A 60 minute hyperglycemic clamp is sufficient to assess both phases of insulin secretion

Chemical pancreatectomy in non-human primates ablates the acini and ducts and enhances beta-cell function

Chronic pancreatitis is a debilitating disease affecting millions worldwide. These patients suffer from bouts of severe pain that are minimally relieved by pain medications and may necessitate major surgeries with high morbidity and mortality. Previously, we demonstrated that "chemical pancreatectomy," a pancreatic intraductal infusion of dilute acetic acid solution, ablated the exocrine pancreas while preserving the endocrine pancreas. Notably, chemical pancreatectomy resolved chronic inflammation, alleviated allodynia in the cerulein pancreatitis model, and improved glucose homeostasis. Herein, we extensively tested the feasibility of a chemical pancreatectomy in NHPs and validated our previously published pilot study. We did serial computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen and pelvis, analyzed dorsal root ganglia, measured serum enzymes, and performed histological and ultrastructural assessments and pancreatic endocrine function assays. Based on serial CT scans, chemical pancreatectomy led to the loss of pancreatic volume. Immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated exocrine pancreatic ablation with endocrine islet preservation. Importantly, chemical pancreatectomy did not increase pro-nociceptive markers in harvested dorsal root ganglia. Also, chemical pancreatectomy improved insulin secretion to supranormal levels in vivo and in vitro. Thus, this study may provide a foundation for translating this procedure to patients with chronic pancreatitis or other conditions requiring a pancreatectomy.

Chemical pancreatectomy in non-human primates ablates the acini and ducts and enhances beta-cell function

Chronic pancreatitis is a debilitating disease affecting millions worldwide. These patients suffer from bouts of severe pain that are minimally relieved by pain medications and may necessitate major surgeries with high morbidity and mortality. Previously, we demonstrated that "chemical pancreatectomy," a pancreatic intraductal infusion of dilute acetic acid solution, ablated the exocrine pancreas while preserving the endocrine pancreas. Notably, chemical pancreatectomy resolved chronic inflammation, alleviated allodynia in the cerulein pancreatitis model, and improved glucose homeostasis. Herein, we extensively tested the feasibility of a chemical pancreatectomy in NHPs and validated our previously published pilot study. We did serial computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen and pelvis, analyzed dorsal root ganglia, measured serum enzymes, and performed histological and ultrastructural assessments and pancreatic endocrine function assays.  Based on serial CT scans, chemical pancreatectomy led to the loss of pancreatic volume. Immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated exocrine pancreatic ablation with endocrine islet preservation. Importantly, chemical pancreatectomy did not increase pro-nociceptive markers in harvested dorsal root ganglia. Also, chemical pancreatectomy improved insulin secretion to supranormal levels in vivo and in vitro. Thus, this study may provide a foundation for translating this procedure to patients with chronic pancreatitis or other conditions requiring a pancreatectomy.

Exaggerated release and preserved insulinotropic action of glucagon-like peptide-1 underlie insulin hypersecretion in glucose-tolerant individuals after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) improves glycaemic control in part by increasing postprandial insulin secretion through exaggerated glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 release. However, it is unknown whether islet cell responsiveness to i.v. glucose, non-glucose (arginine) and incretin hormones, including GLP-1, is altered.

METHODS

Eleven severely obese glucose-tolerant individuals underwent three hyperglycaemic clamps with arginine bolus and co-infusion of either GLP-1, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) or saline before, and at 1 week and 3 months after RYGB. In addition, an OGTT was performed before and 3 months after surgery.

RESULTS

After RYGB, insulin sensitivity improved at 1 week and 3 months, while insulin stimulation and glucagon suppression in response to the clamp with saline co-infusion were largely unaltered. The influence of i.v. GLP-1 and GIP on insulin and glucagon secretion was also unchanged postoperatively. In response to the postoperative OGTT at 3 months, insulin and GLP-1, but not GIP, secretion increased. Furthermore, the glucose profile during the OGTT was altered, with a substantial reduction in 2 h plasma glucose and a paradoxical hypersecretion of glucagon.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

After RYGB, insulin hypersecretion is linked to the oral, but not the i.v., route of administration and is associated with exaggerated release and preserved insulinotropic action of GLP-1, while both the secretion and action of GIP are unchanged. The results highlight the importance of increased GLP-1 secretion for improving postoperative glucose metabolism.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01559779.

Assessment of beta-cell function in humans, simultaneously with insulin sensitivity and hepatic extraction, from intravenous and oral glucose tests

Assessment of insulin secretion in humans under physiological conditions has been a challenge because of its complex interplay with insulin action and hepatic insulin extraction. The possibility of simultaneously assessing beta-cell function, insulin sensitivity, and hepatic insulin extraction under physiological conditions using a simple protocol is appealing, since it has the potential to provide novel insights regarding the regulation of fasting and postprandial glucose metabolism in diabetic and nondiabetic humans. In this Perspective, we review data indicating that an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) or a meal test is able to accomplish this goal when interpreted with the oral beta-cell minimal model. We begin by using the well-established intravenous minimal model to highlight how the oral minimal model was developed and how the oral assessment parallels that of an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT). We also point out the unique aspects of both approaches in relation to their ability to assess different aspects of the beta-cell secretory cascade. We review the ability of the oral model to concurrently measure insulin sensitivity and hepatic insulin extraction, thereby enabling it to quantitatively portray the complex relationship among beta-cell function, hepatic insulin extraction, and insulin action. In addition, data from 204 individuals (54 young and 159 elderly) who underwent both IVGTT and meal tolerance tests are used to illustrate how these different approaches provide complementary but differing insights regarding the regulation of beta-cell function in humans.