1
|
McGlone ER, Bloom SR, Tan TMM. Glucagon resistance and metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease: a review of the evidence. J Endocrinol 2024; 261:e230365. [PMID: 38579751 PMCID: PMC11067060 DOI: 10.1530/joe-23-0365] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is closely associated with obesity. MASLD affects over 1 billion adults globally but there are few treatment options available. Glucagon is a key metabolic regulator, and its actions include the reduction of liver fat through direct and indirect means. Chronic glucagon signalling deficiency is associated with hyperaminoacidaemia, hyperglucagonaemia and increased circulating levels of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21). Reduction in glucagon activity decreases hepatic amino acid and triglyceride catabolism; metabolic effects include improved glucose tolerance, increased plasma cholesterol and increased liver fat. Conversely, glucagon infusion in healthy volunteers leads to increased hepatic glucose output, decreased levels of plasma amino acids and increased urea production, decreased plasma cholesterol and increased energy expenditure. Patients with MASLD share many hormonal and metabolic characteristics with models of glucagon signalling deficiency, suggesting that they could be resistant to glucagon. Although there are few studies of the effects of glucagon infusion in patients with obesity and/or MASLD, there is some evidence that the expected effect of glucagon on amino acid catabolism may be attenuated. Taken together, this evidence supports the notion that glucagon resistance exists in patients with MASLD and may contribute to the pathogenesis of MASLD. Further studies are warranted to investigate the direct effects of glucagon on metabolism in patients with MASLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Rose McGlone
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen R Bloom
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tricia M-M Tan
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Estes SK, Shiota C, O'Brien TP, Printz RL, Shiota M. The impact of glucagon to support postabsorptive glucose flux and glycemia in healthy rats and its attenuation in male Zucker diabetic fatty rats. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2024; 326:E308-E325. [PMID: 38265288 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00192.2023] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Hyperglucagonemia is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), yet the role of elevated plasma glucagon (P-GCG) to promote excessive postabsorptive glucose production and contribute to hyperglycemia in patients with this disease remains debatable. We investigated the acute action of P-GCG to safeguard/support postabsorptive endogenous glucose production (EGP) and euglycemia in healthy Zucker control lean (ZCL) rats. Using male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats that exhibit the typical metabolic disorders of human T2DM, such as excessive EGP, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperglucagonemia, we examined the ability of hyperglucagonemia to promote greater rates of postabsorptive EGP and hyperglycemia. Euglycemic or hyperglycemic basal insulin (INS-BC) and glucagon (GCG-BC) clamps were performed in the absence or during an acute setting of glucagon deficiency (GCG-DF, ∼10% of basal), either alone or in combination with insulin deficiency (INS-DF, ∼10% of basal). Glucose appearance, disappearance, and cycling rates were measured using [2-3H] and [3-3H]-glucose. In ZCL rats, GCG-DF reduced the levels of hepatic cyclic AMP, EGP, and plasma glucose (PG) by 50%, 32%, and 50%, respectively. EGP fell in the presence GCG-DF and INS-BC, but under GCG-DF and INS-DF, EGP and PG increased two- and threefold, respectively. GCG-DF revealed the hyperglucagonemia present in ZDF rats lacked the ability to regulate hepatic intracellular cyclic AMP levels and glucose flux, since EGP and PG levels fell by only 10%. We conclude that the liver in T2DM suffers from resistance to all three major regulatory factors, glucagon, insulin, and glucose, thus leading to a loss of metabolic flexibility.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In postabsorptive state, basal plasma insulin (P-INS) and plasma glucose (PG) act dominantly to increase hepatic glucose cycling and reduce endogenous glucose production (EGP) and PG in healthy rats, which is only counteracted by the acute action of basal plasma glucagon (P-GCG) to support EGP and euglycemia. Hyperglucagonemia, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) present in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, is not the primary mediator of hyperglycemia and high EGP as commonly thought; instead, the liver is resistant to glucagon as well as insulin and glucose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanea K Estes
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Chiyo Shiota
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Tracy P O'Brien
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Richard L Printz
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Masakazu Shiota
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Spears E, Stanley JE, Shou M, Yin L, Li X, Dai C, Bradley A, Sellick K, Poffenberger G, Coate KC, Shrestha S, Jenkins R, Sloop KW, Wilson KT, Attie AD, Keller MP, Chen W, Powers AC, Dean ED. Pancreatic islet α cell function and proliferation requires the arginine transporter SLC7A2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.10.552656. [PMID: 37645716 PMCID: PMC10461917 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.10.552656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Interrupting glucagon signaling decreases gluconeogenesis and the fractional extraction of amino acids by liver from blood resulting in lower glycemia. The resulting hyperaminoacidemia stimulates α cell proliferation and glucagon secretion via a liver-α cell axis. We hypothesized that α cells detect and respond to circulating amino acids levels via a unique amino acid transporter repertoire. We found that Slc7a2ISLC7A2 is the most highly expressed cationic amino acid transporter in α cells with its expression being three-fold greater in α than β cells in both mouse and human. Employing cell culture, zebrafish, and knockout mouse models, we found that the cationic amino acid arginine and SLC7A2 are required for α cell proliferation in response to interrupted glucagon signaling. Ex vivo and in vivo assessment of islet function in Slc7a2-/- mice showed decreased arginine-stimulated glucagon and insulin secretion. We found that arginine activation of mTOR signaling and induction of the glutamine transporter SLC38A5 was dependent on SLC7A2, showing that both's role in α cell proliferation is dependent on arginine transport and SLC7A2. Finally, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms in SLC7A2 associated with HbA1c. Together, these data indicate a central role for SLC7A2 in amino acid-stimulated α cell proliferation and islet hormone secretion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erick Spears
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Biology, Belmont University, Nashville, TN
| | - Jade E. Stanley
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Matthew Shou
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Linlin Yin
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Xuan Li
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Chunhua Dai
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Amber Bradley
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Katelyn Sellick
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Greg Poffenberger
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Katie C. Coate
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Shristi Shrestha
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Regina Jenkins
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Kyle W. Sloop
- Diabetes and Complications, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Keith T. Wilson
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Center for Mucosal Inflammation and Cancer, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
- Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN
| | - Alan D. Attie
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Mark P. Keller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Wenbiao Chen
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Alvin C. Powers
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN
| | - E. Danielle Dean
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kang Q, Zheng J, Jia J, Xu Y, Bai X, Chen X, Zhang XK, Wong FS, Zhang C, Li M. Disruption of the glucagon receptor increases glucagon expression beyond α-cell hyperplasia in zebrafish. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102665. [PMID: 36334626 PMCID: PMC9719020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The glucagon receptor (GCGR) is a potential target for diabetes therapy. Several emerging GCGR antagonism-based therapies are under preclinical and clinical development. However, GCGR antagonism, as well as genetically engineered GCGR deficiency in animal models, are accompanied by α-cell hyperplasia and hyperglucagonemia, which may limit the application of GCGR antagonism. To better understand the physiological changes in α cells following GCGR disruption, we performed single cell sequencing of α cells isolated from control and gcgr-/- (glucagon receptor deficient) zebrafish. Interestingly, beyond the α-cell hyperplasia, we also found that the expression of gcga, gcgb, pnoca, and several glucagon-regulatory transcription factors were dramatically increased in one cluster of gcgr-/- α cells. We further confirmed that glucagon mRNA was upregulated in gcgr-/- animals by in situ hybridization and that glucagon promoter activity was increased in gcgr-/-;Tg(gcga:GFP) reporter zebrafish. We also demonstrated that gcgr-/- α cells had increased glucagon protein levels and increased granules after GCGR disruption. Intriguingly, the increased mRNA and protein levels could be suppressed by treatment with high-level glucose or knockdown of the pnoca gene. In conclusion, these data demonstrated that GCGR deficiency not only induced α-cell hyperplasia but also increased glucagon expression in α cells, findings which provide more information about physiological changes in α-cells when the GCGR is disrupted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Kang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jihong Zheng
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianxin Jia
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuanxuan Bai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinhua Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Institute of Oceanology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Kun Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - F Susan Wong
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Mingyu Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Elmelund E, Galsgaard KD, Johansen CD, Trammell SA, Bomholt AB, Winther-Sørensen M, Hunt JE, Sørensen CM, Kruse T, Lau JF, Grevengoed TJ, Holst JJ, Wewer Albrechtsen NJ. Opposing effects of chronic glucagon receptor agonism and antagonism on amino acids, hepatic gene expression, and alpha cells. iScience 2022; 25:105296. [PMID: 36325048 PMCID: PMC9618771 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The pancreatic hormone, glucagon, is known to regulate hepatic glucose production, but recent studies suggest that its regulation of hepatic amino metabolism is equally important. Here, we show that chronic glucagon receptor activation with a long-acting glucagon analog increases amino acid catabolism and ureagenesis and causes alpha cell hypoplasia in female mice. Conversely, chronic glucagon receptor inhibition with a glucagon receptor antibody decreases amino acid catabolism and ureagenesis and causes alpha cell hyperplasia and beta cell loss. These effects were associated with the transcriptional regulation of hepatic genes related to amino acid uptake and catabolism and by the non-transcriptional modulation of the rate-limiting ureagenesis enzyme, carbamoyl phosphate synthetase-1. Our results support the importance of glucagon receptor signaling for amino acid homeostasis and pancreatic islet integrity in mice and provide knowledge regarding the long-term consequences of chronic glucagon receptor agonism and antagonism. Glucagon receptor agonism increases amino acid catabolism and hepatic CPS-1 activity Glucagon receptor signaling regulates the number of pancreatic alpha cells Glucagon regulates the hepatic transcription of genes involved in amino acid metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Elmelund
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katrine D. Galsgaard
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian D. Johansen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Samuel A.J. Trammell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna B. Bomholt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Winther-Sørensen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jenna E. Hunt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte M. Sørensen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Kruse
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Research Chemistry, Novo Nordisk Park, 2760 Måløv, Denmark
| | - Jesper F. Lau
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Research Chemistry, Novo Nordisk Park, 2760 Måløv, Denmark
| | - Trisha J. Grevengoed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens J. Holst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nicolai J. Wewer Albrechtsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Bispebjerg & Frederiksberg Hospitals, University of Copenhagen, 2400 Bispebjerg, Denmark
- Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Habegger KM. Cross Talk Between Insulin and Glucagon Receptor Signaling in the Hepatocyte. Diabetes 2022; 71:1842-1851. [PMID: 35657690 PMCID: PMC9450567 DOI: 10.2337/dbi22-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
While the consumption of external energy (i.e., feeding) is essential to life, this action induces a temporary disturbance of homeostasis in an animal. A primary example of this effect is found in the regulation of glycemia. In the fasted state, stored energy is released to maintain physiological glycemic levels. Liver glycogen is liberated to glucose, glycerol and (glucogenic) amino acids are used to build new glucose molecules (i.e., gluconeogenesis), and fatty acids are oxidized to fuel long-term energetic demands. This regulation is driven primarily by the counterregulatory hormones epinephrine, growth hormone, cortisol, and glucagon. Conversely, feeding induces a rapid influx of diverse nutrients, including glucose, that disrupt homeostasis. Consistently, a host of hormonal and neural systems under the coordination of insulin are engaged in the transition from fasting to prandial states to reduce this disruption. The ultimate action of these systems is to appropriately store the newly acquired energy and to return to the homeostatic norm. Thus, at first glance it is tempting to assume that glucagon is solely antagonistic regarding the anabolic effects of insulin. We have been intrigued by the role of glucagon in the prandial transition and have attempted to delineate its role as beneficial or inhibitory to glycemic control. The following review highlights this long-known yet poorly understood hormone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirk M. Habegger
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mao X, Chen H, Lin AZ, Kim S, Burczynski ME, Na E, Halasz G, Sleeman MW, Murphy AJ, Okamoto H, Cheng X. Glutaminase 2 knockdown reduces hyperammonemia and associated lethality of urea cycle disorder mouse model. J Inherit Metab Dis 2022; 45:470-480. [PMID: 34988999 PMCID: PMC9302672 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins in the cells and tissues, are of fundamental importance for cell survival, maintenance, and proliferation. The liver plays a critical role in amino acid metabolism and detoxication of byproducts such as ammonia. Urea cycle disorders with hyperammonemia remain difficult to treat and eventually necessitate liver transplantation. In this study, ornithine transcarbamylase deficient (Otcspf-ash ) mouse model was used to test whether knockdown of a key glutamine metabolism enzyme glutaminase 2 (GLS2, gene name: Gls2) or glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (GLUD1, gene name: Glud1) could rescue the hyperammonemia and associated lethality induced by a high protein diet. We found that reduced hepatic expression of Gls2 but not Glud1 by AAV8-mediated delivery of a short hairpin RNA in Otcspf-ash mice diminished hyperammonemia and reduced lethality. Knockdown of Gls2 but not Glud1 in Otcspf-ash mice exhibited reduced body weight loss and increased plasma glutamine concentration. These data suggest that Gls2 hepatic knockdown could potentially help alleviate risk for hyperammonemia and other clinical manifestations of patients suffering from defects in the urea cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Mao
- Regeneron PharmaceuticalsTarrytownNew YorkUSA
| | - Helen Chen
- Regeneron PharmaceuticalsTarrytownNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Sun Kim
- Regeneron PharmaceuticalsTarrytownNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Erqian Na
- Regeneron PharmaceuticalsTarrytownNew YorkUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jia Y, Liu Y, Feng L, Sun S, Sun G. Role of Glucagon and Its Receptor in the Pathogenesis of Diabetes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:928016. [PMID: 35784565 PMCID: PMC9243425 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.928016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Various theories for the hormonal basis of diabetes have been proposed and debated over the past few decades. Insulin insufficiency was previously regarded as the only hormone deficiency directly leading to metabolic disorders associated with diabetes. Although glucagon and its receptor are ignored in this framework, an increasing number of studies have shown that they play essential roles in the development and progression of diabetes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of glucagon are still not clear. In this review, recent research on the mechanisms by which glucagon and its receptor contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetes as well as correlations between GCGR mutation rates in populations and the occurrence of diabetes are summarized. Furthermore, we summarize how recent research clearly establishes glucagon as a potential therapeutic target for diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunbo Jia
- Innovative Engineering Technology Research Center for Cell Therapy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Innovative Engineering Technology Research Center for Cell Therapy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Linlin Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Siyu Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Siyu Sun, ; Guangwei Sun,
| | - Guangwei Sun
- Innovative Engineering Technology Research Center for Cell Therapy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Siyu Sun, ; Guangwei Sun,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ji L, Wang Q, Liu M, Zhu C, Xiao Y, Han J, Fang Y, Ye J, Yin J, Wei L. The 14-3-3 protein YWHAB inhibits glucagon-induced hepatic gluconeogenesis through interacting with the glucagon receptor and FOXO1. FEBS Lett 2021; 595:1275-1288. [PMID: 33641163 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Glucagon antagonism has been reported as a new therapeutic approach to hyperglycaemia. As the 14-3-3 protein YWHAB has been identified as a regulator of the glucagon receptor (GCGR) by affinity purification and mass spectrometry, we examined the role of YWHAB in vivo. Ywhab knockout mice display impaired blood glucose homeostasis only under pyruvate stimulation. Deletion of Ywhab in mouse primary hepatocytes (MPHs) increases hepatocyte glucose production by magnifying the effect of glucagon. Mechanistic analysis indicates that YWHAB forms a phosphorylation-dependent complex with GCGR and directly interacts with forkhead box O1 (FOXO1). Together, these results reveal the inhibitory role of YWHAB in glucagon-mediated hepatic glucose production, which may be a potential target for the control of gluconeogenesis and associated metabolic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Ji
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Key Clinical Center for Metabolic Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Key Clinical Center for Metabolic Disease, Shanghai, China
- Department of Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengdan Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Key Clinical Center for Metabolic Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaoyu Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Key Clinical Center for Metabolic Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xiao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Key Clinical Center for Metabolic Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Junfeng Han
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Key Clinical Center for Metabolic Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunyun Fang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Key Clinical Center for Metabolic Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianping Ye
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Key Clinical Center for Metabolic Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Yin
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Key Clinical Center for Metabolic Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Wei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Key Clinical Center for Metabolic Disease, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zeigerer A, Sekar R, Kleinert M, Nason S, Habegger KM, Müller TD. Glucagon's Metabolic Action in Health and Disease. Compr Physiol 2021; 11:1759-1783. [PMID: 33792899 PMCID: PMC8513137 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c200013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Discovered almost simultaneously with insulin, glucagon is a pleiotropic hormone with metabolic action that goes far beyond its classical role to increase blood glucose. Albeit best known for its ability to directly act on the liver to increase de novo glucose production and to inhibit glycogen breakdown, glucagon lowers body weight by decreasing food intake and by increasing metabolic rate. Glucagon further promotes lipolysis and lipid oxidation and has positive chronotropic and inotropic effects in the heart. Interestingly, recent decades have witnessed a remarkable renaissance of glucagon's biology with the acknowledgment that glucagon has pharmacological value beyond its classical use as rescue medication to treat severe hypoglycemia. In this article, we summarize the multifaceted nature of glucagon with a special focus on its hepatic action and discuss the pharmacological potential of either agonizing or antagonizing the glucagon receptor for health and disease. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:1759-1783, 2021.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Zeigerer
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Revathi Sekar
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Kleinert
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Section of Molecular Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shelly Nason
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine - Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Kirk M. Habegger
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine - Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Timo D. Müller
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology, Experimental Therapy and Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Eberhard Karls University Hospitals and Clinics, Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hædersdal S, Lund A, Nielsen-Hannerup E, Maagensen H, van Hall G, Holst JJ, Knop FK, Vilsbøll T. The Role of Glucagon in the Acute Therapeutic Effects of SGLT2 Inhibition. Diabetes 2020; 69:2619-2629. [PMID: 33004472 PMCID: PMC7679772 DOI: 10.2337/db20-0369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) effectively lower plasma glucose (PG) concentration in patients with type 2 diabetes, but studies have suggested that circulating glucagon concentrations and endogenous glucose production (EGP) are increased by SGLT2i, possibly compromising their glucose-lowering ability. To tease out whether and how glucagon may influence the glucose-lowering effect of SGLT2 inhibition, we subjected 12 patients with type 2 diabetes to a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, crossover, double-dummy study comprising, on 4 separate days, a liquid mixed-meal test preceded by single-dose administration of either 1) placebo, 2) the SGLT2i empagliflozin (25 mg), 3) the glucagon receptor antagonist LY2409021 (300 mg), or 4) the combination empagliflozin + LY2409021. Empagliflozin and LY2409021 individually lowered fasting PG compared with placebo, and the combination further decreased fasting PG. Previous findings of increased glucagon concentrations and EGP during acute administration of SGLT2i were not replicated in this study. Empagliflozin reduced postprandial PG through increased urinary glucose excretion. LY2409021 reduced EGP significantly but gave rise to a paradoxical increase in postprandial PG excursion, which was annulled by empagliflozin during their combination (empagliflozin + LY2409021). In conclusion, our findings do not support that an SGLT2i-induced glucagonotropic effect is of importance for the glucose-lowering property of SGLT2 inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Hædersdal
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
- Danish Diabetes Academy, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Asger Lund
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
| | | | - Henrik Maagensen
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Gerrit van Hall
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Clinical Metabolomics Core Facility, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens J Holst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Filip K Knop
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tina Vilsbøll
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Basu A, Yadav Y, Carter RE, Basu R. Novel Insights Into Effects of Cortisol and Glucagon on Nocturnal Glucose Production in Type 2 Diabetes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5831336. [PMID: 32374825 PMCID: PMC7274493 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The effect of physiological changes in night-time cortisol and glucagon on endogenous glucose production (EGP) and nocturnal glycemia are unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of changes in cortisol and glucagon on EGP during the night. DESIGN Two overnight protocols were conducted. In Protocol 1, endogenous cortisol was blocked with metyrapone and hydrocortisone infused either at constant (constant) or increasing (variable) rates to mimic basal or physiological nocturnal cortisol concentrations. In Protocol 2, endogenous glucagon was blocked with somatostatin and exogenous glucagon was infused at either basal or elevated rates to mimic nocturnal glucagon concentrations observed in nondiabetic (ND) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) individuals. EGP was measured using [3-3H] glucose and gluconeogenesis estimated with 2H2O in all studies. SETTING Mayo Clinic Clinical Research Trials Unit, Rochester, MN, US. PARTICIPANTS In Protocol 1, 34 subjects (17 ND and 17 T2D) and in Protocol 2, 39 subjects (21 ND and 18 T2D) were studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Endogenous glucose production. RESULTS EGP, gluconeogenesis, and glycogenolysis were higher with variable than with constant cortisol at 7 am in T2D subjects. In contrast, nocturnal EGP did not differ in ND subjects between variable and constant cortisol. While elevated glucagon increased EGP, glycogenolysis, and gluconeogenesis in ND, the data in T2D subjects indicated that EGP and gluconeogenesis but not glycogenolysis were higher during the early part of the night. CONCLUSION Nocturnal hyperglucagonemia, but not physiological rise in cortisol, contributes to nocturnal hyperglycemia in T2D due to increased gluconeogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ananda Basu
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, US
| | - Yogesh Yadav
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, US
| | - Rickey E Carter
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, US
| | - Rita Basu
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, US
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Rita Basu, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Room 3108, 560 Ray C Hunt Drive, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Stern JH, Smith GI, Chen S, Unger RH, Klein S, Scherer PE. Obesity dysregulates fasting-induced changes in glucagon secretion. J Endocrinol 2019; 243:149-160. [PMID: 31454790 PMCID: PMC6994388 DOI: 10.1530/joe-19-0201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Hyperglucagonemia, a hallmark in obesity and insulin resistance promotes hepatic glucose output, exacerbating hyperglycemia and thus predisposing to the development type 2 diabetes. As such, glucagon signaling is a key target for new therapeutics to manage insulin resistance. We evaluated glucagon homeostasis in lean and obese mice and people. In lean mice, fasting for 24 h caused a rise in glucagon. In contrast, a decrease in serum glucagon compared to baseline was observed in diet-induced obese mice between 8 and 24 h of fasting. Fasting decreased serum insulin in both lean and obese mice. Accordingly, the glucagon:insulin ratio was unaffected by fasting in obese mice but increased in lean mice. Re-feeding (2 h) restored hyperglucagonemia in obese mice. Pancreatic perfusion studies confirm that fasting (16 h) decreases pancreatic glucagon secretion in obese mice. Consistent with our findings in the mouse, a mixed meal increased serum glucagon and insulin concentrations in obese humans, both of which decreased with time after a meal. Consequently, fasting and re-feeding less robustly affected glucagon:insulin ratios in obese compared to lean participants. The glucoregulatory disturbance in obesity may be driven by inappropriate regulation of glucagon by fasting and a static glucagon:insulin ratio.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H. Stern
- Touchstone Diabetes Center, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Gordon I. Smith
- Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Shiuwei Chen
- Touchstone Diabetes Center, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Roger H. Unger
- Touchstone Diabetes Center, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Samuel Klein
- Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Philipp E. Scherer
- Touchstone Diabetes Center, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
- Correspondence: , Telephone: (214) 648-8715, Fax: (214) 648-8720
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wewer Albrechtsen NJ, Pedersen J, Galsgaard KD, Winther-Sørensen M, Suppli MP, Janah L, Gromada J, Vilstrup H, Knop FK, Holst JJ. The Liver-α-Cell Axis and Type 2 Diabetes. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:1353-1366. [PMID: 30920583 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Both type 2 diabetes (T2D) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) strongly associate with increasing body mass index, and together these metabolic diseases affect millions of individuals. In patients with T2D, increased secretion of glucagon (hyperglucagonemia) contributes to diabetic hyperglycemia as proven by the significant lowering of fasting plasma glucose levels following glucagon receptor antagonist administration. Emerging data now indicate that the elevated plasma concentrations of glucagon may also be associated with hepatic steatosis and not necessarily with the presence or absence of T2D. Thus, fatty liver disease, most often secondary to overeating, may result in impaired amino acid turnover, leading to increased plasma concentrations of certain glucagonotropic amino acids (e.g., alanine). This, in turn, causes increased glucagon secretion that may help to restore amino acid turnover and ureagenesis, but it may eventually also lead to increased hepatic glucose production, a hallmark of T2D. Early experimental findings support the hypothesis that hepatic steatosis impairs glucagon's actions on amino acid turnover and ureagenesis. Hepatic steatosis also impairs hepatic insulin sensitivity and clearance that, together with hyperglycemia and hyperaminoacidemia, lead to peripheral hyperinsulinemia; systemic hyperinsulinemia may itself contribute to worsen peripheral insulin resistance. Additionally, obesity is accompanied by an impaired incretin effect, causing meal-related glucose intolerance. Lipid-induced impairment of hepatic sensitivity, not only to insulin but potentially also to glucagon, resulting in both hyperinsulinemia and hyperglucagonemia, may therefore contribute to the development of T2D at least in a subset of individuals with NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolai J Wewer Albrechtsen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Pedersen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Cardiology, Nephrology and Endocrinology, Nordsjællands Hospital Hillerød, University of Copenhagen, Hillerød, Denmark
| | - Katrine D Galsgaard
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Winther-Sørensen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Malte P Suppli
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Lina Janah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Filip K Knop
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens J Holst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Morgan ES, Tai LJ, Pham NC, Overman JK, Watts LM, Smith A, Jung SW, Gajdošík M, Krššák M, Krebs M, Geary RS, Baker BF, Bhanot S. Antisense Inhibition of Glucagon Receptor by IONIS-GCGR Rx Improves Type 2 Diabetes Without Increase in Hepatic Glycogen Content in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes on Stable Metformin Therapy. Diabetes Care 2019; 42:585-593. [PMID: 30765435 DOI: 10.2337/dc18-1343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of IONIS-GCGRRx, a 2'-O-methoxyethyl antisense oligonucleotide targeting the glucagon receptor (GCGR), and the underlying mechanism of liver transaminase increases in patients with type 2 diabetes on stable metformin therapy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In three phase 2, randomized, double-blind studies, patients with type 2 diabetes on metformin received weekly subcutaneous injections of IONIS-GCGRRx (50-200 mg) or placebo for 13 or 26 weeks. RESULTS Significant reductions in HbA1c were observed after IONIS-GCGRRx treatment versus placebo at week 14 (-2.0% 200 mg, -1.4% 100 mg, -0.3% placebo; P < 0.001) or week 27 (-1.6% 75 mg, -0.9% 50 mg, -0.2% placebo; P < 0.001). Dose-dependent increases in transaminases were observed with IONIS-GCGRRx, which were attenuated at lower doses and remained mostly within the normal reference range at the 50-mg dose. There were no other significant safety observations and no symptomatic hypoglycemia or clinically relevant changes in blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, or other vital signs. At week 14, IONIS-GCGRRx 100 mg did not significantly affect mean hepatic glycogen content compared with placebo (15.1 vs. -20.2 mmol/L, respectively; P = 0.093) but significantly increased hepatic lipid content (4.2 vs. -2.7%, respectively; P = 0.005) in the presence of transaminase increases. CONCLUSIONS IONIS-GCGRRx is a potent inhibitor of hepatic glucagon receptor expression with a potential to improve glycemic control at low weekly doses in combination with metformin. Significant reductions in HbA1c occurred across the full-dose range tested, with minimal transaminase elevations at lower doses. Furthermore, novel results suggest that despite inhibition of glycogenolysis after GCGR antagonism, IONIS-GCGRRx did not increase hepatic glycogen content.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Anne Smith
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA
| | | | - Martin Gajdošík
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,High Field MR Centre, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Krššák
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,High Field MR Centre, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Krebs
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Müller TD, Clemmensen C, Finan B, DiMarchi RD, Tschöp MH. Anti-Obesity Therapy: from Rainbow Pills to Polyagonists. Pharmacol Rev 2019; 70:712-746. [PMID: 30087160 DOI: 10.1124/pr.117.014803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
With their ever-growing prevalence, obesity and diabetes represent major health threats of our society. Based on estimations by the World Health Organization, approximately 300 million people will be obese in 2035. In 2015 alone there were more than 1.6 million fatalities attributable to hyperglycemia and diabetes. In addition, treatment of these diseases places an enormous burden on our health care system. As a result, the development of pharmacotherapies to tackle this life-threatening pandemic is of utmost importance. Since the beginning of the 19th century, a variety of drugs have been evaluated for their ability to decrease body weight and/or to improve deranged glycemic control. The list of evaluated drugs includes, among many others, sheep-derived thyroid extracts, mitochondrial uncouplers, amphetamines, serotonergics, lipase inhibitors, and a variety of hormones produced and secreted by the gastrointestinal tract or adipose tissue. Unfortunately, when used as a single hormone therapy, most of these drugs are underwhelming in their efficacy or safety, and placebo-subtracted weight loss attributed to such therapy is typically not more than 10%. In 2009, the generation of a single molecule with agonism at the receptors for glucagon and the glucagon-like peptide 1 broke new ground in obesity pharmacology. This molecule combined the beneficial anorectic and glycemic effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 with the thermogenic effect of glucagon into a single molecule with enhanced potency and sustained action. Several other unimolecular dual agonists have subsequently been developed, and, based on their preclinical success, these molecules illuminate the path to a new and more fruitful era in obesity pharmacology. In this review, we focus on the historical pharmacological approaches to treat obesity and glucose intolerance and describe how the knowledge obtained by these studies led to the discovery of unimolecular polypharmacology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T D Müller
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany (T.D.M., C.C., M.H.T.); German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany (T.D.M., C.C., M.H.T.); Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (B.F., R.D.D.); and Division of Metabolic Diseases, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany (M.H.T.)
| | - C Clemmensen
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany (T.D.M., C.C., M.H.T.); German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany (T.D.M., C.C., M.H.T.); Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (B.F., R.D.D.); and Division of Metabolic Diseases, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany (M.H.T.)
| | - B Finan
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany (T.D.M., C.C., M.H.T.); German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany (T.D.M., C.C., M.H.T.); Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (B.F., R.D.D.); and Division of Metabolic Diseases, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany (M.H.T.)
| | - R D DiMarchi
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany (T.D.M., C.C., M.H.T.); German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany (T.D.M., C.C., M.H.T.); Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (B.F., R.D.D.); and Division of Metabolic Diseases, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany (M.H.T.)
| | - M H Tschöp
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany (T.D.M., C.C., M.H.T.); German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany (T.D.M., C.C., M.H.T.); Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (B.F., R.D.D.); and Division of Metabolic Diseases, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany (M.H.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Brandt SJ, Müller TD, DiMarchi RD, Tschöp MH, Stemmer K. Peptide-based multi-agonists: a new paradigm in metabolic pharmacology. J Intern Med 2018; 284:581-602. [PMID: 30230640 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and its comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, are pressing worldwide health concerns. Available anti-obesity treatments include weight loss pharmacotherapies and bariatric surgery. Whilst surgical interventions typically result in significant and sustained weight loss, available pharmacotherapies are far less effective, typically decreasing body weight by no more than 5-10%. An emerging class of multi-agonist drugs may eventually bridge this gap. This new class of specially tailored drugs hybridizes the amino acid sequences of key metabolic hormones into one single entity with enhanced potency and sustained action. Successful examples of this strategy include multi-agonist drugs targeting the receptors for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucagon and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Due to the simultaneous activity at several metabolically relevant receptors, these multi-agonists offer improved body weight loss and glucose tolerance relative to their constituent monotherapies. Further advancing this concept, chimeras were generated that covalently link nuclear acting hormones such as oestrogen, thyroid hormone (T3 ) or dexamethasone to peptide hormones such as GLP-1 or glucagon. The benefit of this strategy is to restrict the nuclear hormone action exclusively to cells expressing the peptide hormone receptor, thereby maximizing combinatorial metabolic efficacy of both drug constituents in the target cells whilst preventing the nuclear hormone cargo from entering and acting on cells devoid of the peptide hormone receptor, in which the nuclear hormone might have unwanted effects. Many of these multi-agonists are in preclinical and clinical development and may represent new and effective tools in the fight against obesity and its comorbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S J Brandt
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - T D Müller
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - R D DiMarchi
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - M H Tschöp
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Division of Metabolic Diseases, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - K Stemmer
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Improvement of pharmacokinetic properties of therapeutic antibodies by antibody engineering. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2018; 34:25-41. [PMID: 30472066 DOI: 10.1016/j.dmpk.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have become an important therapeutic option for several diseases. Since several mAbs have shown promising efficacy in clinic, the competition to develop mAbs has become severe. In efforts to gain a competitive advantage over other mAbs and provide significant benefits to patients, innovations in antibody engineering have aimed at improving the pharmacokinetic properties of mAbs. Because engineering can provide therapeutics that are more convenient, safer, and more efficacious for patients in several disease areas, it is an attractive approach to provide significant benefits to patients. Further advances in engineering mAbs to modulate their pharmacokinetics were driven by the increase of total soluble target antigen concentration that is often observed after injecting a mAb, which then requires a high dosage to antagonize. To decrease the required dosage, several antibody engineering techniques have been invented that reduce the total concentration of soluble target antigen. Here, we review the various ways that antibody engineering can improve the pharmacokinetic properties of mAbs.
Collapse
|
19
|
Gumbiner B, Esteves B, Dell V, Joh T, Garzone PD, Forgie A, Udata C. Single and multiple ascending-dose study of glucagon-receptor antagonist RN909 in type 2 diabetes: a phase 1, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Endocrine 2018; 62:371-380. [PMID: 30203123 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-018-1597-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This first-in-human study assessed safety, immunogenicity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of RN909, a monoclonal antibody antagonist of the glucagon receptor, in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) subjects. METHODS This study enrolled 84 T2DM subjects receiving stable metformin regimens. Forty-four subjects were randomized to receive single escalating doses of RN909 (0.3 to 6 mg/kg subcutaneously (SC), or 1 mg/kg intravenously (IV)), or placebo; 40 subjects were randomized to receive multiple escalating doses (50 to 150 mg SC) or placebo every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. RESULTS RN909 was well tolerated; treatment-related elevated liver function tests (LFTs) were observed in 4/33 (12.1%) and 5/32 (15.6%) subjects treated with single and multiple doses, respectively, versus 1/10 (10%) and 0 in the respective placebo groups. RN909 dose-normalized AUCinf increased more than dose-proportionally following single SC doses, and after multiple doses, accumulation ratios ranged from 1.3 to 3.4. The incidence of antidrug antibodies (ADA) was 33% after single doses and 50% after multiple doses. RN909 produced dose-dependent, durable fasting plasma glucose (FPG)-lowering at day 29 (mean change -20.6 to -97.5 mg/dL) and day 85 (mean change; -27.2 to -43.5 mg/dL) after single and multiple doses, respectively. HbA1c also was reduced after single (mean change -0.30% to -1.44%), and multiple doses (-0.83% to -1.56%). CONCLUSION RN909 was well tolerated after single and multiple doses in T2DM subjects, with diarrhea and elevated LFTs the most frequent adverse events. The appearance of ADA did not affect pharmacokinetics or efficacy. Robust lowering of FPG and HbA1c was observed.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/adverse effects
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use
- Blood Glucose/drug effects
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/immunology
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Double-Blind Method
- Female
- Humans
- Hypoglycemic Agents/administration & dosage
- Hypoglycemic Agents/adverse effects
- Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacokinetics
- Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use
- Male
- Metformin/therapeutic use
- Middle Aged
- Placebos
- Receptors, Glucagon/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Glucagon/immunology
- Young Adult
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barry Gumbiner
- Pfizer Inc., 10777 Science Center Dr, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| | - Brooke Esteves
- Pfizer Inc., 7 Shipley Circle, Westford, MA, 01886, USA
- ImmunoGen, Inc., 830 Winter Street, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA
| | - Vanessa Dell
- Pfizer Inc. Maine, 235 E. 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10017, USA
| | - Tenshang Joh
- Pfizer Inc., 10646 Science Center Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Pamela D Garzone
- Pfizer Inc., 230 East Grand Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Alison Forgie
- Pfizer Inc., 10646 Science Center Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92121, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
GLP-2 receptor signaling controls circulating bile acid levels but not glucose homeostasis in Gcgr -/- mice and is dispensable for the metabolic benefits ensuing after vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Mol Metab 2018; 16:45-54. [PMID: 29937214 PMCID: PMC6157461 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2018.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Therapeutic interventions that improve glucose homeostasis such as attenuation of glucagon receptor (Gcgr) signaling and bariatric surgery share common metabolic features conserved in mice and humans. These include increased circulating levels of bile acids (BA) and the proglucagon-derived peptides (PGDPs), GLP-1 and GLP-2. Whether BA acting through TGR5 (Gpbar1) increases PGDP levels in these scenarios has not been examined. Furthermore, although the importance of GLP-1 action has been interrogated in Gcgr−/− mice and after bariatric surgery, whether GLP-2 contributes to the metabolic benefits of these interventions is not known. Methods To assess whether BA acting through Gpbar1 mediates improved glucose homeostasis in Gcgr−/− mice we generated and characterized Gcgr−/−:Gpbar1−/− mice. The contribution of GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R) signaling to intestinal and metabolic adaptation arising following loss of the Gcgr was studied in Gcgr−/−:Glp2r−/− mice. The role of the GLP-2R in the metabolic improvements evident after bariatric surgery was studied in high fat-fed Glp2r−/− mice subjected to vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). Results Circulating levels of BA were markedly elevated yet similar in Gcgr−/−:Gpbar1+/+ vs. Gcgr−/−:Gpbar1−/− mice. Loss of GLP-2R lowered levels of BA in Gcgr−/− mice. Gcgr−/−:Glp2r−/− mice also exhibited shifts in the proportion of circulating BA species. Loss of Gpbar1 did not impact body weight, intestinal mass, or glucose homeostasis in Gcgr−/− mice. In contrast, small bowel growth was attenuated in Gcgr−/−:Glp2r−/− mice. The improvement in glucose tolerance, elevated circulating levels of GLP-1, and glucose-stimulated insulin levels were not different in Gcgr−/−:Glp2r+/+ vs. Gcgr−/−:Glp2r−/− mice. Similarly, loss of the GLP-2R did not attenuate the extent of weight loss and improvement in glucose control after VSG. Conclusions These findings reveal that GLP-2R controls BA levels and relative proportions of BA species in Gcgr−/− mice. Nevertheless, the GLP-2R is not essential for i) control of body weight or glucose homeostasis in Gcgr−/− mice or ii) metabolic improvements arising after VSG in high fat-fed mice. Furthermore, despite elevations of circulating levels of BA, Gpbar1 does not mediate elevated levels of PGDPs or major metabolic phenotypes in Gcgr−/− mice. Collectively these findings refine our understanding of the relationship between Gpbar1, elevated levels of BA, PGDPs, and the GLP-2R in amelioration of metabolic derangements arising following loss of Gcgr signaling or after vertical sleeve gastrectomy. GLP-2 receptor controls bile acid levels in Gcgr−/− mice. Gpbar1 is not required for the metabolic benefits or elevated levels of PGDPs in Gcgr−/− mice. GLP-2 regulates gut adaptation in Gcgr−/− mice. Bile acid profiles are altered in Gcgr−/− mice following loss of GLP-2R. GLP-2R is not required for improvements in glucose homeostasis or weight loss after VSG in mice.
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Globally, 13% of the world's adult population is obese, and more than 400 million people suffer from diabetes. These conditions are both associated with significant morbidity, mortality and financial cost. Therefore, finding new pharmacological treatments is an imperative. Relative hyperglucagonaemia is seen in all types of diabetes, and has been implicated in its pathogenesis. Consequently, clinical trials are underway using drugs which block glucagon activity to treat type 2 diabetes. Conversely, exogenous glucagon can increase energy expenditure. Therefore, researchers are designing peptides that combine activation of the glucagon receptor with further incretin properties, which will treat obesity while mitigating the hyperglycaemic effects of glucagon. This review will discuss these conflicting physiological properties of glucagon, and the attempts to harness these effects pharmacologically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R V Scott
- Imperial College London, 6th Floor, Commonwealth Building, Hammersmith Hospital, London, W12 0NN, United Kingdom.
| | - S R Bloom
- Imperial College London, 6th Floor, Commonwealth Building, Hammersmith Hospital, London, W12 0NN, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kostic A, King TA, Yang F, Chan K, Yancopoulos GD, Gromada J, Harp JB. A first-in-human pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic study of a fully human anti-glucagon receptor monoclonal antibody in normal healthy volunteers. Diabetes Obes Metab 2018; 20:283-291. [PMID: 28755409 PMCID: PMC5813272 DOI: 10.1111/dom.13075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Glucagon receptor (GCGR) blockers are being investigated as potential therapeutics for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Here we report the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of REGN1193, a fully human glucagon receptor blocking monoclonal antibody from a first-in-human healthy volunteer randomized double-blinded trial. METHODS Healthy men and women received single ascending doses of REGN1193 ranging from 0.05 to 0.6 mg/kg (n = 42) or placebo (n = 14) intravenously. Safety, tolerability and PK were assessed over 106 days. The glucose-lowering effect of REGN1193 was assessed after induction of hyperglycaemia by serial glucagon challenges. RESULTS REGN1193 was generally well tolerated. There were small (<3× the upper limit of normal) and transient dose-dependent increases in hepatic aminotransferases. No increase in LDL-C was observed. Hypoglycaemia, assessed as laboratory blood glucose ≤70 mg/dL, occurred in 6/14 (43%) subjects on placebo and 27/42 (57%) on REGN1193 across all dose groups. All episodes of hypoglycaemia were asymptomatic, >50 mg/dL, and did not require treatment or medical assistance. Concentration-time profiles suggest a 2-compartment disposition and marked nonlinearity, consistent with target-mediated clearance. REGN1193 inhibited the glucagon-stimulated glucose increase in a dose-dependent manner. The 0.6 mg/kg dose inhibited the glucagon-induced glucose area under the curve for 0 to 90 minutes (AUC0-90 minutes ) by 80% to 90% on days 3 and 15, while blunting the increase in C-peptide. REGN1193 dose-dependently increased total GLP-1, GLP-2 and glucagon, with plasma levels returning to baseline by day 29 in all dose groups. CONCLUSION REGN1193, a GCGR-blocking monoclonal antibody, produced a safety, tolerability and PK/PD profile suitable for further clinical development. The occurrence of transient elevations in serum hepatic aminotransferases observed here and reported with several small molecule glucagon receptor antagonists suggests an on-target effect of glucagon receptor blockade. The underlying mechanism is unknown.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adult
- Antibodies, Blocking/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Blocking/adverse effects
- Antibodies, Blocking/blood
- Antibodies, Blocking/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/adverse effects
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacokinetics
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
- Biomarkers/blood
- Blood Glucose/analysis
- Cohort Studies
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Double-Blind Method
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Half-Life
- Humans
- Hypoglycemic Agents/administration & dosage
- Hypoglycemic Agents/adverse effects
- Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacokinetics
- Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology
- Infusions, Intravenous
- Lost to Follow-Up
- Male
- Metabolic Clearance Rate
- Middle Aged
- Patient Dropouts
- Receptors, Glucagon/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Glucagon/metabolism
- Young Adult
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Kostic
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.TarrytownNew York
| | | | - Feng Yang
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.TarrytownNew York
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|