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Andreoli MF, Kruger AL, Sokolov AV, Rukh G, De Francesco PN, Perello M, Schiöth HB. LEAP2 is associated with impulsivity and reward sensitivity depending on the nutritional status and decreases with protein intake in humans. Diabetes Obes Metab 2024; 26:4734-4743. [PMID: 39140219 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15850] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
AIM Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) dynamics in human plasma and its association with feeding behaviour remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study aims: (a) to investigate fasting LEAP2 in participants with normal weight or with overweight or mild obesity (OW/OB); (b) to study the association between fasting LEAP2 and anthropometric and metabolic traits, feeding behaviour, LEAP2 genetic variants and blood cell DNA methylation status; and (c) to ascertain postprandial changes in LEAP2 after high protein intake and the association with feeding behaviour and food intake. METHODS Anthropometric and behavioural measures, genotyping, methylation profiling, plasma glucose and LEAP2 concentrations were assessed in 327 females and males. A subgroup of 123 participants received an ad libitum high-protein meal, and postprandial LEAP2 concentration and behavioural measures were assessed. RESULTS LEAP2 concentration was higher in participants with OW/OB (p < 0.001) and in females (p < 0.001), and was associated with LEAP2 single nucleotide polymorphisms rs765760 (p = 0.012) and rs803223 (p = 0.019), but not with LEAP2 methylation status. LEAP2 concentration was directly related to glycaemia (p = 0.001) and fullness (p = 0.003) in participants with normal weight, whereas it was associated with body mass index (p = 0.018), waist circumference (p = 0.014) and motor impulsivity in participants with OW/OB (p = 0.005). A negative association with reward responsiveness was observed in participants with OW/OB (p = 0.023). LEAP2 concentration was inversely associated with food intake (p = 0.034) and decreased after a high-protein meal (p < 0.001), particularly in women (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Increased LEAP2 in participants with OW/OB is associated with behavioural characteristics of obesity. Our results show sexual dimorphism in LEAP2 concentration before and after food intake and highlight the role of LEAP2 in feeding regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- María F Andreoli
- Instituto de Desarrollo e Investigaciones Pediátricas (IDIP), Children's Hospital HIAEP "Sor María Ludovica" La Plata-Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), La Plata, Argentina
- CONICET La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ana Luz Kruger
- Instituto de Desarrollo e Investigaciones Pediátricas (IDIP), Children's Hospital HIAEP "Sor María Ludovica" La Plata-Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), La Plata, Argentina
- CONICET La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Aleksandr V Sokolov
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gull Rukh
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pablo N De Francesco
- Neurophysiology Group, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE) (UNLP-CIC-PBA-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Mario Perello
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Neurophysiology Group, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE) (UNLP-CIC-PBA-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Andreoli MF, Gentreau M, Rukh G, Perello M, Schiöth HB. Genetic variants of LEAP2 are associated with anthropometric traits and circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 concentration: A UK Biobank study. Diabetes Obes Metab 2024; 26:3565-3575. [PMID: 38888057 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15695] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
AIM To test the hypothesis that liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) genetic variants might influence the susceptibility to human obesity. METHODS Using data from the UK Biobank, we identified independent LEAP2 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and examined their associations with obesity traits and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration. These associations were evaluated for both individual SNPs and after combining them into a genetic risk score (GRSLEAP2) using linear and logistic regression models. Sex-stratified analyses were also conducted. RESULTS Five SNPs showed positive associations with obesity-related traits. rs57880964 was associated with body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for BMI (WHRadjBMI), in the total population and among women. Four independent SNPs were positively associated with higher serum IGF-1 concentrations in both men and women. GRSLEAP2 was associated with BMI and WHRadjBMI only in women and with serum IGF-1 concentration in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal sex-specific associations between key LEAP2 gene variants and several obesity traits, while also indicating a strong independent association of LEAP2 variants with serum IGF-1 concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- María F Andreoli
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Instituto de Desarrollo e Investigaciones Pediátricas (IDIP). HIAEP Sor María Ludovica de La Plata, Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), La Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Mélissa Gentreau
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gull Rukh
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mario Perello
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Grupo de Neurofisiología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE). Universidad Nacional La Plata (UNLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) y CIC-PBA, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Shu X, Chen Z, Zheng X, Hua G, Zhuang W, Zhang J, Chen J. Quail GHRL and LEAP2 gene cloning, polymorphism detection, phylogenetic analysis, tissue expression profiling and its association analysis with feed intake. Gene 2024; 918:148479. [PMID: 38636815 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148479] [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: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
The GHRL, LEAP2, and GHSR system have recently been identified as important regulators of feed intake in mammals and chickens. However, the complete cloning of the quail GHRL (qGHRL) and quail LEAP2 (qLEAP2) genes, as well as their association with feed intake, remains unclear. This study cloned the entire qGHRL and qLEAP2 cDNA sequence in Chinese yellow quail (Coturnix japonica), including the 5' and 3' untranslated regions. Sanger sequencing analysis revealed no missense mutations in the coding region of qGHRL and qLEAP2. Subsequently, phylogenetic analysis and protein homology alignment were conducted on the qGHRL and qLEAP2 in major poultry species. The findings of this research indicated that the qGHRL and qLEAP2 sequences exhibit a high degree of similarity with those of chicken and turkey. Specifically, the N-terminal 6 amino acids of GHRL mature peptides and all the mature peptide sequence of LEAP2 exhibited consistent patterns across all species examined. The analysis of tissue gene expression profiles indicated that qGHRL was primarily expressed in the proventriculus and brain tissue, whereas qLEAP2 exhibited higher expression levels in the intestinal tissue, kidney, and liver tissue, differing slightly from previous studies conducted on chicken. It is necessary to investigate the significance of elevated expression of qGHRL in brain and qLEAP2 in kidney in the future. Further research has shown that the expression of qLEAP2 can quickly respond to changes in different energy states, whereas qGHRL does not exhibit the same capability. Overall, this study successfully cloned the complete cDNA sequences of qGHRL and qLEAP2, and conducted a comprehensive examination of their tissue expression profiles and gene expression levels in the main expressing organs across different energy states. Our current findings suggested that qLEAP2 is highly expressed in the liver, intestine, and kidney, and its expression level is regulated by feed intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Shu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ziwei Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiaotong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Guoying Hua
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wuchao Zhuang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jilong Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jianfei Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, China.
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Shankar K, Metzger NP, Lawrence C, Gupta D, Osborne-Lawrence S, Varshney S, Singh O, Richard CP, Zaykov AN, Rolfts R, DuBois BN, Perez-Tilve D, Mani BK, Hammer STG, Zigman JM. A long-acting LEAP2 analog reduces hepatic steatosis and inflammation and causes marked weight loss in mice. Mol Metab 2024; 84:101950. [PMID: 38697291 PMCID: PMC11103953 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101950] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The number of individuals affected by metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease [1] is on the rise, yet hormonal contributors to the condition remain incompletely described and only a single FDA-approved treatment is available. Some studies suggest that the hormones ghrelin and LEAP2, which act as agonist and antagonist/inverse agonist, respectively, for the G protein coupled receptor GHSR, may influence the development of MAFLD. For instance, ghrelin increases hepatic fat whereas synthetic GHSR antagonists do the opposite. Also, hepatic steatosis is less prominent in standard chow-fed ghrelin-KO mice but more prominent in 42% high-fat diet-fed female LEAP2-KO mice. METHODS Here, we sought to determine the therapeutic potential of a long-acting LEAP2 analog (LA-LEAP2) to treat MAFLD in mice. LEAP2-KO and wild-type littermate mice were fed a Gubra-Amylin-NASH (GAN) diet for 10 or 40 wks, with some randomized to an additional 28 or 10 days of GAN diet, respectively, while treated with LA-LEAP2 vs Vehicle. Various metabolic parameters were followed and biochemical and histological assessments of MAFLD were made. RESULTS Among the most notable metabolic effects, daily LA-LEAP2 administration to both LEAP2-KO and wild-type littermates during the final 4 wks of a 14 wk-long GAN diet challenge markedly reduced liver weight, hepatic triglycerides, plasma ALT, hepatic microvesicular steatosis, hepatic lobular inflammation, NASH activity scores, and prevalence of higher-grade fibrosis. These changes were accompanied by prominent reductions in body weight, without effects on food intake, and reduced plasma total cholesterol. Daily LA-LEAP2 administration during the final 10 d of a 41.5 wk-long GAN diet challenge also reduced body weight, plasma ALT, and plasma total cholesterol in LEAP2-KO and wild-type littermates and prevalence of higher grade fibrosis in LEAP2-KO mice. CONCLUSIONS Administration of LA-LEAP2 to mice fed a MAFLD-prone diet markedly improves several facets of MAFLD, including hepatic steatosis, hepatic lobular inflammation, higher-grade hepatic fibrosis, and transaminitis. These changes are accompanied by prominent reductions in body weight and lowered plasma total cholesterol. Taken together, these data suggest that LEAP2 analogs such as LA-LEAP2 hold promise for the treatment of MAFLD and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kripa Shankar
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9077, USA
| | - Nathan P Metzger
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9077, USA
| | - Connor Lawrence
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9077, USA
| | - Deepali Gupta
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9077, USA
| | - Sherri Osborne-Lawrence
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9077, USA
| | - Salil Varshney
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9077, USA
| | - Omprakash Singh
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9077, USA
| | - Corine P Richard
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9077, USA
| | | | - Rebecca Rolfts
- Novo Nordisk Lexington, 33 Hayden Ave, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Barent N DuBois
- Novo Nordisk Lexington, 33 Hayden Ave, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Diego Perez-Tilve
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Bharath K Mani
- Novo Nordisk Lexington, 33 Hayden Ave, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Suntrea T G Hammer
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Zigman
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9077, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, USA; Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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5
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Cornejo MP, Fernandez G, Cabral A, Barrile F, Heredia F, García Romero G, Zubimendi Sampieri JP, Quelas JI, Cantel S, Fehrentz JA, Alonso A, Pla R, Ferran JL, Andreoli MF, De Francesco PN, Perelló M. GHSR in a Subset of GABA Neurons Controls Food Deprivation-Induced Hyperphagia in Male Mice. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae061. [PMID: 38815068 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae061] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), primarily known as the receptor for the hunger hormone ghrelin, potently controls food intake, yet the specific Ghsr-expressing cells mediating the orexigenic effects of this receptor remain incompletely characterized. Since Ghsr is expressed in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-producing neurons, we sought to investigate whether the selective expression of Ghsr in a subset of GABA neurons is sufficient to mediate GHSR's effects on feeding. First, we crossed mice that express a tamoxifen-dependent Cre recombinase in the subset of GABA neurons that express glutamic acid decarboxylase 2 (Gad2) enzyme (Gad2-CreER mice) with reporter mice, and found that ghrelin mainly targets a subset of Gad2-expressing neurons located in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARH) and that is predominantly segregated from Agouti-related protein (AgRP)-expressing neurons. Analysis of various single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets further corroborated that the primary subset of cells coexpressing Gad2 and Ghsr in the mouse brain are non-AgRP ARH neurons. Next, we crossed Gad2-CreER mice with reactivable GHSR-deficient mice to generate mice expressing Ghsr only in Gad2-expressing neurons (Gad2-GHSR mice). We found that ghrelin treatment induced the expression of the marker of transcriptional activation c-Fos in the ARH of Gad2-GHSR mice, yet failed to induce food intake. In contrast, food deprivation-induced refeeding was higher in Gad2-GHSR mice than in GHSR-deficient mice and similar to wild-type mice, suggesting that ghrelin-independent roles of GHSR in a subset of GABA neurons is sufficient for eliciting full compensatory hyperphagia in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Paula Cornejo
- Grupo de Neurofisiología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), Universidad Nacional la Plata (UNLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gimena Fernandez
- Grupo de Neurofisiología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), Universidad Nacional la Plata (UNLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustina Cabral
- Grupo de Neurofisiología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), Universidad Nacional la Plata (UNLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Franco Barrile
- Grupo de Neurofisiología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), Universidad Nacional la Plata (UNLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Heredia
- Grupo de Neurofisiología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), Universidad Nacional la Plata (UNLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guadalupe García Romero
- Grupo de Neurofisiología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), Universidad Nacional la Plata (UNLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Sonia Cantel
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Alain Fehrentz
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Antonia Alonso
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Murcia-IMIB, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Ramon Pla
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Murcia-IMIB, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - José Luis Ferran
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Murcia-IMIB, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - María Florencia Andreoli
- Instituto de Desarrollo e Investigaciones Pediátricas (IDIP), HIAEP Sor María Ludovica de La Plata, Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 24, Sweden
| | - Pablo Nicolas De Francesco
- Grupo de Neurofisiología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), Universidad Nacional la Plata (UNLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mario Perelló
- Grupo de Neurofisiología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), Universidad Nacional la Plata (UNLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 24, Sweden
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6
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Andreoli MF, Fittipaldi AS, Castrogiovanni D, De Francesco PN, Valdivia S, Heredia F, Ribet-Travers C, Mendez I, Fasano MV, Schioth HB, Doi SA, Habib AM, Perello M. Pre-prandial plasma liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) concentration in humans is inversely associated with hunger sensation in a ghrelin independent manner. Eur J Nutr 2024; 63:751-762. [PMID: 38157050 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03304-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) is a newly recognized peptide hormone that acts via the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) blunting the effects of ghrelin and displaying ghrelin-independent actions. Since the implications of LEAP2 are beginning to be elucidated, we investigated if plasma LEAP2 concentration varies with feeding status or sex and whether it is associated with glucose metabolism and appetite sensations. METHODS We performed a single test meal study, in which plasma concentrations of LEAP2, ghrelin, insulin and glucose as well as visual analogue scales for hunger, desire to eat, prospective food consumption, fullness were assessed before and 60 min after breakfast in 44 participants (n = 21 females) with normal weight (NW) or overweight/obesity (OW/OB). RESULTS Pre-prandial plasma LEAP2 concentration was ~ 1.6-fold higher whereas ghrelin was ~ 2.0-fold lower in individuals with OW/OB (p < 0.001) independently of sex. After adjusting for body mass index (BMI) and sex, pre-prandial plasma LEAP2 concentration displayed a direct relationship with BMI (β: 0.09; 95%CI: 0.05, 0.13; p < 0.001), fat mass (β: 0.05; 95%CI: 0.01, 0.09; p = 0.010) and glycemia (β: 0.24; 95%CI: 0.05, 0.43; p = 0.021), whereas plasma ghrelin concentration displayed an inverse relationship with BMI and fat mass but not with glycemia. Postprandial plasma LEAP2 concentration increased ~ 58% in females with OW/OB (p = 0.045) but not in females with NW or in males. Pre-prandial plasma LEAP2 concentration displayed an inverse relationship with hunger score (β: - 11.16; 95% CI: - 18.52, - 3.79; p = 0.004), in a BMI-, sex- and ghrelin-independent manner. CONCLUSIONS LEAP2 emerges as a key hormone implicated in the regulation of metabolism and appetite in humans. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was retrospectively registered in clinicaltrials.gov (April 2023). CLINICALTRIALS gov Identifier: NCT05815641.
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Affiliation(s)
- María F Andreoli
- Instituto de Desarrollo e Investigaciones Pediátricas (IDIP), HIAEP Sor María Ludovica de la Plata, Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), Calle 63 # 1069, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), La Plata, Argentina.
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Antonela S Fittipaldi
- Grupo de Neurofisiología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE). Universidad Nacional la Plata (UNLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) y CIC-PBA, Calle 526 S/N Entre 10 y 11, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Castrogiovanni
- Grupo de Neurofisiología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE). Universidad Nacional la Plata (UNLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) y CIC-PBA, Calle 526 S/N Entre 10 y 11, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo N De Francesco
- Grupo de Neurofisiología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE). Universidad Nacional la Plata (UNLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) y CIC-PBA, Calle 526 S/N Entre 10 y 11, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Spring Valdivia
- Grupo de Neurofisiología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE). Universidad Nacional la Plata (UNLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) y CIC-PBA, Calle 526 S/N Entre 10 y 11, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Heredia
- Grupo de Neurofisiología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE). Universidad Nacional la Plata (UNLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) y CIC-PBA, Calle 526 S/N Entre 10 y 11, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Ignacio Mendez
- Instituto de Desarrollo e Investigaciones Pediátricas (IDIP), HIAEP Sor María Ludovica de la Plata, Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), Calle 63 # 1069, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María V Fasano
- Instituto de Desarrollo e Investigaciones Pediátricas (IDIP), HIAEP Sor María Ludovica de la Plata, Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), Calle 63 # 1069, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Centro de Matemática la Plata, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, UNLP/CIC-PBA, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Helgi B Schioth
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Suhail A Doi
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdella M Habib
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mario Perello
- Grupo de Neurofisiología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE). Universidad Nacional la Plata (UNLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) y CIC-PBA, Calle 526 S/N Entre 10 y 11, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden.
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7
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So WL, Hu J, Jeffs L, Dempsey H, Lockie SH, Zigman JM, Stark R, Reichenbach A, Andrews ZB. Ghrelin signalling in AgRP neurons links metabolic state to the sensory regulation of AgRP neural activity. Mol Metab 2023; 78:101826. [PMID: 37898450 PMCID: PMC10643323 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101826] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The sensory detection of food and food cues suppresses Agouti related peptide (AgRP) neuronal activity prior to consumption with greatest suppression occurring in response to highly caloric food or interoceptive energy need. However, the interoceptive mechanisms priming an appropriate AgRP neural response to external sensory information of food availability remain unexplored. Since hunger increases plasma ghrelin, we hypothesized that ghrelin receptor (GHSR) signalling on AgRP neurons is a key interoceptive mechanism integrating energy need with external sensory cues predicting caloric availability. METHODS We used in vivo photometry to measure the effects of ghrelin administration or fasting on AgRP neural activity with GCaMP6s and dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens with GRAB-DA in mice lacking ghrelin receptors in AgRP neurons. RESULTS The deletion of GHSR on AgRP neurons prevented ghrelin-induced food intake, motivation and AgRP activity. The presentation of food (peanut butter pellet) or a wooden dowel suppressed AgRP activity in fasted WT but not mice lacking GHSRs in AgRP neurons. Similarly, peanut butter and a wooden dowel increased dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens after ip ghrelin injection in WT but not mice lacking GHSRs in AgRP neurons. No difference in dopamine release was observed in fasted mice. Finally, ip ghrelin administration did not directly increase dopamine neural activity in the ventral tegmental area. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that AgRP GHSRs integrate an interoceptive state of energy need with external sensory information to produce an optimal change in AgRP neural activity. Thus, ghrelin signalling on AgRP neurons is more than just a feedback signal to increase AgRP activity during hunger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Lok So
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jiachen Hu
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lotus Jeffs
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Harry Dempsey
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Mental Health Division, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah H Lockie
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeffrey M Zigman
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Romana Stark
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alex Reichenbach
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zane B Andrews
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia.
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8
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Fernandez G, De Francesco PN, Cornejo MP, Cabral A, Aguggia JP, Duque VJ, Sayar N, Cantel S, Burgos JI, Fehrentz JA, Rorato R, Atasoy D, Mecawi AS, Perello M. Ghrelin Action in the PVH of Male Mice: Accessibility, Neuronal Targets, and CRH Neurons Activation. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad154. [PMID: 37823477 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad154] [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: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The hormone ghrelin displays several well-characterized functions, including some with pharmaceutical interest. The receptor for ghrelin, the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), is expressed in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVH), a critical hub for the integration of metabolic, neuroendocrine, autonomic, and behavioral functions. Here, we performed a neuroanatomical and functional characterization of the neuronal types mediating ghrelin actions in the PVH of male mice. We found that fluorescent ghrelin mainly labels PVH neurons immunoreactive for nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1), which catalyze the production of nitric oxide [NO]). Centrally injected ghrelin increases c-Fos in NOS1 PVH neurons and NOS1 phosphorylation in the PVH. We also found that a high dose of systemically injected ghrelin increases the ghrelin level in the cerebrospinal fluid and in the periventricular PVH, and induces c-Fos in NOS1 PVH neurons. Such a high dose of systemically injected ghrelin activates a subset of NOS1 PVH neurons, which do not express oxytocin, via an arcuate nucleus-independent mechanism. Finally, we found that pharmacological inhibition of NO production fully abrogates ghrelin-induced increase of calcium concentration in corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons of the PVH whereas it partially impairs ghrelin-induced increase of plasma glucocorticoid levels. Thus, plasma ghrelin can directly target a subset of NO-producing neurons of the PVH that is involved in ghrelin-induced activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal neuroendocrine axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gimena Fernandez
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina
| | - Pablo N De Francesco
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina
| | - María P Cornejo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina
| | - Agustina Cabral
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina
| | - Julieta P Aguggia
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina
| | - Victor J Duque
- Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, CEP: 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Nilufer Sayar
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa Neuroscience Institute and Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center (FOEDRC), University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Sonia Cantel
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier cedex 5 34293, France
| | - Juan I Burgos
- Centro de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares "Dr. Horacio Eugenio Cingolani" (CONICET and National University of La Plata), La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jean-Alain Fehrentz
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier cedex 5 34293, France
| | - Rodrigo Rorato
- Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, CEP: 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Deniz Atasoy
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa Neuroscience Institute and Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center (FOEDRC), University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - André S Mecawi
- Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, CEP: 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Mario Perello
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), National University of La Plata], La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Uppsala, Uppsala 751 05, Sweden
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9
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Bhargava R, Luur S, Rodriguez Flores M, Emini M, Prechtl CG, Goldstone AP. Postprandial Increases in Liver-Gut Hormone LEAP2 Correlate with Attenuated Eating Behavior in Adults Without Obesity. J Endocr Soc 2023; 7:bvad061. [PMID: 37287649 PMCID: PMC10243873 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The novel liver-gut hormone liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide-2 (LEAP2) is a centrally acting inverse agonist, and competitive antagonist of orexigenic acyl ghrelin (AG), at the GH secretagogue receptor, reducing food intake in rodents. In humans, the effects of LEAP2 on eating behavior and mechanisms behind the postprandial increase in LEAP2 are unclear, though this is reciprocal to the postprandial decrease in plasma AG. Methods Plasma LEAP2 was measured in a secondary analysis of a previous study. Twenty-two adults without obesity attended after an overnight fast, consuming a 730-kcal meal without or with subcutaneous AG administration. Postprandial changes in plasma LEAP2 were correlated with postprandial changes in appetite, high-energy (HE) or low-energy (LE) food cue reactivity using functional magnetic resonance imaging, ad libitum food intake, and plasma/serum AG, glucose, insulin, and triglycerides. Results Postprandial plasma LEAP2 increased by 24.5% to 52.2% at 70 to 150 minutes, but was unchanged by exogenous AG administration. Postprandial increases in LEAP2 correlated positively with postprandial decreases in appetite, and cue reactivity to HE/LE and HE food in anteroposterior cingulate cortex, paracingulate cortex, frontal pole, and middle frontal gyrus, with similar trend for food intake. Postprandial increases in LEAP2 correlated negatively with body mass index, but did not correlate positively with increases in glucose, insulin, or triglycerides, nor decreases in AG. Conclusions These correlational findings are consistent with a role for postprandial increases in plasma LEAP2 in suppressing human eating behavior in adults without obesity. Postprandial increases in plasma LEAP2 are unrelated to changes in plasma AG and the mediator(s) remain uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghav Bhargava
- PsychoNeuroEndocrinology Research Group, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Sandra Luur
- PsychoNeuroEndocrinology Research Group, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Marcela Rodriguez Flores
- PsychoNeuroEndocrinology Research Group, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Mimoza Emini
- PsychoNeuroEndocrinology Research Group, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Christina G Prechtl
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Hospital, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Anthony P Goldstone
- PsychoNeuroEndocrinology Research Group, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, W12 0NN, UK
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10
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Tezenas-du-Montcel C, Tolle V. La régulation de la prise alimentaire au travers des actions antagonistes de la ghréline et du LEAP-2. CAHIERS DE NUTRITION ET DE DIÉTÉTIQUE 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cnd.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
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11
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Ragland TJ, Malin SK. Plasma LEAP-2 Following a Low-Calorie Diet with or without Interval Exercise in Women with Obesity. Nutrients 2023; 15:655. [PMID: 36771362 PMCID: PMC9918887 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide-2 (LEAP-2) is associated with caloric intake and glucose metabolism. Purpose: Assess if a low-calorie diet with interval exercise (LCD+INT) raises LEAP-2 more than LCD in relation to appetite and cardiometabolic health. Methods: Women with obesity were randomized to either 2 weeks of LCD (n = 13, ~1200 kcal/d) or LCD+INT (n = 12; 60 min/d) of INT at 3 min of 90% and 50% HRpeak, respectively. LEAP-2 and acylated ghrelin (AG) were measured at 0, 30, and 60 min, while glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and free fatty acids (FFA) were obtained up to 180 min of a 75 g OGTT. Fasting and 120 min OGTT appetite were assessed via visual analog scales. Results: LCD reduced the BMI (p < 0.001) compared with LCD+INT, but only LCD+INT increased the VO2 max (p = 0.04). Treatments reduced fasting LEAP-2 (p = 0.05), but only LCD increased LEAP-2 iAUC60 min (p = 0.06) and post-prandial LEAP-2 stimulation (p = 0.02). Higher post-LEAP-260 min tended to relate to a lower desire to eat 120 min of sweet (r = 0.40, p = 0.07) and salty foods (r = 0.41, p = 0.06), as well as lower AG30 min (r = -0.51, p = 0.01) and higher FFA iAUC180 min (r = 0.56, p = 0.007) post-treatment. Conclusion: LCD, with or without INT, reduced fasting LEAP-2, but only LCD raised post-prandial LEAP-2. How diet and exercise impact LEAP-2 for lower chronic disease risk awaits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steven K. Malin
- Department of Kinesiology & Health, New Brunswick, NJ 08091, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08091, USA
- New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08091, USA
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08091, USA
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12
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Holá L, Železná B, Karnošová A, Kuneš J, Fehrentz JA, Denoyelle S, Cantel S, Blechová M, Sýkora D, Myšková A, Maletínská L. A Novel Truncated Liver Enriched Antimicrobial Peptide-2 Palmitoylated at its N-Terminal Antagonizes Effects of Ghrelin. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 383:129-136. [PMID: 36198495 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin is secreted in the stomach during fasting and targets the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR1a) in the hypothalamus and brainstem to exert its orexigenic effect. Recently, liver enriched antimicrobial peptide-2 (LEAP2) was identified as an endogenous high-affinity GHSR1a antagonist. LEAP2 is a 40-amino acid peptide with two disulfide bridges and GHRS1a affinity in the N-terminal hydrophobic part. In this study, we tested modified truncated N-terminal peptide LEAP2 (1-14), along with its myristoylated, palmitoylated, and stearoylated analogs, to determine their affinity to and activation of GHSR1a and their anorexigenic effects after acute peripheral administration. The lipidized analogs bound GHSR1a with affinity similar to that of natural LEAP2, and lipidization significantly enhanced the affinity of LEAP2(1-14) to GHSR1a. According to the beta-lactamase reporter gene response, the natural GHSR1a agonist ghrelin activated the receptor with nanomolar EC50 LEAP2(1-14) analogs behaved as inverse agonists of GHSR1a and suppressed internal activity of the receptor with EC50 values in the 10-8 M range. LEAP2(1-14) analogs significantly lowered acute food intake in overnight fasted mice, and palmitoylated LEAP2(1-14) was the most potent. In free-fed mice, all LEAP2(1-14) analogs significantly decreased the orexigenic effect of the stable ghrelin analog [Dpr3]Ghrelin. Moreover, palmitoylated LEAP2(1-14) inhibited the growth hormone (GH) release induced by [Dpr3] Ghrelin and exhibited an increased stability in rat plasma compared with LEAP2(1-14). In conclusion, palmitoylated LEAP2(1-14) had the most pronounced affinity for GHSR1a, had an anorexigenic effect, exhibited stability in rat plasma, and attenuated [Dpr3]Ghrelin-induced GH release. Such properties render palmitoylated LEAP2(1-14) a promising substance for antiobesity treatment. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The agonist and antagonist of one receptor are rarely found in one organism. For ghrelin receptor (growth hormone secretagogue receptor, GHSR), endogenous agonist ghrelin and endogenous antagonist/inverse agonist liver enriched antimicrobial peptide-2 (LEAP2) co-exist and differently control GHSR signaling. As ghrelin has a unique role in food intake regulation, energy homeostasis, and cytoprotection, lipidized truncated LEAP2 analogs presented in this study could serve not only to reveal the relationship between ghrelin and LEAP2 but also for development of potential anti-obesity agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Holá
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., B.Ž., A.K., J.K., M.B., A.M., L.M.); Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (J.K.); First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., A.K.); University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic (D.S., A.M.); and IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France (J.A.F., S.C., S.D.)
| | - Blanka Železná
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., B.Ž., A.K., J.K., M.B., A.M., L.M.); Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (J.K.); First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., A.K.); University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic (D.S., A.M.); and IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France (J.A.F., S.C., S.D.)
| | - Alena Karnošová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., B.Ž., A.K., J.K., M.B., A.M., L.M.); Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (J.K.); First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., A.K.); University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic (D.S., A.M.); and IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France (J.A.F., S.C., S.D.)
| | - Jaroslav Kuneš
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., B.Ž., A.K., J.K., M.B., A.M., L.M.); Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (J.K.); First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., A.K.); University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic (D.S., A.M.); and IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France (J.A.F., S.C., S.D.)
| | - Jean-Alain Fehrentz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., B.Ž., A.K., J.K., M.B., A.M., L.M.); Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (J.K.); First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., A.K.); University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic (D.S., A.M.); and IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France (J.A.F., S.C., S.D.)
| | - Séverine Denoyelle
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., B.Ž., A.K., J.K., M.B., A.M., L.M.); Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (J.K.); First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., A.K.); University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic (D.S., A.M.); and IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France (J.A.F., S.C., S.D.)
| | - Sonia Cantel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., B.Ž., A.K., J.K., M.B., A.M., L.M.); Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (J.K.); First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., A.K.); University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic (D.S., A.M.); and IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France (J.A.F., S.C., S.D.)
| | - Miroslava Blechová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., B.Ž., A.K., J.K., M.B., A.M., L.M.); Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (J.K.); First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., A.K.); University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic (D.S., A.M.); and IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France (J.A.F., S.C., S.D.)
| | - David Sýkora
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., B.Ž., A.K., J.K., M.B., A.M., L.M.); Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (J.K.); First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., A.K.); University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic (D.S., A.M.); and IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France (J.A.F., S.C., S.D.)
| | - Aneta Myšková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., B.Ž., A.K., J.K., M.B., A.M., L.M.); Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (J.K.); First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., A.K.); University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic (D.S., A.M.); and IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France (J.A.F., S.C., S.D.)
| | - Lenka Maletínská
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., B.Ž., A.K., J.K., M.B., A.M., L.M.); Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (J.K.); First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic (L.H., A.K.); University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic (D.S., A.M.); and IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France (J.A.F., S.C., S.D.)
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13
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Chu G, Peng H, Yu N, Zhang Y, Lin X, Lu Y. Involvement of POMC neurons in LEAP2 regulation of food intake and body weight. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:932761. [PMID: 36387867 PMCID: PMC9650057 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.932761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) is a newly discovered antagonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) and is considered the first endogenous peptide that can antagonize the metabolic actions of ghrelin. The effects of ghrelin administration on feeding behavior, body weight, and energy metabolism involve the activation of orexigenic neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus. It is unclear, however, if LEAP2 applied directly to the ARC of the hypothalamus affects these metabolic processes. Here, we show that overexpression of LEAP2 in the ARC through adeno-associated virus (AAV) reduced food intake and body weight in wild-type (WT) mice fed chow and a high-fat diet (HFD) and improved metabolic disorders. LEAP2 overexpression in the ARC overrides both central and peripheral ghrelin action on a chow diet. Interestingly, this AAV-LEAP2 treatment increased proopiomelanocortin (POMC) expression while agouti-related peptide (AGRP)/neuropeptide Y (NPY) and GHSR levels remained unchanged in the hypothalamus. Additionally, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of LEAP2 decreased food intake, increased POMC neuronal activity, and repeated LEAP2 administration to mice induced body weight loss. Using chemogenetic manipulations, we found that inhibition of POMC neurons abolished the anorexigenic effect of LEAP2. These results demonstrate that central delivery of LEAP2 leads to appetite-suppressing and body weight reduction, which might require activation of POMC neurons in the ARC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangpin Chu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hualing Peng
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Nana Yu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuejin Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xueling Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yisheng Lu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Yisheng Lu,
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