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Rix I, Johansen ML, Lund A, Suppli MP, Chabanova E, van Hall G, Holst JJ, Wewer Albrechtsen NJ, Kistorp C, Knop FK. Hyperglucagonaemia and amino acid alterations in individuals with type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Endocr Connect 2024; 13:e230161. [PMID: 37947763 PMCID: PMC10762555 DOI: 10.1530/ec-23-0161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Aims Hyperglucagonaemia contributes to the pathophysiology in type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the mechanisms behind the inappropriate glucagon secretion are not fully understood. Glucagon and amino acids are regulated in a feedback loop referred to as the liver-α cell axis. Individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) appear to be glucagon resistant, disrupting the liver-α cell axis resulting in hyperglucagonaemia and hyperaminoacidaemia. We investigated the associations between circulating glucagon, amino acids, and liver fat content in a cohort of individuals with T2D. Methods We included 110 individuals with T2D in this cross-sectional study. Liver fat content was quantified using 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Associations between liver fat content and plasma glucagon and amino acids, respectively, were estimated in multivariate linear regression analyses. Results Individuals with NAFLD (n = 52) had higher plasma glucagon concentrations than individuals without NAFLD (n = 58). The positive association between plasma glucagon concentrations and liver fat content was confirmed in the multivariable regression analyses. Plasma concentrations of isoleucine and glutamate were increased, and glycine and serine concentrations were decreased in individuals with NAFLD. Concentrations of other amino acids were similar between individuals with and without NAFLD, and no clear association was seen between liver fat content and amino acids in the regression analyses. Conclusion MRS-diagnosed NAFLD in T2D is associated with hyperglucagonaemia and elevated plasma concentrations of isoleucine and glutamate and low plasma concentrations of glycine and serine. Whether NAFLD and glucagon resistance per se induce these changes remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iben Rix
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
- Zealand Pharma A/S, Søborg, Denmark
| | - Marie L Johansen
- Department of Medicine, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Asger Lund
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Malte P Suppli
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Elizaveta Chabanova
- Department of Radiology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Gerrit van Hall
- Clinical Metabolomics Core Facility, 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
| | - 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
| | - Nicolai J Wewer Albrechtsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Caroline Kistorp
- Department of Endocrinology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Filip K Knop
- 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
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
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Kjeldsen SAS, Thomsen MN, Skytte MJ, Samkani A, Richter MM, Frystyk J, Magkos F, Hansen E, Thomsen HS, Holst JJ, Madsbad S, Haugaard SB, Krarup T, Wewer Albrechtsen NJ. Markers of Glucagon Resistance Improve With Reductions in Hepatic Steatosis and Body Weight in Type 2 Diabetes. J Endocr Soc 2023; 7:bvad122. [PMID: 37818402 PMCID: PMC10561012 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Context Hyperglucagonemia may develop in type 2 diabetes due to obesity-prone hepatic steatosis (glucagon resistance). Markers of glucagon resistance (including the glucagon-alanine index) improve following diet-induced weight loss, but the partial contribution of lowering hepatic steatosis vs body weight is unknown. Objective This work aimed to investigate the dependency of body weight loss following a reduction in hepatic steatosis on markers of glucagon resistance in type 2 diabetes. Methods A post hoc analysis was conducted from 2 previously published randomized controlled trials. We investigated the effect of weight maintenance (study 1: isocaloric feeding) or weight loss (study 2: hypocaloric feeding), both of which induced reductions in hepatic steatosis, on markers of glucagon sensitivity, including the glucagon-alanine index measured using a validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and metabolomics in 94 individuals (n = 28 in study 1; n = 66 in study 2). Individuals with overweight or obesity with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to a 6-week conventional diabetes (CD) or carbohydrate-reduced high-protein (CRHP) diet within both isocaloric and hypocaloric feeding-interventions. Results By design, weight loss was greater after hypocaloric compared to isocaloric feeding, but both diets caused similar reductions in hepatic steatosis, allowing us to investigate the effect of reducing hepatic steatosis with or without a clinically relevant weight loss on markers of glucagon resistance. The glucagon-alanine index improved following hypocaloric, but not isocaloric, feeding, independently of macronutrient composition. Conclusion Improvements in glucagon resistance may depend on body weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha A S Kjeldsen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, 2400, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
| | - Mads N Thomsen
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, 2400, Denmark
| | - Mads J Skytte
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, 2400, Denmark
| | - Amirsalar Samkani
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, 2400, Denmark
| | - Michael M Richter
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, 2400, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
| | - Jan Frystyk
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, 5000, Denmark
| | - Faidon Magkos
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, 1958, Denmark
| | - Elizaveta Hansen
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev, Herlev, 2730, Denmark
| | - Henrik S Thomsen
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev, Herlev, 2730, Denmark
| | - Jens J Holst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
| | - Sten Madsbad
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Hvidovre, Hvidovre, 2650, Denmark
| | - Steen B Haugaard
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, 2400, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
| | - Thure Krarup
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, 2400, Denmark
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, 1958, Denmark
| | - Nicolai J Wewer Albrechtsen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, 2400, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
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Winther-Sørensen M, Holst JJ, Wewer Albrechtsen NJ. The feedback cycles between glucose, amino acids and lipids and alpha cell secretion and their role in metabolic fatty liver disease. Curr Opin Lipidol 2023; 34:27-31. [PMID: 36373738 DOI: 10.1097/mol.0000000000000857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Glucagon increases hepatic glucose production and in patients with metabolic diseases, glucagon secretion is increased contributing to diabetic hyperglycemia. This review explores the role of amino acids and lipids in the regulation of glucagon secretion and how it may be disturbed in metabolic diseases such as obesity and metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). RECENT FINDINGS Human and animal studies have shown that MAFLD is associated with glucagon resistance towards amino acid catabolism, resulting in elevated plasma levels of amino acids. A recent clinical study showed that MAFLD is also associated with glucagon resistance towards lipid metabolism. In contrast, MAFLD may not decrease hepatic sensitivity to the stimulatory effects of glucagon on glucose production. SUMMARY Elevated plasma levels of amino acids and lipids associated with MAFLD may cause diabetogenic hyperglucagonemia. MAFLD and glucagon resistance may therefore be causally linked to hyperglycemia and the development of type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Winther-Sørensen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences
- NNF Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
| | | | - Nicolai J Wewer Albrechtsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences
- NNF Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
- Department for Clinical Biochemistry, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Pixner T, Stummer N, Schneider AM, Lukas A, Gramlinger K, Julian V, Thivel D, Mörwald K, Mangge H, Dalus C, Aigner E, Furthner D, Weghuber D, Maruszczak K. The relationship between glucose and the liver-alpha cell axis - A systematic review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 13:1061682. [PMID: 36686477 PMCID: PMC9849557 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1061682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Until recently, glucagon was considered a mere antagonist to insulin, protecting the body from hypoglycemia. This notion changed with the discovery of the liver-alpha cell axis (LACA) as a feedback loop. The LACA describes how glucagon secretion and pancreatic alpha cell proliferation are stimulated by circulating amino acids. Glucagon in turn leads to an upregulation of amino acid metabolism and ureagenesis in the liver. Several increasingly common diseases (e.g., non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity) disrupt this feedback loop. It is important for clinicians and researchers alike to understand the liver-alpha cell axis and the metabolic sequelae of these diseases. While most of previous studies have focused on fasting concentrations of glucagon and amino acids, there is limited knowledge of their dynamics after glucose administration. The authors of this systematic review applied PRISMA guidelines and conducted PubMed searches to provide results of 8078 articles (screened and if relevant, studied in full). This systematic review aims to provide better insight into the LACA and its mediators (amino acids and glucagon), focusing on the relationship between glucose and the LACA in adult and pediatric subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Pixner
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Salzkammergutklinikum Voecklabruck, Voecklabruck, Austria
- Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Nathalie Stummer
- Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Anna Maria Schneider
- Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Andreas Lukas
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Salzkammergutklinikum Voecklabruck, Voecklabruck, Austria
- Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Karin Gramlinger
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Salzkammergutklinikum Voecklabruck, Voecklabruck, Austria
| | - Valérie Julian
- Department of Sport Medicine and Functional Explorations, Diet and Musculoskeletal Health Team, Human Nutrition Research Center (CRNH), INRA, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, University of Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - David Thivel
- Laboratory of Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), University of Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Katharina Mörwald
- Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Harald Mangge
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christopher Dalus
- Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Elmar Aigner
- Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- First Department of Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Dieter Furthner
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Salzkammergutklinikum Voecklabruck, Voecklabruck, Austria
- Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Daniel Weghuber
- Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Katharina Maruszczak
- Obesity Research Unit, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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