Defective liver glycogen autophagy related to hyperinsulinemia in intrauterine growth-restricted newborn wistar rats

Maternal malnutrition plays a critical role in the developmental programming of later metabolic diseases susceptibility in the offspring, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Because the liver is the major organ that produces and supplies blood glucose, we aimed at defining the potential role of liver glycogen autophagy in the programming of glucose metabolism disturbances. To this end, newborns were obtained from pregnant Wistar rats fed ad libitum with a standard diet or 65% food-restricted during the last week of gestation. We found that newborns from undernourished mothers showed markedly high basal insulin levels whereas those of glucagon were decreased. This unbalance led to activation of the mTORC1 pathway and inhibition of hepatic autophagy compromising the adequate handling of glycogen in the very early hours of extrauterine life. Restoration of autophagy with rapamycin but not with glucagon, indicated no defect in autophagy machinery per se, but in signals triggered by glucagon. Taken together, these results support the notion that hyperinsulinemia is an important mechanism by which mobilization of liver glycogen by autophagy is defective in food-restricted animals. This early alteration in the hormonal control of liver glycogen autophagy may influence the risk of developing metabolic diseases later in life.This work was supported by MINECO (BFU2016-77931-R), CIBERdem (ISCIII, Spain) and MOIR-2 S2017-BMD-3684 (CAM

Fetal pancreatic b-cell growth and insulin-like growth factors relationship in undernourished rats

Resumen del trabajo presentado al 38th EASD Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, celebrado en Budapest (Humgria) del 1 al 5 de septiembre de 2002.[Background and Aims] We have previously shown that Wistar fetuses from protein- caloric undernourished pregnant rats (U) at 21 days post coitum (dpc) exhibit increased β cell-mass. This alteration is correlated with increased insulinemia and total pancreatic insulin content, a pattern reminiscent to that reported in infants of mild diabetic mothers. Both Insulinlike Growth Factor (IGF)-I and -2 are essential players for growth and development during the fetal period. The aim of the present study was to investigate in the U fetuses at 21 dpc: 1) serum IGFs levels, 2) IGFs gene expression in the liver and pancreas, and 3) in vitro mitogenic effect of IGFs in isolated fetal islets using BrdU labelling index (LI). All values were compared to those in Wi star control fetuses (C). [Methods] Serum concentrations of IGF-I and IGF-2 were measured by radioimmuno assay and radioreceptor assay respectively. RNase protection assay was performed using RNA from pancreas and liver to evaluate IGFs or IGFBPs gene expression in both tissues. [Results] Similar serum IGF-I and-2levels were observed in U and C. IGF-I and IGF-2 mRNAs were detected in liver and pancreas of both C and U fetuses. Despite being decreased in the liver, IGF-l mRNA level was increased in U pancreases as compared to C. Concerning IGF-2 gene expression it was diminished in U pancreas while being normal in the liver as compared to C. No difference in IGFBP-I, -2 and -3 mRNA levels was detected in U liver when compared to C. However, gene expression of IGFBP-2 was increased and that of IGFBP-3 was decreased in U pancreases. Finally, the in vitro study showed a normal BrdU LI in U isolated fetal islets under basal conditions while it was found significantly increased twice in response to both IGF-I and IGF-2 (lOOng/ml) as compared to fetal C islets. [Conclusion] Our data suggest that in U fetuses at 21 dpc: I) the increased β-cell mass can be related to the stimulation of replicative β-cell response due to locally increased IGF-I in the pancreas 2) such IGF-I action is perhaps favored by an enhanced IGFBP-2 gene expression in pancreas, and 3) at variance with previous reports in several models of decreased intrapancreatic IGF-2 expression in fetuses, the low IGF-2 mRNA level as it is observed in the present U model does not correlate with a decreased β-cell growth.Peer Reviewe

Papel del péptido insulinotrópico dependiente de glucosa en la programación nutricional del síndrome metabólico

Early nutritional restriction has been associated with increased incidence of metabolic syndrome-associated pathologies in adulthood. However, the underlying mechanisms that determine the development of these diseases are not yet fully known. In the present work, we explored the relevance of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) in the development of these pathologies in a model of Wistar rats. Two groups of dams were fed ad libitum (C) or food-restricted (U) during pregnancy and suckling. At that time, rats were refed a high-fat diet (HFD; CHF and UHF) for 22 weeks. Both male and female UHF rats showed an obese phenotype characterized by hyperphagia, visceral fat accumulation and adipocyte hypertrophy, which was more pronounced than in CHF rats. Oral glucose tolerance tests showed that female UHF rats experienced glucose intolerance, insulin hypersecretion and an exacerbated GIP secretion. Administration of the GIP receptor antagonist, (Pro3)GIP, to UHF female rats markedly reduced visceral fat mass and adipocyte hypertrophy, and these changes were accompanied by improvement of glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. In conclusion, the exacerbated production and secretion of GIP seems to represent the stimulus for insulin hypersecretion and insulin resistance shown by UHF female rats, suggesting that GIP may play a critical role in the development of metabolic disturbances related to nutritional rehabilitation.La restricción nutricional precoz ha sido asociada con una mayor incidencia de patologías relacionadas con el síndrome metabólico durante la edad adulta. Sin embargo, los mecanismos subyacentes que determinan el desarrollo de dichas patologías aún no se conocen en su totalidad. En el presente trabajo, se analizó el papel del péptido insulinotrópico dependiente de glucosa (GIP) en el desarrollo dichas patologías en un modelo de rata Wistar. Las ratas gestantes fueron alimentadas ad libitum (C) o sometidas a restricción nutricional (S) durante el embarazo y la lactancia, al final de la cual las crías fueron realimentadas con dieta grasa (CR, SR) durante 22 semanas. Tanto los machos como las hembras SR mostraron un fenotipo obesogénico caracterizado por hiperfagia, acumulación de grasa visceral e hipertrofia adipocitaria, de manera más pronunciada que la población CR. Los test de tolerancia oral a la glucosa mostraron que las hembras SR experimentaron intolerancia a la glucosa e hipersecreción de insulina y GIP. La administración del antagonista del receptor de GIP, (Pro3)GIP, a las hembras SR dio lugar a una significativa reducción del tejido adiposo y del tamaño adipocitario, junto a una mejora de la tolerancia a la glucosa y de la sensibilidad a la insulina. En conclusión, la exacerbada secreción de GIP parece representar el estímulo para la hipersecreción de insulina y el desarrollo de resistencia a la misma en las hembras SR, lo que sugiere que GIP jugaría un papel esencial en el desarrollo de alteraciones metabólicas asociadas a la rehabilitación nutricional

Strain balanced quantum posts for intermediate band solar cells

In this work we present strain balanced InAs quantum post of exceptional length in the context of photovoltaics. We discuss the general properties of these nanostructures and their impact in the practical implementation of an intermediate band solar cell. We have studied the photocurrent generated by strain balanced quantum posts embedded in a GaAs single crystal, and compared our results with quantum dot based devices. The incorporation of phosphorous in the matrix to partially compensate the accumulated stress enables a significant increase of the quantum post maximum length. The relative importance of tunneling and thermal escape processes is found to depend strongly on the geometry of the nanostructures. tunneling and thermal escape processes is found to depend strongly on the geometry of the nanostructures

Executive summary. diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis of influenza virus infection. Consensus statement of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), the Spanish Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (SEIP), the Spanish Association of Vaccinology (AEV), the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (SEMFYC) and the Spanish Society of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Health Management (SEMPSPGS)

[spa] El virus de la gripe ha acompañado al ser humano desde tiempo inmemorial, en forma de epidemias anuales y pandemias ocasionales. Se trata de una infección respiratoria con múltiples repercusiones sobre la vida de las personas a nivel individual y social, así como una importante sobrecarga para el sistema sanitario. El presente documento de consenso surge de la colaboración de diversas sociedades científicas españolas implicadas en la atención de la infección por virus de la gripe. Las conclusiones extraídas se han fundamentado en las evidencias de mayor calidad disponibles en la literatura científica y, en su defecto, en la opinión de los expertos convocados. En el documento de consenso se abordan los aspectos clínicos, microbiológicos, terapéuticos y preventivos (respecto de la prevención de la transmisión y en relación con la vacunación) de la gripe, tanto para población pediátrica como para adultos. Este documento de consenso pretende ayudar a facilitar el abordaje clínico, microbiológico y preventivo de la infección por virus de la gripe y, consecuentemente, a disminuir sus importantes consecuencias sobre la morbimortalidad de la población.[eng]The influenza virus has accompanied humans since time immemorial, in the form of annual epidemics and occasional pandemics. It is a respiratory infection with multiple repercussions on people's lives at an individual and social level, as well as representing a significant burden on the health system. This Consensus Document arises from the collaboration of various Spanish scientific societies involved in influenza virus infection. The conclusions drawn are based on the highest quality evidence available in the scientific literature and, failing that, on the opinion of the experts convened. The Consensus Document addresses the clinical, microbiological, therapeutic, and preventive aspects (with respect to the prevention of transmission and in relation to vaccination) of influenza, for both adult and pediatric populations. This Consensus Document aims to help facilitate the clinical, microbiological, and preventive approach to influenza virus infection and, consequently, to reduce its important consequences on the morbidity and mortality of the population

Multi-Organ Crosstalk with Endocrine Pancreas: A Focus on How Gut Microbiota Shapes Pancreatic Beta-Cells

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) results from impaired beta-cell function and insufficient beta-cell mass compensation in the setting of insulin resistance. Current therapeutic strategies focus their efforts on promoting the maintenance of functional beta-cell mass to ensure appropriate glycemic control. Thus, understanding how beta-cells communicate with metabolic and non-metabolic tissues provides a novel area for investigation and implicates the importance of inter-organ communication in the pathology of metabolic diseases such as T2D. In this review, we provide an overview of secreted factors from diverse organs and tissues that have been shown to impact beta-cell biology. Specifically, we discuss experimental and clinical evidence in support for a role of gut to beta-cell crosstalk, paying particular attention to bacteria-derived factors including short-chain fatty acids, lipopolysaccharide, and factors contained within extracellular vesicles that influence the function and/or the survival of beta cells under normal or diabetogenic conditions

Effect of maternal undernutrition on fetal pancreatic β-cell development, growth and functionality: Involvement of the IGF system | Efecto de la subnutrición materna sobre el desarrollo, crecimiento y funcionalidad de las células β pancreáticas en el feto: Implicación del sistema de IGFs

We have previously shown that Wistar fetuses from protein-caloric undernourished (U) pregnant rats at 21 days post coitum (dpc) exhibit increased β-cell mass and hyperinsulinemia. The metabolic and molecular processes involved in these alterations are not fully understood. To this end, we examined the immediate effects of a protein-caloric restricted diet on the mechanisms that regulate both the functionality and growth of the β-cells during fetal development. The data show that: 1) Food restriction causes in fetuses alterations in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion as a consequence of changes in the levels of insulin gene expression and content. Altered insulin mRNA expression seems to be caused by the increase in p38/SAPK2 protein levels and glucose oxidation, both of them implicated in the activation of the insulin gene transcription factor PDX-1. 2) The increased β-cell mass found in U fetuses could be related to a higher stimulation of β-cell replication, due to locally increased pancreatic IGF-1, the elevated number of IGF-1R and the enhancement in both basal and glucose/IGF-1 activations of the IRS-2/PI3K/Akt pathway.Peer Reviewe

Glucagon-like peptide-1 improves beta-cell antioxidant capacity via extracellular regulated kinases pathway and Nrf2 translocation.

0info:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Cocoa diet modulates gut microbiota composition and improves intestinal health in Zucker diabetic rats

Cocoa supplementation improves glucose metabolism in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats via multiple mechanisms. Furthermore, cocoa rich-diets modify the intestinal microbiota composition both in humans and rats in healthy conditions. Accordingly, we hypothesized that cocoa could interact with the gut microbiota (GM) in ZDF rats, contributing to their antidiabetic effects. Therefore, here we investigate the effect of cocoa intake on gut health and GM in ZDF diabetic rats. Male ZDF rats were fed with standard (ZDF-C) or 10% cocoa-rich diet (ZDF-Co) during 10 weeks. Zucker Lean animals (ZL) received the standard diet. Colon tissues were obtained to determine the barrier integrity and the inflammatory status of the intestine and faeces were analysed for microbial composition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and lactate levels. We found that cocoa supplementation up-regulated the levels of the tight junction protein Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and the mucin glycoprotein and reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in the colon of ZDF diabetic animals. Additionally, cocoa modulated the microbial composition of the ZDF rats to values similar to those of the lean group. Importantly, cocoa treatment increased the relative abundance of acetate-producing bacteria such as Blautia and prevented the increase in the relative amount of lactate-producing bacteria (mainly Enterococcus and Lactobacillus genera) in ZDF diabetic animals. Accordingly, the total levels of SCFA (mainly acetate) increased significantly in the faeces of ZDF-Co diabetic rats. Finally, modified GM was closely associated with improved biochemical parameters related to glucose homeostasis and intestinal integrity and inflammation. These findings demonstrate for the first time that cocoa intake modifies intestinal bacteria composition towards a healthier microbial profile in diabetic animals and suggest that these changes could be associated with the improved glucose homeostasis and gut health induced by cocoa in ZDF diabetic rats.This work was supported by grants AGL2015–67087-R, BFU2016-77931-R and RTI2018-095059-B-I00 (MINECO/FEDER, UE) from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MINECO). D. Álvarez-Cilleros is a FPI fellow from the predoctoral program of MINECO (BES-2016-076721).Peer reviewe