP-1 and all three hormones are co-secreted when INSL5-positive cells are stimulated. Opposing hormonal profiles observed in vivo likely reflect differential stimulation of L-cells in the proximal and distal gut.

Chylomicrons stimulate incretin secretion in mouse and human cells

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Lipids are a potent stimulus for the secretion of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). Traditionally, this effect was thought to involve the sensing of lipid digestion products by free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFA1) and G-protein coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) on the apical surface of enteroendocrine cells. However, recent evidence suggests that lipids may in fact be sensed basolaterally, and that fatty acid absorption and chylomicron synthesis may be a prerequisite for their stimulatory effect on gut peptide release. Therefore, we investigated the effect of chylomicrons on GLP-1 and GIP secretion in vitro.

METHODS

The effect of chylomicrons on incretin secretion was investigated using GLUTag cells and duodenal cultures of both murine and human origin. The role of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and FFA1 in GLUTag cells was assessed by pharmacological inhibition and small (short) interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown. The effect of chylomicrons on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) was determined by imaging GLUTag cells loaded with Fura-2. In the primary setting, the contributions of FFA1 and GPR119 were investigated using L cell-specific Gpr119 knockout cultures treated with the FFA1 antagonist GW1100.

RESULTS

Chylomicrons stimulated GLP-1 release from GLUTag cells, and both GLP-1 and GIP secretion from human and murine duodenal cultures. Chylomicron-triggered GLP-1 secretion from GLUTag cells was largely abolished following lipase inhibition with orlistat or siRNA-mediated knockdown of Lpl. In GLUTag cells, both GW1100 and siRNA-mediated Ffar1 knockdown reduced GLP-1 secretion in response to chylomicrons, and, consistent with FFA1 G_q-coupling, chylomicrons triggered an increase in [Ca²⁺]_i. However, LPL and FFA1 inhibition had no significant effect on chylomicron-mediated incretin secretion in murine cultures. Furthermore, the loss of GPR119 had no impact on GLP-1 secretion in response to chylomicrons, even in the presence of GW1100.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Chylomicrons stimulate incretin hormone secretion from GLUTag cells as well as from human and murine duodenal cultures. In GLUTag cells, the molecular pathway was found to involve LPL-mediated lipolysis, leading to the release of lipid species that activated FFA1 and elevated intracellular calcium.

Mechanistic insights into the detection of free fatty and bile acids by ileal glucagon-like peptide-1 secreting cells

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the electrical properties of ileal Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) secreting L-cells using murine organoid cultures and the electrophysiological and intracellular signaling pathways recruited following activation of the G_αq-coupled free fatty acid receptors FFA1 and G_αs-coupled bile acid receptors GPBAR1.

Methods

Experiments were performed using ileal organoids generated from mice transgenically expressing fluorescent reporters (Epac2-camps and GCaMP3) under control of the proglucagon promoter. Electrophysiology and single cell imaging were performed on identified L-cells in organoids, and GLP-1 secretion from cultured organoids was measured by immunoassay.

Results

The FFA1 ligand TAK-875 triggered L-cell electrical activity, increased intracellular calcium, and activated a depolarizing current that was blocked by the TRPC3 inhibitor Pyr3. TAK-875 triggered GLP-1 secretion was Pyr3 sensitive, suggesting that the TRPC3 channel links FFA1 activation to calcium elevation and GLP-1 release in L-cells. GPBAR1 agonist triggered PKA-dependent L-type Ca²⁺ current activation and action potential firing in L-cells. The combination of TAK-875 and a GPBAR1 agonist triggered synergistic calcium elevation and GLP-1 secretory responses.

Conclusions

FFA1 and GPBAR1 activation individually increased electrical activity in L-cells by recruiting pathways that include activation of TRPC3 and L-type voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels. Synergy between the pathways activated downstream of these receptors was observed both at the level of Ca²⁺ elevation and GLP-1 secretion.

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Organoid-derived ileal L-cells recapitulate the properties of primary ileal L-cells.

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GPBAR1 agonism stimulates L-type Ca²⁺ current-dependent action potentials in L-cells.

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FFA1 agonists depolarize L-cells via TRPC3 activation.

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Synergy between GPBAR1/FFA1 occurs at the levels of Ca²⁺ responses and secretion.

Mixed Primary Cultures of Murine Small Intestine Intended for the Study of Gut Hormone Secretion and Live Cell Imaging of Enteroendocrine Cells

The gut is the largest endocrine organ of the body, with hormone-secreting enteroendocrine cells located along the length of the gastrointestinal epithelium. Despite their physiological importance, enteroendocrine cells represent only a small fraction of the epithelial cell population and in the past, their characterization has presented a considerable challenge resulting in a reliance on cell line models. Here, we provide a detailed protocol for the isolation and culture of mixed murine small intestinal cells. These primary cultures have been used to identify the signaling pathways underlying the stimulation and inhibition of gut peptide secretion in response to a number of nutrients and neuropeptides as well as pharmacological agents. Furthermore, in combination with the use of transgenic fluorescent reporter mice, we have demonstrated that these primary cultures become a powerful tool for the examination of fluorescently-tagged enteroendocrine cells at the intracellular level, using methods such as patch clamping and single-cell calcium and cAMP-FRET imaging.

The Gut, Its Microbiome, and Hypertension

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Evidence is rapidly accumulating implicating gut dysbiosis in hypertension (HTN). However, we are far from understanding whether this is a cause or consequence of HTN, and how to best translate this fundamental knowledge to advance the management of HTN. This review aims to summarize recent advances in the field, illustrate the connections between the gut and hypertension, and establish that the gut microbiota (GM)-gut interaction is centrally positioned for consideration as an innovative approach for HTN therapeutics.

RECENT FINDINGS

Animal models of HTN have shown that gut pathology occurs in HTN, and provides some clues to mechanisms linking the dysbiosis, gut pathology, and HTN. Circumstantial evidence links gut dysbiosis and HTN. Gut pathology, apparent in animal HTN models, has not been fully investigated in hypertensive patients. Objective evidence and an understanding of mechanisms could have a major impact for new antihypertensive therapies and/or improved applications of current ones.