The anorexic hormone Peptide YY3-36 is rapidly metabolized to inactive Peptide YY3-34 in vivo

The role of nutrient sensing dysregulation in anorexia of ageing: The little we know and the much we don't

The age-related decline in appetite and food intake - termed "anorexia of ageing" - is implicated in undernutrition in later life and hence provides a public health challenge for our ageing population. Eating behaviour is controlled, in part, by homeostatic mechanisms which sense nutrient status and provide feedback to appetite control regions of the brain. Such feedback signals, propagated by episodic gut hormones, are dysregulated in some older adults. The secretory responses of appetite-related gut hormones to feeding are amplified, inducing a more anorexigenic signal which is associated with reduced appetite and food intake. Such an augmented response would indicate an increase in gut sensitivity to nutrients. Consequently, this review explores the role of gastrointestinal tract nutrient sensing in age-related appetite dysregulation. We review and synthesise evidence for age-related alterations in nutrient sensing which may explain the observed hormonal dysregulation. Drawing on what is known regarding elements of nutrient sensing pathways in animal models, in other tissues of the body, and in certain models of disease, we identify potential causal mechanisms including alterations in enteroendocrine cell number and distribution, dysregulation of cell signalling pathways, and changes in the gut milieu. From identified gaps in evidence, we highlight interesting and important avenues for future research.

L-valine is a powerful stimulator of GLP-1 secretion in rodents and stimulates secretion through ATP-sensitive potassium channels and voltage-gated calcium channels

BACKGROUND

We previously reported that, among all the naturally occurring amino acids, L-valine is the most powerful luminal stimulator of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) release from the upper part of the rat small intestine. This makes L-valine an interesting target for nutritional-based modulation of GLP-1 secretion. However, the molecular mechanism of L-valine-induced secretion remains unknown.

METHODS

We aimed to investigate the effect of orally given L-valine in mice and to identify the molecular details of L-valine stimulated GLP-1 release using the isolated perfused rat small intestine and GLUTag cells. In addition, the effect of L-valine on hormone secretion from the distal intestine was investigated using a perfused rat colon.

RESULTS

Orally given L-valine (1 g/kg) increased plasma levels of active GLP-1 comparably to orally given glucose (2 g/kg) in male mice, supporting that L-valine is a powerful stimulator of GLP-1 release in vivo (P > 0.05). Luminal L-valine (50 mM) strongly stimulated GLP-1 release from the perfused rat small intestine (P < 0.0001), and inhibition of voltage-gated Ca2+-channels with nifedipine (10 μM) inhibited the GLP-1 response (P < 0.01). Depletion of luminal Na+ did not affect L-valine-induced GLP-1 secretion (P > 0.05), suggesting that co-transport of L-valine and Na+ is not important for the depolarization necessary to activate the voltage-gated Ca2+-channels. Administration of the KATP-channel opener diazoxide (250 μM) completely blocked the L-valine induced GLP-1 response (P < 0.05), suggesting that L-valine induced depolarization arises from metabolism and opening of KATP-channels. Similar to the perfused rat small intestine, L-valine tended to stimulate peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY) and GLP-1 release from the perfused rat colon.

CONCLUSIONS

L-valine is a powerful stimulator of GLP-1 release in rodents. We propose that intracellular metabolism of L-valine leading to closure of KATP-channels and opening of voltage-gated Ca2+-channels are involved in L-valine induced GLP-1 secretion.

Metabolic adaptation is associated with a greater increase in appetite following weight loss: a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Weight loss is associated with a disproportionate reduction in energy expenditure, along with increases in hunger feelings and ghrelin concentrations. These changes are presumed to be homeostatic mechanisms to counteract the energy deficit. The possibility that these 2 components of the energy balance equation are mechanistically linked has never been examined.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine if the disproportionate reduction in resting metabolic rate (RMR) seen with weight loss is associated with changes in the plasma concentration of gastrointestinal hormones involved in appetite regulation and subjective appetite ratings.

METHODS

This was a longitudinal study with repeated measurements. Fifty-six individuals with obesity (body mass index [BMI]: 34.5±0.5 kg/m2; age: 47±1 y; 26 males) underwent an 8 wk low-energy diet, followed by 4 wk of refeeding and weight stabilization. The RMR, respiratory quotient (RQ), body composition, plasma concentrations of ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide 1, peptide YY, cholecystokinin, insulin, and appetite ratings in the fasting and postprandial states were measured at baseline, Wk9 and 13. Metabolic adaptation was defined as significantly lower when measured versus the predicted RMR (pRMR) (from own regression model using baseline data).

RESULTS

A 14.2±0.6 kg weight loss was seen at Wk9 and maintained at Wk13. RQ was significantly reduced at Wk9 (0.82±0.06 vs. 0.76±0.05, P< 0.001) but returned to baseline at Wk13. Metabolic adaptation was seen at Wk9, but not Wk13 (-341±58, P <0.001 and -75±72 kJ/d, P = 0.305, respectively). The larger the difference between measured and predicted RMR at both timepoints, the greater the increase in hunger, desire to eat, and composite appetite score (fasting and postprandial at Wk9, postprandial only at Wk13), even after adjusting for weight loss and RQ.

CONCLUSION

A larger metabolic adaptation during weight loss is accompanied by a greater drive to eat. This might help explain the interindividual differences in weight loss outcomes to dietary interventions.

Evolution of peptide YY analogs for the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity

Peptide YY (PYY) is a gastrointestinal hormone consisting of 36 amino acids, that is predominantly secreted by intestinal l-cells. Originally extracted from pig intestines, it belongs to the pancreatic polypeptide (PP) family, but has functions distinct from those of PP and neuropeptide Y (NPY). PYY is a potential treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) because of its ability to delay gastric emptying, reduce appetite, decrease weight, and lower blood glucose. However, the clinical use of PYY is limited because it is rapidly cleared by the kidneys and degraded by enzymes. In recent years, researchers have conducted various structural modifications, including amino acid substitution, PEGylation, lipidation, and fusion of PYY with other proteins to prolong its half-life and enhance its biological activity. This study presents an overview of the recent progress on PYY, including its physiological functions, metabolites and structure-activity relationships.

Beneficial metabolic effects of recurrent periods of beta-cell rest and stimulation using stable neuropeptide Y1 and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists

AIM

To examine whether sequential administration of (d-Arg³⁵ )-sea lamprey peptide tyrosine tyrosine (1-36) (SL-PYY) and the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) mimetic, liraglutide, has beneficial effects in diabetes.

METHODS

SL-PYY is an enzymatically stable neuropeptide Y1 receptor (NPY1R) agonist known to induce pancreatic beta-cell rest and improve overall beta-cell health. We employed SL-PYY and liraglutide to induce appropriate recurrent periods of beta-cell rest and stimulation, to assess therapeutic benefits in high fat fed (HFF) mice with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced insulin deficiency, namely HFF-STZ mice.

RESULTS

Previous studies confirm that, at a dose of 0.25 nmol/kg, liraglutide exerts bioactivity over an 8-12 hour period in mice. Initial pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that 75 nmol/kg SL-PYY yielded a similar plasma drug time profile. When SL-PYY (75 nmol/kg) and liraglutide (0.25 nmol/kg) were administered sequentially at 08:00 AM and 08:00 PM, respectively, to HFF-STZ mice for 28 days, reductions in energy intake, body weight, circulating glucose, insulin and glucagon were noted. Similarly positive, but slightly less striking, effects were also apparent with twice-daily liraglutide-only therapy. The sequential SL-PYY and liraglutide treatment also improved insulin sensitivity and glucose-induced insulin secretory responses, which was not apparent with liraglutide treatment, although benefits on glucose tolerance were mild. Interestingly, combined therapy also elevated pancreatic insulin, decreased pancreatic glucagon and enhanced the plasma insulin/glucagon ratio compared with liraglutide alone. This was not associated with an enhancement of beneficial changes in islet cell areas, proliferation or apoptosis compared with liraglutide alone, but the numbers of centrally stained glucagon-positive islet cells were reduced by sequential combination therapy.

CONCLUSION

These data show that NPY1R-induced intervals of beta-cell rest, combined with GLP-1R-stimulated periods of beta-cell stimulation, should be further evaluated as an effective treatment option for obesity-driven forms of diabetes.

Glucagon and other proglucagon-derived peptides in the pathogenesis of obesity

Because of differential processing of the hormone precursor, proglucagon, numerous peptide products are released from the pancreatic alpha cells and the intestinal L-cells in which the (pro)glucagon gene is expressed. Of particular interest in relation to obesity are glucagon from the pancreas and oxyntomodulin and GLP-1 from the gut, all of which inhibit food intake, but the other products are also briefly discussed, because knowledge about these is required for selection and evaluation of the methods for measurement of the hormones. The distal intestinal L-cells also secrete the appetite-inhibiting hormone PYY. Characteristics of the secretion of the pancreatic and intestinal products are described, and causes of the hypersecretion of glucagon in obesity and type 2 diabetes are discussed. In contrast, the secretion of the products of the L-cells is generally impaired in obesity, raising questions about their role in the development of obesity. It is concluded that the impairment probably is secondary to obesity, but the lower plasma levels may contribute to the development.

Glucose- and Bile Acid-Stimulated Secretion of Gut Hormones in the Isolated Perfused Intestine Is Not Impaired in Diet-Induced Obese Mice

PURPOSE

Decreased circulating levels of food-intake-regulating gut hormones have been observed in type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, it is still unknown if this is due to decreased secretion from the gut mucosal cells or due to extra-intestinal processing of hormones.

METHODS

We measured intestinal hormone content and assessed morphological differences in the intestinal mucosa by histology and immunohistochemistry. Secretion of hormones and absorption of glucose and bile acids (BA) were assessed in isolated perfused mouse intestine.

RESULTS

GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and SS (somatostatin) contents were higher in the duodenum of control mice (p < 0.001, and <0.01). Duodenal GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) content (p < 0.01) and distal ileum PYY content were higher in DIO mice (p < 0.05). Villus height in the jejunum, crypt depth, and villus height in the ileum were increased in DIO mice (p < 0.05 and p = 0.001). In the distal ileum of DIO mice, more immunoreactive GLP-1 and PYY cells were observed (p = 0.01 and 0.007). There was no difference in the absorption of glucose and bile acids. Distal secretion of SS tended to be higher in DIO mice (p < 0.058), whereas no difference was observed for the other hormones in response to glucose or bile acids.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that differences regarding production and secretion are unlikely to be responsible for the altered circulating gut hormone levels in obesity, since enteroendocrine morphology and hormone secretion capacity were largely unaffected in DIO mice.

The effect of fatty diacid acylation of human PYY3-36 on Y2 receptor potency and half-life in minipigs

Peptides are notoriously known to display very short in vivo half-lives often measured in minutes which in many cases greatly reduces or eliminates sufficient in vivo efficacy. To obtain long half-lives allowing for up to once-weekly dosing regimen, fatty acid acylation (lipidation) have been used to non-covalently associate the peptide to serum albumin thus serving as a circulating depot. This approach is generally considered in the scientific and patent community as a standard approach to protract almost any given peptide. However, it is not trivial to prolong the half-life of peptides by lipidation and still maintain high potency and good formulation properties. Here we show that attaching a fatty acid to the obesity-drug relevant peptide PYY_3-36 is not sufficient for long pharmacokinetics (PK), since the position in the backbone, but also type of fatty acid and linker strongly influences PK and potency. Furthermore, understanding the proteolytic stability of the backbone is key to obtain long half-lives by lipidation, since backbone cleavage still occurs while associated to albumin. Having identified a PYY analogue with a sufficient half-life, we show that in combination with a GLP-1 analogue, liraglutide, additional weight loss can be achieved in the obese minipig model.

An atlas of O-linked glycosylation on peptide hormones reveals diverse biological roles

Peptide hormones and neuropeptides encompass a large class of bioactive peptides that regulate physiological processes like anxiety, blood glucose, appetite, inflammation and blood pressure. Here, we execute a focused discovery strategy to provide an extensive map of O-glycans on peptide hormones. We find that almost one third of the 279 classified peptide hormones carry O-glycans. Many of the identified O-glycosites are conserved and are predicted to serve roles in proprotein processing, receptor interaction, biodistribution and biostability. We demonstrate that O-glycans positioned within the receptor binding motifs of members of the neuropeptide Y and glucagon families modulate receptor activation properties and substantially extend peptide half-lives. Our study highlights the importance of O-glycosylation in the biology of peptide hormones, and our map of O-glycosites in this large class of biomolecules serves as a discovery platform for an important class of molecules with potential opportunities for drug designs.

CCK-1 and CCK-2 receptor agonism do not stimulate GLP-1 and neurotensin secretion in the isolated perfused rat small intestine or GLP-1 and PYY secretion in the rat colon

Gastrin and cholecystokinin (CCK) are hormones released from endocrine cells in the antral stomach (gastrin), the duodenum, and the jejunum (CCK). Recent reports, based on secretion experiments in an enteroendocrine cell line (NCI-H716) and gastrin receptor expression in proglucagon-expressing cells from the rat colon, suggested that gastrin could be a regulator of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion. To investigate these findings, we studied the acute effects of CCK-8 (a CCK1/CCK2 (gastrin) receptor agonist) and gastrin-17 (a CCK2(gastrin) receptor agonist) in robust ex vivo models: the isolated perfused rat small intestine and the isolated perfused rat colon. Small intestines from Wistar rats (n = 6), were perfused intraarterially over 80 min. During the perfusion, CCK (1 nmol/L) and gastrin (1 nmol/L) were infused over 10-min periods separated by washout/baseline periods. Colons from Wistar rats (n = 6) were perfused intraarterially over 100 min. During the perfusion, CCK (1 nmol/L), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) (10 nmol/L), and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) (1 nmol/L) were infused over 10-min periods separated by washout/baseline periods. In the perfused rat small intestines neither CCK nor gastrin stimulated the release of GLP-1 or neurotensin. In the perfused rat colon, neither CCK or VIP stimulated GLP-1 or peptide YY (PYY) release, but GIP stimulated both GLP-1 and PYY release. In both sets of experiments, bombesin, a gastrin-releasing peptide analog, served as a positive control. Our findings do not support the suggestion that gastrin or CCK participate in the acute regulation of intestinal GLP-1 secretion, but that GIP may play a role in the regulation of hormone secretion from the colon.

Single cell transcriptomic profiling of large intestinal enteroendocrine cells in mice - Identification of selective stimuli for insulin-like peptide-5 and glucagon-like peptide-1 co-expressing cells

Objective

Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) of the large intestine, found scattered in the epithelial layer, are known to express different hormones, with at least partial co-expression of different hormones in the same cell. Here we aimed to categorize colonic EECs and to identify possible targets for selective recruitment of hormones.

Methods

Single cell RNA-sequencing of sorted enteroendocrine cells, using NeuroD1-Cre x Rosa26-EYFP mice, was used to cluster EECs from the colon and rectum according to their transcriptome. G-protein coupled receptors differentially expressed across clusters were identified, and, as a proof of principle, agonists of Agtr1a and Avpr1b were tested as candidate EEC secretagogues in vitro and in vivo.

Results

EECs from the large intestine separated into 7 clear clusters, 4 expressing higher levels of Tph1 (enzyme required for serotonin (5-HT) synthesis; enterochromaffin cells), 2 enriched for Gcg (encoding glucagon-like peptide-1, GLP-1, L-cells), and the 7th expressing somatostatin (D-cells). Restricted analysis of L-cells identified 4 L-cell sub-clusters, exhibiting differential expression of Gcg, Pyy (Peptide YY), Nts (neurotensin), Insl5 (insulin-like peptide 5), Cck (cholecystokinin), and Sct (secretin). Expression profiles of L- and enterochromaffin cells revealed the clustering to represent gradients along the crypt-surface (cell maturation) and proximal-distal gut axes. Distal colonic/rectal L-cells differentially expressed Agtr1a and the ligand angiotensin II was shown to selectively increase GLP-1 and PYY release in vitro and GLP-1 in vivo.

Conclusion

EECs in the large intestine exhibit differential expression gradients along the crypt-surface and proximal-distal axes. Distal L-cells can be differentially stimulated by targeting receptors such as Agtr1a.

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Large intestinal enteroendocrine cells group into subclusters by single cell RNAseq.

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Enteroendocrine-cell subclusters differ along crypt-surface and longitudinal axes.

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L-cells differ longitudinally by production of NTS (proximal colon) or INSL5 (rectum).

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INSL5-positive cells express distinct GPCRs enabling cluster-specific stimulation.

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Targeted stimulation of INSL5-producing L-cells elevates plasma GLP-1 and PYY in vivo.

Bile acids drive colonic secretion of glucagon-like-peptide 1 and peptide-YY in rodents

A large number of glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1)- and peptide-YY (PYY)-producing L cells are located in the colon, but little is known about their contribution to whole body metabolism. Since bile acids (BAs) increase GLP-1 and PYY release, and since BAs spill over from the ileum to the colon, we decided to investigate the ability of BAs to stimulate colonic GLP-1 and PYY secretion. Using isolated perfused rat/mouse colon as well as stimulation of the rat colon in vivo, we demonstrate that BAs significantly enhance secretion of GLP-1 and PYY from the colon with average increases of 3.5- and 2.9-fold, respectively. Furthermore, we find that responses depend on BA absorption followed by basolateral activation of the BA-receptor Takeda-G protein-coupled-receptor 5. Surprisingly, the apical sodium-dependent BA transporter, which serves to absorb conjugated BAs, was not required for colonic conjugated BA absorption or conjugated BA-induced peptide secretion. In conclusion, we demonstrate that BAs represent a major physiological stimulus for colonic L-cell secretion. NEW & NOTEWORTHY By the use of isolated perfused rodent colon preparations we show that bile acids are potent and direct promoters of colonic glucagon-like-peptide 1 and peptide-YY secretion. The study provides convincing evidence that basolateral Takeda-G protein-coupled-receptor 5 activation is mediating the effects of bile acids in the colon and thus add to the existing literature described for L cells in the ileum.

Design of Y2 Receptor Selective and Proteolytically Stable PYY3-36 Analogues

In recent years peptide YY (PYY) has attracted attention within the area of diabetes and obesity due to its involvement in food intake regulation and glucose homeostasis. It is well-known that PYY_1-36 is rapidly cleaved by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 to the more Y₂ receptor selective analogue PYY_3-36, which is further cleaved to the inactive analogue PYY_3-34. In order to improve the selectivity and proteolytic stability of the C-terminus, we synthesized several analogues incorporating N-methyl amino acids or β-homo amino acids and other non-natural amino acids. These were tested against all four NPY receptors, and highly potent and Y₂ receptor selective analogues were identified by combining a tryptophan residue in position 30 with either N-methyl or β-homo arginine in position 35. We also identified an analogue with a MeGln³⁴ substitution that surprisingly displayed high affinity toward all four receptors. In addition, these analogues displayed improved stability toward C-terminal proteolysis compared to native PYY_3-36.

The Role of Neuropeptide Y in Cardiovascular Health and Disease

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an abundant sympathetic co-transmitter, widely found in the central and peripheral nervous systems and with diverse roles in multiple physiological processes. In the cardiovascular system it is found in neurons supplying the vasculature, cardiomyocytes and endocardium, and is involved in physiological processes including vasoconstriction, cardiac remodeling, and angiogenesis. It is increasingly also implicated in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischemia/infarction, arrhythmia, and heart failure. This review will focus on the physiological and pathogenic role of NPY in the cardiovascular system. After summarizing the NPY receptors which predominantly mediate cardiovascular actions, along with their signaling pathways, individual disease processes will be considered. A thorough understanding of these roles may allow therapeutic targeting of NPY and its receptors.

The impact of EndoBarrier gastrointestinal liner in obese patients with normal glucose tolerance and in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

The duodenal-jejunal bypass sleeve ((DJBS) or EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner) induces weight loss in obese subjects and may improve glucose homeostasis in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). To explore the underlying mechanisms, we evaluated postprandial physiology including glucose metabolism, gut hormone secretion, gallbladder emptying, appetite and food intake in patients undergoing DJBS treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 10 normal glucose-tolerant (NGT) obese subjects and 9 age-, body weight- and body mass index-matched metformin-treated T2D patients underwent a liquid mixed meal test and a subsequent ad libitum meal test before implantation with DJBS and 1 week (1w) and 26 weeks (26w) after implantation.

RESULTS

At 26w, both groups had achieved a weight loss of 6 to 7 kg. Postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY responses increased at 1w and 26w, but only in T2D subjects. In contrast, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide responses were reduced only by DJBS in the NGT group. Postprandial glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, cholecystokinin and gastrin responses were unaffected by DJBS in both groups. Satiety and fullness sensations were stronger and food intake was reduced at 1w in NGT subjects; no changes in appetite measures or food intake were observed in the T2D group. No effect of DJBS on postprandial gallbladder emptying was observed, and gastric emptying was not delayed.

CONCLUSIONS

DJBS-induced weight loss was associated with only marginal changes in postprandial physiology, which may explain the absence of effect on postprandial glucose metabolism.

Ghrelin, CCK, GLP-1, and PYY(3-36): Secretory Controls and Physiological Roles in Eating and Glycemia in Health, Obesity, and After RYGB

The efficacy of Roux-en-Y gastric-bypass (RYGB) and other bariatric surgeries in the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus and novel developments in gastrointestinal (GI) endocrinology have renewed interest in the roles of GI hormones in the control of eating, meal-related glycemia, and obesity. Here we review the nutrient-sensing mechanisms that control the secretion of four of these hormones, ghrelin, cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and peptide tyrosine tyrosine [PYY(3-36)], and their contributions to the controls of GI motor function, food intake, and meal-related increases in glycemia in healthy-weight and obese persons, as well as in RYGB patients. Their physiological roles as classical endocrine and as locally acting signals are discussed. Gastric emptying, the detection of specific digestive products by small intestinal enteroendocrine cells, and synergistic interactions among different GI loci all contribute to the secretion of ghrelin, CCK, GLP-1, and PYY(3-36). While CCK has been fully established as an endogenous endocrine control of eating in healthy-weight persons, the roles of all four hormones in eating in obese persons and following RYGB are uncertain. Similarly, only GLP-1 clearly contributes to the endocrine control of meal-related glycemia. It is likely that local signaling is involved in these hormones' actions, but methods to determine the physiological status of local signaling effects are lacking. Further research and fresh approaches are required to better understand ghrelin, CCK, GLP-1, and PYY(3-36) physiology; their roles in obesity and bariatric surgery; and their therapeutic potentials.

Effects of solid-phase extraction of plasma in measuring gut metabolic hormones in fasted and fed blood of lean and diet-induced obese rats

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), peptide YY (3‐36) [PYY(3‐36)], amylin, ghrelin, insulin, and leptin are thought to act as hormonal signals from periphery to brain to control food intake. Here, we determined the effects of solid‐phase extraction of plasma in measuring these hormones in blood of lean and diet‐induced obese rats. Individual enzyme‐linked immunoassays and a multiplex assay were used to measure active GLP‐1, total PYY, active amylin, active ghrelin, insulin, leptin, and total GIP in response to (1) addition of known amounts of the peptides to lean and obese plasma, (2) a large meal in lean and obese rats, and (3) intravenous infusions of anorexigenic doses of GLP‐1, PYY(3‐36), amylin, and leptin in lean rats. Extraction of lean and obese plasma prior to assays produced consistent recoveries across assays for GLP‐1, PYY, amylin, ghrelin, and insulin, reflecting losses inherent to the extraction procedure. Plasma extraction prior to assays generally revealed larger meal‐induced changes in plasma GLP‐1, PYY, amylin, ghrelin, and insulin in lean and obese rats. Plasma extraction and the multiplex assay were used to compare plasma levels of GLP‐1, PYY, and amylin after a large meal with plasma levels produced by IV infusions of anorexigenic doses of GLP‐1, PYY(3‐36), and amylin. Infusions produced dose‐dependent increases in plasma peptide levels, which were well above their postprandial levels. These results do not support the hypothesis that postprandial plasma levels of GLP‐1, PYY(3‐36), and amylin are sufficient to decrease food intake by an endocrine mechanism.

Peptide production and secretion in GLUTag, NCI-H716, and STC-1 cells: a comparison to native L-cells

GLUTag, NCI-H716, and STC-1 are cell lines that are widely used to study mechanisms underlying secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), but the extent to which they resemble native L-cells is unknown. We used validated immunoassays for 14 different hormones to analyze peptide content (lysis samples; n = 9 from different passage numbers) or peptide secretion in response to buffer (baseline), and after stimulation with 50 mM KCl or 10 mM glucose + 10 µM forskolin/3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (n = 6 also different passage numbers). All cell lines produced and processed proglucagon into GLP-1, GLP-2, glicentin, and oxyntomodulin in a pattern (prohormone convertase (PC)1/3 dependent) similar to that described for human gut. All three cell lines showed basal secretion of GLP-1 and GLP-2, which increased after stimulation. In contrast to freshly isolated murine L-cells, all cell lines also expressed PC2 and secreted large amounts of pancreatic glucagon. Neurotensin and somatostatin storage was low and secretion was not consistently increased by stimulation. STC-1 cells released more glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide than GLP-1 at baseline (P < 0.01) and KCl elevated its secretion (P < 0.05). Peptide YY, which normally co-localizes with GLP-1 in distal L-cells, was not detected in any of the cell lines. GLUTag and STC-1 cells also expressed vasoactive intestinal peptide, but none expressed pancreatic polypeptide or insulin. GLUTag contained and secreted large amounts of CCK, while NCI-H716 did not store this peptide and STC-1 contained low amounts. Our results show that hormone production in cell line models of the L-cell has limited similarity to the natural L-cells.

Metabolism of peptide YY 3-36 in Göttingen mini-pig and rhesus monkey

Peptide YY 3-36-amide (PYY3-36) is a peptide hormone, which is known to decrease appetite and food-intake by activation of the Y2 receptor. The current studies were designed to identify the metabolites of PYY3-36 in mini-pig and rhesus monkey. Plasma samples were analyzed by high resolution LC-MS (and MS/MS) in order to unambiguously identify the metabolites of PYY3-36. In summary, the metabolism of PYY3-36 was similar in mini-pig and rhesus monkey. Several metabolites were identified and PYY3-34 was identified at the highest levels in plasma. In addition, mini-pigs were also dosed with PYY1-36-amide, PYY3-35, PYY3-34 and [N-methyl 34Q]-PYY3-36-amide in order to investigate the mechanisms by which PYY was metabolized. PYY3-35 was rapidly converted to PYY3-34 whereas dosing of PYY3-34 to mini-pigs only showed circulating degradation products at low levels, i.e., PYY3-34 was metabolically more stable than PYY3-36 and PYY3-35. [N-methyl 34Q]-PYY3-36-amide was hypothesized to be stable toward cleavage between 34Q and 35R and after i.v. administration to mini-pigs, one major cleavage product was identified as [N-methyl 34Q]-PYY3-35. Overall, this showed that cleavage between 35R and 36Y was possible as well as between 34Q and 35R (as shown for PYY3-35), which indicated that metabolism of PYY3-36 to PYY3-34 may be a two-step process. PYY1-36 was also dosed to mini-pigs, which showed that PYY1-36 was metabolized in the C-terminal as PYY3-36. The overall degradation pattern of PYY1-36 was more complex due to the simultaneous enzymatic degradation in the N-terminal to form PYY2-34/36 and PYY3-34/36. In vitro incubations with heparin stabilized plasma showed that PYY3-36 was degraded with a half-life of 175 min, whereas incubations with PYY3-35 (half-life of 6 min) showed a rapid formation of PYY3-34. In conclusion, the present studies showed that PYY3-36 underwent enzymatic degradation in the C-terminal part and that the major circulating metabolite was PYY3-34. Furthermore, it may be a sequential two-step process leading to the formation of PYY3-35 and subsequently the metabolically more stable PYY3-34.

Neuropeptide Y is an angiogenic factor in cardiovascular regeneration

In diabetic cardiomyopathy, there is altered angiogenic signaling and increased oxidative stress. As a result, anti-angiogenic and pro-inflammatory pathways are activated. These disrupt cellular metabolism and cause fibrosis and apoptosis, leading to pathological remodeling. The autonomic nervous system and neurotransmitters play an important role in angiogenesis. Therapies that promote angiogenesis may be able to relieve the pathology in these disease states. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is the most abundantly produced and expressed neuropeptide in the central and peripheral nervous systems in mammals and plays an important role in promoting angiogenesis and cardiomyocyte remodeling. It produces effects through G-protein-coupled Y receptors that are widely distributed and also present on the myocardium. Some of these receptors are also involved in diseased states of the heart. NPY has been implicated as a potent growth factor, causing cell proliferation in multiple systems while the NPY3-36 fragment is selective in stimulating angiogenesis and cardiomyocyte remodeling. Current research is focusing on developing a drug delivery mechanism for NPY to prolong therapy without having significant systemic consequences. This could be a promising innovation in the treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart disease.

In vivo and in vitro degradation of peptide YY3-36 to inactive peptide YY3-34 in humans

Peptide YY (PYY) is a 36-amino-acid peptide released from enteroendocrine cells upon food intake. The NH2 terminally truncated metabolite, PYY3-36, exerts anorexic effects and has received considerable attention as a possible antiobesity drug target. The kinetics and degradation products of PYY metabolism are not well described. A related peptide, neuropeptide Y, may be degraded from the COOH terminus, and in vivo studies in pigs revealed significant COOH-terminal degradation of PYY. We therefore investigated PYY metabolism in vitro after incubation in human blood and plasma and in vivo after infusion of PYY1-36 and PYY3-36 in eight young, healthy men. A metabolite, corresponding to PYY3-34, was formed after incubation in plasma and blood and during the infusion of PYY. PYY3-34 exhibited no agonistic or antagonistic effects on the Y2 receptor. PYY1-36 infused with and without coadministration of sitagliptin was eliminated with half-lives of 10.1 ± 0.5 and 9.4 ± 0.8 min (means ± SE) and metabolic clearance rates of 15.7 ± 1.5 and 14.1 ± 1.1 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1) after infusion, whereas PYY3-36 was eliminated with a significantly longer half-life of 14.9 ± 1.3 min and a metabolic clearance rate of 9.4 ± 0.6 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1) We conclude that, upon intravenous infusion in healthy men, PYY is inactivated by cleavage of the two COOH-terminal amino acids. In healthy men, PYY3-36 has a longer half-life than PYY1-36.