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Heni M. The insulin resistant brain: impact on whole-body metabolism and body fat distribution. Diabetologia 2024; 67:1181-1191. [PMID: 38363340 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-024-06104-9] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Insulin exerts its actions not only on peripheral organs but is also transported into the brain where it performs distinct functions in various brain regions. This review highlights recent advancements in our understanding of insulin's actions within the brain, with a specific emphasis on investigations in humans. It summarises current knowledge on the transport of insulin into the brain. Subsequently, it showcases robust evidence demonstrating the existence and physiological consequences of brain insulin action, while also introducing the presence of brain insulin resistance in humans. This pathophysiological condition goes along with an impaired acute modulation of peripheral metabolism in response to brain insulin action, particularly in the postprandial state. Furthermore, brain insulin resistance has been associated with long-term adiposity and an unfavourable adipose tissue distribution, thus implicating it in the pathogenesis of subgroups of obesity and (pre)diabetes that are characterised by distinct patterns of body fat distribution. Encouragingly, emerging evidence suggests that brain insulin resistance could represent a treatable entity, thereby opening up novel therapeutic avenues to improve systemic metabolism and enhance brain functions, including cognition. The review closes with an outlook towards prospective research directions aimed at further elucidating the clinical implications of brain insulin resistance. It emphasises the critical need to establish feasible diagnostic measures and effective therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Heni
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine 1, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
- Department for Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University Hospital of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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2
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Wong CYJ, Baldelli A, Hoyos CM, Tietz O, Ong HX, Traini D. Insulin Delivery to the Brain via the Nasal Route: Unraveling the Potential for Alzheimer's Disease Therapy. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024; 14:1776-1793. [PMID: 38441832 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01558-1] [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] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive review delves into the potential of intranasal insulin delivery for managing Alzheimer's Disease (AD) while exploring the connection between AD and diabetes mellitus (DM). Both conditions share features of insulin signalling dysregulation and oxidative stress that accelerate inflammatory response. Given the physiological barriers to brain drug delivery, including the blood-brain barrier, intranasal administration emerges as a non-invasive alternative. Notably, intranasal insulin has shown neuroprotective effects, impacting Aβ clearance, tau phosphorylation, and synaptic plasticity. In preclinical studies and clinical trials, intranasally administered insulin achieved rapid and extensive distribution throughout the brain, with optimal formulations exhibiting minimal systemic circulation. The detailed mechanism of insulin transport through the nose-to-brain pathway is elucidated in the review, emphasizing the role of olfactory and trigeminal nerves. Despite promising prospects, challenges in delivering protein drugs from the nasal cavity to the brain remain, including enzymes, tight junctions, mucociliary clearance, and precise drug deposition, which hinder its translation to clinical settings. The review encompasses a discussion of the strategies to enhance the intranasal delivery of therapeutic proteins, such as tight junction modulators, cell-penetrating peptides, and nano-drug carrier systems. Moreover, successful translation of nose-to-brain drug delivery necessitates a holistic understanding of drug transport mechanisms, brain anatomy, and nasal formulation optimization. To date, no intranasal insulin formulation has received regulatory approval for AD treatment. Future research should address challenges related to drug absorption, nasal deposition, and the long-term effects of intranasal insulin. In this context, the evaluation of administration devices for nose-to-brain drug delivery becomes crucial in ensuring precise drug deposition patterns and enhancing bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Yuen Jerry Wong
- Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2037, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Alberto Baldelli
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Camilla M Hoyos
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
- CIRUS Centre for Sleep and Chronobiology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2037, Australia
| | - Ole Tietz
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Hui Xin Ong
- Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2037, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Daniela Traini
- Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2037, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
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3
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Hummel J, Benkendorff C, Fritsche L, Prystupa K, Vosseler A, Gancheva S, Trenkamp S, Birkenfeld AL, Preissl H, Roden M, Häring HU, Fritsche A, Peter A, Wagner R, Kullmann S, Heni M. Brain insulin action on peripheral insulin sensitivity in women depends on menstrual cycle phase. Nat Metab 2023; 5:1475-1482. [PMID: 37735274 PMCID: PMC10513929 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00869-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Insulin action in the human brain modulates eating behaviour, whole-body metabolism and body fat distribution1,2. In particular, brain insulin action increases whole-body insulin sensitivity, but these studies were mainly performed in lean men3,4. Here we investigate metabolic and hypothalamic effects of brain insulin action in women with a focus on the impact of menstrual cycle ( ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT03929419 ).Eleven women underwent four hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps, two in the follicular phase and two in the luteal phase. Brain insulin action was introduced using nasal insulin spray5-7 and compared to placebo spray in a fourfold crossover design with change in glucose infusion rate as the primary endpoint. Here we show that during the follicular phase, more glucose has to be infused after administration of nasal insulin than after administration of placebo. This remains significant after adjustment for blood glucose and insulin. During the luteal phase, no significant influence of brain insulin action on glucose infusion rate is detected after adjustment for blood glucose and insulin (secondary endpoint). In 15 other women, hypothalamic insulin sensitivity was assessed in a within-subject design by functional magnetic resonance imaging with intranasal insulin administration8. Hypothalamus responsivity is influenced by insulin in the follicular phase but not the luteal phase.Our study therefore highlights that brain insulin action improves peripheral insulin sensitivity also in women but only during the follicular phase. Thus, brain insulin resistance could contribute to whole-body insulin resistance in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hummel
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Charlotte Benkendorff
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Louise Fritsche
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Katsiaryna Prystupa
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Vosseler
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sofiya Gancheva
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sandra Trenkamp
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andreas L Birkenfeld
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Hubert Preissl
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Michael Roden
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Häring
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Fritsche
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Peter
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
- Department for Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert Wagner
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stephanie Kullmann
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Heni
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany.
- Department for Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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4
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Kullmann S, Hummel J, Wagner R, Dannecker C, Vosseler A, Fritsche L, Veit R, Kantartzis K, Machann J, Birkenfeld AL, Stefan N, Häring HU, Peter A, Preissl H, Fritsche A, Heni M. Empagliflozin Improves Insulin Sensitivity of the Hypothalamus in Humans With Prediabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2 Trial. Diabetes Care 2022; 45:398-406. [PMID: 34716213 PMCID: PMC8914418 DOI: 10.2337/dc21-1136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Insulin action in the human brain reduces food intake, improves whole-body insulin sensitivity, and modulates body fat mass and its distribution. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are often associated with brain insulin resistance, resulting in impaired brain-derived modulation of peripheral metabolism. So far, no pharmacological treatment for brain insulin resistance has been established. Since sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors lower glucose levels and modulate energy metabolism, we hypothesized that SGLT2 inhibition may be a pharmacological approach to reverse brain insulin resistance. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 40 patients (mean ± SD; age 60 ± 9 years; BMI 31.5 ± 3.8 kg/m2) with prediabetes were randomized to receive 25 mg empagliflozin every day or placebo. Before and after 8 weeks of treatment, brain insulin sensitivity was assessed by functional MRI combined with intranasal administration of insulin to the brain. RESULTS We identified a significant interaction between time and treatment in the hypothalamic response to insulin. Post hoc analyses revealed that only empagliflozin-treated patients experienced increased hypothalamic insulin responsiveness. Hypothalamic insulin action significantly mediated the empagliflozin-induced decrease in fasting glucose and liver fat. CONCLUSIONS Our results corroborate insulin resistance of the hypothalamus in humans with prediabetes. Treatment with empagliflozin for 8 weeks was able to restore hypothalamic insulin sensitivity, a favorable response that could contribute to the beneficial effects of SGLT2 inhibitors. Our findings position SGLT2 inhibition as the first pharmacological approach to reverse brain insulin resistance, with potential benefits for adiposity and whole-body metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Kullmann
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Julia Hummel
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Robert Wagner
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany.,Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Corinna Dannecker
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Vosseler
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany.,Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Louise Fritsche
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Veit
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Kantartzis
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Machann
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Section of Experimental Radiology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas L Birkenfeld
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany.,Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Norbert Stefan
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany.,Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Häring
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany.,Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Peter
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Department for Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hubert Preissl
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany.,Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Interfaculty Center for Pharmacogenomics and Pharma Research at the Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Fritsche
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany.,Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Martin Heni
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany.,Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Department for Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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5
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Kullmann S, Blum D, Jaghutriz BA, Gassenmaier C, Bender B, Häring HU, Reischl G, Preissl H, la Fougère C, Fritsche A, Reimold M, Heni M. Central Insulin Modulates Dopamine Signaling in the Human Striatum. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:2949-2961. [PMID: 34131733 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Activity in the dopaminergic pathways of the brain is highly sensitive to body weight and metabolic states. Animal studies show that dopamine neurons are important targets for the metabolic hormone insulin with abolished effects in the insulin-resistant state, leading to increases in body weight and food intake. In humans, the influence of central acting insulin on dopamine and effects of their interplay are still elusive. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We investigated whether central administered insulin influences dopaminergic activity in striatal regions and whole-brain neural activity. Using a positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) hybrid scanner, we simultaneously performed [11C]-raclopride-PET and resting-state functional MRI in 10 healthy normal-weight men after application of intranasal insulin or placebo on 2 separate days in a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded, crossover trial. RESULTS In response to central insulin compared with placebo administration, we observed greater [11C]-raclopride binding potential in the bilateral ventral and dorsal striatum. This suggests an insulin-induced reduction in synaptic dopamine levels. Resting-state striatal activity was lower 15 and 30 minutes after nasal insulin compared with placebo. Functional connectivity of the mesocorticolimbic circuitry associated with differences in dopamine levels: individuals with a stronger insulin-induced effect on dopamine levels showed a stronger increase in functional connectivity 45 minutes after intranasal insulin. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that central insulin modulates dopaminergic tone in the striatum, which may affect regional brain activity and connectivity. Our results deepen the understanding of the insulin-dopamine interaction and the complex network that underlies the regulation of whole-body metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Kullmann
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dominik Blum
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Molecular Imaging, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Assad Jaghutriz
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Gassenmaier
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Bender
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Häring
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gerald Reischl
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hubert Preissl
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center at Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian la Fougère
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Molecular Imaging, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Fritsche
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Reimold
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Molecular Imaging, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Martin Heni
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Department for Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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6
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Scherer T, Sakamoto K, Buettner C. Brain insulin signalling in metabolic homeostasis and disease. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2021; 17:468-483. [PMID: 34108679 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00498-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Insulin signalling in the central nervous system regulates energy homeostasis by controlling metabolism in several organs and by coordinating organ crosstalk. Studies performed in rodents, non-human primates and humans over more than five decades using intracerebroventricular, direct hypothalamic or intranasal application of insulin provide evidence that brain insulin action might reduce food intake and, more importantly, regulates energy homeostasis by orchestrating nutrient partitioning. This Review discusses the metabolic pathways that are under the control of brain insulin action and explains how brain insulin resistance contributes to metabolic disease in obesity, the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Scherer
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Kenichi Sakamoto
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Christoph Buettner
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
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7
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Kullmann S, Kleinridders A, Small DM, Fritsche A, Häring HU, Preissl H, Heni M. Central nervous pathways of insulin action in the control of metabolism and food intake. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2020; 8:524-534. [PMID: 32445739 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(20)30113-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Insulin acts on the CNS to modulate behaviour and systemic metabolism. Disturbances in brain insulin action represent a possible link between metabolic and cognitive health. Current findings from human research suggest that boosting central insulin action in the brain modulates peripheral metabolism, enhancing whole-body insulin sensitivity and suppressing endogenous glucose production. Moreover, central insulin action curbs food intake by reducing the salience of highly palatable food cues and increasing cognitive control. Animal models show that the mesocorticolimbic circuitry is finely tuned in response to insulin, driven mainly by the dopamine system. These mechanisms are impaired in people with obesity, which might increase their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and associated diseases. Overall, current findings highlight the role of insulin action in the brain and its consequences on peripheral metabolism and cognition. Hence, improving central insulin action could represent a therapeutic option for people at an increased risk of developing metabolic and cognitive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Kullmann
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases, Helmholtz Center Munich, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - André Kleinridders
- German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany; Central Regulation of Metabolism, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Dana M Small
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases, Helmholtz Center Munich, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Modern Diet and Physiology Research Centre, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Andreas Fritsche
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases, Helmholtz Center Munich, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Häring
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases, Helmholtz Center Munich, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Hubert Preissl
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases, Helmholtz Center Munich, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Interfaculty Centre for Pharmacogenomics and Pharma Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany; Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Heni
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases, Helmholtz Center Munich, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany
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