Regulation of gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes from fasted alloxan-diabetic rats

Hepatocytes from fasted, alloxan-diabetic rats were incubated in the absence of gluconeogenic substrates to deplete residual glycogen stores. Glucose production from lactate and pyruvate was enhanced in cells from diabetic rats relative to similarly treated hepatocytes from fasted, nondiabetic control rats. Gluconeogenesis from dihydroxyacetone, fructose, or glycerol was not increased but the formation of lactate plus pyruvate from dihydroxyacetone was decreased. The stimulation of gluconeogenesis by exogenous fatty acids was decreased by diabetes. The rates of gluconeogenesis in the presence of lactate plus pyruvate plus oleate were equal in hepatocytes from diabetic and control rats and indicate that the maximal rate of gluconeogenesis was not increased. With lactate plus pyruvate as substrates, stimulation of gluconeogenesis by norepinephrine or dibutyryl-cAMP was not altered by diabetes. The catecholamine stimulation of gluconeogenesis from glycerol also was unaffected. In contrast, diabetes decreased the maximal stimulation of gluconeogenesis from dihydroxyacetone by dibutyryl-cAMP, glucagon, or norepinephrine and this decrease was proportional to the decreased production of lactate plus pyruvate. The concentrations of glucagon or norepinephrine required for half-maximal stimulation were not altered by diabetes. Thus, the hormonal stimulation of gluconeogenesis from dihydroxyacetone is decreased by diabetes, probably because of decreased pyruvate kinase activity, but the interaction of glucagon and norepinephrine with hepatocytes and the subsequent stimulation of gluconeogenesis from physiologic substrates is not impaired.     

Characterization of stages in development of obesity-diabetes syndrome in sand rat (Psammomys obesus)

Sand rats (Psammomys obesus) maintained on a diet providing a free choice between laboratory chow and salt bush (Atriplex halimus) were classified into four groups differing in extent of the diabetic syndrome: A, normoglycemic-normoinsulinemic; B, normoglycemic-hyperinsulinemic; C, hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemic; or D, hyperglycemic with reduced insulin levels. The metabolic pattern of these groups was characterized by measuring the uptake of fatty acid-labeled, very-low-density lipoprotein-borne triglycerides (VLDL-TG) and [3H]-2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG) into muscle and adipose tissues; incorporation of [14C]alanine into glycogen in vivo; gluconeogenesis from lactate, pyruvate, and alanine in hepatocytes; the effect of insulin on glycogen synthesis from glucose; the oxidation of albumin-bound [1-14C]palmitate and [14C]glucose in strips of soleus muscle; activities of muscle and adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase; and activities of rate-limiting enzymes of glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and fatty acid synthesis in liver. In group A, uptake of VLDL-TG and activity of lipoprotein lipase were higher in adipose tissue and lower in muscle than in albino rats. In the liver, gluconeogenesis and the activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, as well as lipid synthesis and the activity of NADP-malate dehydrogenase, were higher than in albino rats, whereas activity of pyruvate kinase was lower. In group B, uptake of VLDL-TG by adipose tissue and muscle and lipoprotein lipase activity were similar or higher than in group A. Uptake of 2-DOG by muscle and adipose tissue and activity of liver phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase were lower than in group A. In groups C and D, uptake of VLDL-TG and lipoprotein lipase activity in muscle were further increased.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Remodeling of hepatic metabolism and hyperaminoacidemia in mice deficient in proglucagon-derived peptides

Glucagon is believed to be one of the most important peptides for upregulating blood glucose levels. However, homozygous glucagon-green fluorescent protein (gfp) knock-in mice (Gcg(gfp/gfp): GCGKO) are normoglycemic despite the absence of proglucagon-derived peptides, including glucagon. To characterize metabolism in the GCGKO mice, we analyzed gene expression and metabolome in the liver. The expression of genes encoding rate-limiting enzymes for gluconeogenesis was only marginally altered. On the other hand, genes encoding enzymes involved in conversion of amino acids to metabolites available for the tricarboxylic acid cycle and/or gluconeogenesis showed lower expression in the GCGKO liver. The expression of genes involved in the metabolism of fatty acids and nicotinamide was also altered. Concentrations of the metabolites in the GCGKO liver were altered in manners concordant with alteration in the gene expression patterns, and the plasma concentrations of amino acids were elevated in the GCGKO mice. The insulin concentration in serum and phosphorylation of Akt protein kinase in liver were reduced in GCGKO mice. These results indicated that proglucagon-derived peptides should play important roles in regulating various metabolic pathways, especially that of amino acids. Serum insulin concentration is lowered to compensate the impacts of absent proglucagon-derived peptide on glucose metabolism. On the other hand, impacts on other metabolic pathways are only partially compensated by reduced insulin action.     

Metabolic balancing acts of vitamin A in type-2 diabetes and obesity

Using mice that lack retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 1 gene(Raldh1-/-mice),Kierfer et al demonstrated that retinoids(metabolites of Vitamin A) play an important role in the regulation of cellular metabolisms and energetics.The Aldh1a1-/-mice were leaner and less prone to accumulate subcutaneous and visceral fat,and to acquire insulin resistance on high fat diet.Their lower fasting glucose levels concomitant with reduced hepatic expression of glucose 6-phosphatase and phosphoenol pyruvate carboxy kinase genes indicated that Aldh1a1-/-mice were defective in gluconeogenesis.These mice also had lower plasma levels of triglycerides,very low-density lipoprotein and lowdensity lipoprotein-triacylglycerol,while their skeletal muscles elicited higher expression of carnitine palmatoyl transferase,medium chain acyl-A dehydrogenase,peroxisome proliferation activated receptor(PPARα and PPARδ.Thus,the improved lipid and lipoprotein profiles of Raldh1a1-/-mice resulted from a combination of reduced lipogenesis and enhanced fatty acid oxidation by retinoids.The mechanistic details of how retinoids integrate fasting glucose,hepatic gluconeogenesis and adaptive thermogenesis independent of body mass deserve further study.     

Targeted Disruption of G0/G1 Switch Gene 2 Enhances Adipose Lipolysis,Alters Hepatic Energy Balance,and Alleviates High-Fat Diet–Induced Liver Steatosis

Recent biochemical and cell-based studies identified G₀/G₁ switch gene 2 (G0S2) as an inhibitor of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), a key mediator of intracellular triacylglycerol (TG) mobilization. Here, we show that upon fasting, G0S2 protein expression exhibits an increase in liver and a decrease in adipose tissue. Global knockout of G0S2 in mice enhanced adipose lipolysis and attenuated gain of body weight and adiposity. More strikingly, G0S2 knockout mice displayed a drastic decrease in hepatic TG content and were resistant to high-fat diet (HFD)-induced liver steatosis, both of which were reproduced by liver-specific G0S2 knockdown. Mice with hepatic G0S2 knockdown also showed increased ketogenesis, accelerated gluconeogenesis, and decelerated glycogenolysis. Conversely, overexpression of G0S2 inhibited fatty acid oxidation in mouse primary hepatocytes and caused sustained steatosis in liver accompanied by deficient TG clearance during the fasting-refeeding transition. In response to HFD, there was a profound increase in hepatic G0S2 expression in the fed state. Global and hepatic ablation of G0S2 both led to improved insulin sensitivity in HFD-fed mice. Our findings implicate a physiological role for G0S2 in the control of adaptive energy response to fasting and as a contributor to obesity-associated liver steatosis.     

Molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance in IRS-2-deficient hepatocytes

To assess the role of insulin receptor (IR) substrate (IRS)-2 in insulin action and resistance in the liver, immortalized neonatal hepatocyte cell lines have been generated from IRS-2(-/-), IRS-2(+/-), and wild-type mice. These cells maintained the expression of the differentiated liver markers albumin and carbamoyl phosphate synthetase, as well as bear a high number of IRs. The lack of IRS-2 did not result in enhanced IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation or IRS-1-associated phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase activity on insulin stimulation. Total insulin-induced PI 3-kinase activity was decreased by 50% in IRS-2(-/-) hepatocytes, but the translocation of PI-3,4,5-trisphosphate to the plasma membrane in these cells was almost completely abolished. Downstream PI 3-kinase, activation of Akt, glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3 (alpha and beta isoforms), Foxo1, and atypical protein kinase C were blunted in insulin-stimulated IRS-2(-/-) cells. Reconstitution of IRS-2(-/-) hepatocytes with adenoviral IRS-2 restored activation of these pathways, demonstrating that IRS-2 is essential for functional insulin signaling in hepatocytes. Insulin induced a marked glycogen synthase activity in wild-type and heterozygous primary hepatocytes; interestingly, this response was absent in IRS-2(-/-) cells but was rescued by infection with adenoviral IRS-2. Regarding gluconeogenesis, the induction of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose 6-phosphatase by dibutyryl cAMP and dexamethasone was observed in primary hepatocytes of all genotypes. However, insulin was not able to suppress gluconeogenic gene expression in primary hepatocytes lacking IRS-2, but when IRS-2 signaling was reconstituted, these cells recovered this response to insulin. Suppression of gluconeogenic gene expression in IRS-2-deficient primary hepatocytes was also restored by infection with dominant negative Delta 256Foxo1.     

大鼠胆源性脓毒症时的肝脏糖异生功能及相关激素环境的改变

急性胆源性肝损害所致多系统器官功能不全的机理尚不完全清楚。作者采用肝脏原位灌注法测定了大鼠急性胆道感染（AOC）所致脓毒症时肝脏糖异生功能的改变，并对AOC后机体重要理糖激素环境的变化及其对精异生功能的影响进行了探讨。结果表明：AOC后24小时大鼠肝脏糖异生功能明显降低，血乳酸和促糖激素水平明显升高，胰岛素显著降低，血糖约维持在正常水平的2．5倍。AOC48小时，大鼠肝脏糖异生功能进一步降低，血乳酸浓度继续增加，但促糖激素无继续升高或明显下降，胰岛素显著上升，血糖水平较AOC24小时明显下降。提示AOC早期大鼠肝脏糖异生功能即有明显降低，此时机体可通过增加糖异生基质和改变理糖激素环境维持应激所需要的高血糖水平；后期肝脏糖异生功能进一步受损，机体代偿功能明显紊乱，血糖浓度明显降低，这可能是胆源性多系统辞官功能不全发生发展的病理生理机理之一。     

Modifications of citric acid cycle activity and gluconeogenesis in streptozotocin-induced diabetes and effects of metformin.

To better define the modifications of liver gluconeogenesis and citric acid cycle, or Krebs' cycle, activity induced by insulin deficiency and the effects of metformin on these abnormalities, we infused livers isolated from postabsorptive or starved normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with pyruvate and lactate (labeled with [3-13C]lactate) with or without the simultaneous infusion of metformin. Lactate and pyruvate uptake and glucose production were calculated. The 13C-labeling pattern of liver glutamate was used to calculate, according to Magnusson's model, the relative fluxes through Krebs' cycle and gluconeogenesis. These relative fluxes were converted into absolute values using substrate balances. In normal rats, starvation increased gluconeogenesis, the flux through pyruvate carboxylase-phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PC-PEPCK), and the ratio of PC to pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) flux (P < 0.05); metformin induced only a moderate decrease in the PC:PDH ratio. Livers from postabsorptive diabetic rats had increased lactate and pyruvate uptakes (P < 0.05); their metabolic fluxes resembled those of starved control livers, with increased gluconeogenesis and flux through PC-PEPCK. Starvation induced no further modifications in the diabetic group. Metformin decreased glucose output from the liver of starved diabetic rats (P < 0.05). The flux through PC-PEPCK and also pyruvate kinase were decreased (P < 0.05) by metformin in both groups of diabetic rats. In conclusion, insulin deficiency increased in this model of diabetes gluconeogenesis through enhanced uptake of substrate and increased flux through PC-PEPCK; metformin decreased glucose production by reducing the flux through PC-PEPCK.     

Effects of free fatty acids per se on glucose production,gluconeogenesis, and glycogenolysis

Insulin-independent effects of a physiological increase in free fatty acid (FFA) levels on fasting glucose production, gluconeogenesis, and glycogenolysis were assessed by administering [6,6-(2)H(2)]-glucose and deuteriated water ((2)H(2)O) in 12 type 1 diabetic patients, during 6-h infusions of either saline or a lipid emulsion. Insulin was either fully replaced (euglycemic group, n = 6), or underreplaced (hyperglycemic group, n = 6). During saline infusions, plasma FFA levels remained unchanged. Glucose concentrations decreased from 6.7 +/- 0.4 to 5.3 +/- 0.4 mmol/l and 11.9 +/- 1.0 to 10.5 +/- 1.0 mmol/l in the euglycemic and hyperglycemic group, respectively. Accordingly, glucose production declined from 84 +/- 5 to 63 +/- 5 mg x m(-2) x min(-1) and from 84 +/- 5 to 68 +/- 4 mg x m(-2) x min(-1), due to declining rates of glycogenolysis but unaltered rates of gluconeogenesis. During lipid infusions, plasma FFA levels increased twofold. In the euglycemic group, plasma glucose increased from 6.8 +/- 0.3 to 7.8 +/- 0.8 mmol/l. Glucose production declined less in the lipid study than in the saline study due to a stimulation of gluconeogenesis by 6 +/- 1 mg x m(-2) x min(-1) and a decline in glycogenolysis that was 6 +/- 2 mg x m(-2) x min(-1) less in the lipid study than in the saline study. In contrast, in the hyperglycemic group, there were no significant effects of elevated FFA on glucose production, gluconeogenesis, or glycogenolysis. In conclusion, a physiological elevation of plasma FFA levels stimulates glycogenolysis as well as gluconeogenesis and causes mild fasting hyperglycemia. These effects of FFA appear attenuated in the presence of hyperglycemia.     

Hepatic TRAF2 regulates glucose metabolism through enhancing glucagon responses

Obesity is associated with intrahepatic inflammation that promotes insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF)2 is a key adaptor molecule that is known to mediate proinflammatory cytokine signaling in immune cells; however, its metabolic function remains unclear. We examined the role of hepatic TRAF2 in the regulation of insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. TRAF2 was deleted specifically in hepatocytes using the Cre/loxP system. The mutant mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Hepatic glucose production (HGP) was examined using pyruvate tolerance tests, (2)H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and in vitro HGP assays. The expression of gluconeogenic genes was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Insulin sensitivity was analyzed using insulin tolerance tests and insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of insulin receptors and Akt. Glucagon action was examined using glucagon tolerance tests and glucagon-stimulated HGP, cAMP-responsive element-binding (CREB) phosphorylation, and expression of gluconeogenic genes in the liver and primary hepatocytes. Hepatocyte-specific TRAF2 knockout (HKO) mice exhibited normal body weight, blood glucose levels, and insulin sensitivity. Under HFD conditions, blood glucose levels were significantly lower (by >30%) in HKO than in control mice. Both insulin signaling and the hypoglycemic response to insulin were similar between HKO and control mice. In contrast, glucagon signaling and the hyperglycemic response to glucagon were severely impaired in HKO mice. In addition, TRAF2 overexpression significantly increased the ability of glucagon or a cAMP analog to stimulate CREB phosphorylation, gluconeogenic gene expression, and HGP in primary hepatocytes. These results suggest that the hepatic TRAF2 cell autonomously promotes hepatic gluconeogenesis by enhancing the hyperglycemic response to glucagon and other factors that increase cAMP levels, thus contributing to hyperglycemia in obesity.     

Effects of skyrin, a receptor-selective glucagon antagonist, in rat and human hepatocytes

Peptidic glucagon antagonists have been shown to lower blood glucose levels in diabetic models (1-3), but attempts to identify small molecular weight glucagon receptor-binding antagonists have met with little success. Skyrin, a fungal bisanthroquinone, exhibits functional glucagon antagonism by uncoupling the glucagon receptor from adenylate cyclase activation in rat liver membranes (1). We have examined the effects of skyrin on cells transfected with the human glucagon receptor and on isolated rat and human hepatocytes. The skyrin used was isolated from Talaromyces wortmanni American Type Culture Collection 10517. In rat hepatocytes, skyrin (30 micromol/l) inhibited glucagon-stimulated cAMP production (53%) and glucose output (IC50 56 micromol/l). There was no detectable effect on epinephrine or glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) stimulation of these parameters, which demonstrates skyrin's selective activity. Skyrin was also evaluated in primary cultures of human hepatocytes. Unlike cell lines, which are largely unresponsive to glucagon, primary human hepatocytes exhibited glucagon-dependent cAMP production for 14 days in culture (EC50 10 nmol/l). Skyrin (10 micromol/l) markedly reduced glucagon-stimulated cAMP production (55%) and glycogenolysis (27%) in human hepatocytes. The inhibition of glucagon stimulation was a specific property displayed by skyrin and oxyskyrin but not shared by other bisanthroquinones. Skyrin is the first small molecular weight nonpeptidic agent demonstrated to interfere with the coupling of glucagon to adenylate cyclase independent of binding to the glucagon receptor. The data presented in this study indicate that functional uncoupling of the human glucagon receptor from cAMP production results in metabolic effects that could reduce hepatocyte glucose production and hence alleviate diabetic hyperglycemia.     

Regulation of ketogenesis, gluconeogenesis, and glycogen synthesis by insulin and proinsulin in rat hepatocyte monolayer cultures

The metabolic actions of porcine insulin and biosynthetic human proinsulin on fatty acid and glucose metabolism were studied in rat hepatocytes cultured in monolayer for 24 h. Our aim was to establish whether proinsulin action in the liver is similar to insulin action and whether the relative potencies of the two hormones are the same for different metabolic processes. Proinsulin and insulin exerted a similar maximal inhibitory effect on ketone body formation from palmitate and on gluconeogenesis from pyruvate. The half-maximal effective concentration of proinsulin was 11-13 times that of insulin. The antiketogenic effects of insulin and proinsulin were associated with an increased glycerol 3-phosphate content and a decreased affinity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase for its substrate palmitoyl-CoA. When the basal rate of ketogenesis was increased with isobutyl methylxanthine, the half-maximal effective concentrations of both proinsulin and insulin were decreased, but the relative potency of the two hormones was unchanged. Proinsulin and insulin exerted similar maximal stimulatory effects on glycogen synthesis and on the activities of pyruvate kinase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and malic enzyme. The half-maximal effective concentration of proinsulin was 10-30 times that of insulin. These findings are consistent with receptor binding studies on liver membranes that suggest that proinsulin interacts with insulin-specific and not proinsulin-specific receptors. Our findings also suggest that proinsulin action does not differ from insulin action at a postreceptor site.     

Role of energy charge and redox state for hepatocyte gluconeogenesis of acutely uremic rats

Hepatocytes were isolated from rats following bilateral nephrectomy, ureter ligation or sham operation under sodium pentobarbital (Nembutal) anesthesia to investigate the potential role of energy charge and redox state for the gluconeogenetic ability of liver cells. Ketogenesis from l-serine, sodium pyruvate or dihydroxyacetone was significantly higher in hepatocytes of acutely uremic rats indicating higher concentration of reducing equivalents in the mitochondria. During incubation, the mitochondrial redox state characterized by beta-hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate ratio moved into direction of reduction in all experimental groups, whereas cytosolic redox state characterized by lactate/pyruvate ratio shifted to the oxidative state indicating lack of cytosolic reducing equivalents. Hepatocyte ATP and oxoglutarate production of ureter-ligated rats were significantly higher compared with binephrectomized or sham-operated animals independent of the substrates used. Simultaneously, energy charge showed values higher than 0.85 only in hepatocytes of ureter-ligated animals indicating high energy supply for energy requiring processes. We conclude that hepatic gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis of acutely uremic rats are limited by a lack of cytosolic reducing equivalents independent of cell energy supply.     

Metabolic sensors mediate hypoglycemic detection at the portal vein

The current study sought to ascertain whether portal vein glucose sensing is mediated by a metabolic fuel sensor analogous to other metabolic sensors presumed to mediate hypoglycemic detection (e.g., hypothalamic metabosensors). We examined the impact of selectively elevating portal vein concentrations of lactate, pyruvate, or beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) on the sympathoadrenal response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Male Wistar rats (n = 36), chronically cannulated in the carotid artery (sampling), jugular vein (infusion), and portal vein (infusion), underwent hyperinsulinemic-hypoglycemic ( approximately 2.5 mmol/l) clamps with either portal or jugular vein infusions of lactate, pyruvate, or BHB. By design, arterial concentrations of glucose and the selected metabolite were matched between portal and jugular (NS). Portal vein concentrations were significantly elevated in portal versus jugular (P < 0.0001) for lactate (5.03 +/- 0.2 vs. 0.84 +/- 0.08 mmol/l), pyruvate (1.81 +/- 0.21 vs. 0.42 +/- 0.03 mmol/l), or BHB (2.02 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.16 +/- 0.03 mmol/l). Elevating portal lactate or pyruvate suppressed both the epinephrine (64% decrease; P < 0.01) and norepinephrine (75% decrease; P < 0.05) responses to hypoglycemia. In contrast, elevating portal BHB levels failed to impact epinephrine (P = 0.51) or norepinephrine (P = 0.47) levels during hypoglycemia. These findings indicate that hypoglycemic detection at the portal vein is mediated by a sensor responding to some metabolic event(s) subsequent to the uptake and oxidation of glucose.