Intestinal Ketogenesis and Permeability.

Consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) has been suggested as a contributing factor behind increased intestinal permeability in obesity, leading to increased plasma levels of microbial endotoxins and, thereby, increased systemic inflammation. We and others have shown that HFD can induce jejunal expression of the ketogenic rate-limiting enzyme mitochondrial 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase (HMGCS). HMGCS is activated via the free fatty acid binding nuclear receptor PPAR-α, and it is a key enzyme in ketone body synthesis that was earlier believed to be expressed exclusively in the liver. The function of intestinal ketogenesis is unknown but has been described in suckling rats and mice pups, possibly in order to allow large molecules, such as immunoglobulins, to pass over the intestinal barrier. Therefore, we hypothesized that ketone bodies could regulate intestinal barrier function, e.g., via regulation of tight junction proteins. The primary aim was to compare the effects of HFD that can induce intestinal ketogenesis to an equicaloric carbohydrate diet on inflammatory responses, nutrition sensing, and intestinal permeability in human jejunal mucosa. Fifteen healthy volunteers receiving a 2-week HFD diet compared to a high-carbohydrate diet were compared. Blood samples and mixed meal tests were performed at the end of each dietary period to examine inflammation markers and postprandial endotoxemia. Jejunal biopsies were assessed for protein expression using Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and morphometric characteristics of tight junctions by electron microscopy. Functional analyses of permeability and ketogenesis were performed in Caco-2 cells, mice, and human enteroids. Ussing chambers were used to analyze permeability. CRP and ALP values were within normal ranges and postprandial endotoxemia levels were low and did not differ between the two diets. The PPARα receptor was ketone body-dependently reduced after HFD. None of the tight junction proteins studied, nor the basal electrical parameters, were different between the two diets. However, the ketone body inhibitor hymeglusin increased resistance in mucosal biopsies. In addition, the tight junction protein claudin-3 was increased by ketone inhibition in human enteroids. The ketone body ß-Hydroxybutyrate (ßHB) did not, however, change the mucosal transition of the large-size molecular FD4-probe or LPS in Caco-2 and mouse experiments. We found that PPARα expression was inhibited by the ketone body ßHB. As PPARα regulates HMGCS expression, the ketone bodies thus exert negative feedback signaling on their own production. Furthermore, ketone bodies were involved in the regulation of permeability on intestinal mucosal cells in vitro and ex vivo. We were not, however, able to reproduce these effects on intestinal permeability in vivo in humans when comparing two weeks of high-fat with high-carbohydrate diet in healthy volunteers. Further, neither the expression of inflammation markers nor the aggregate tight junction proteins were changed. Thus, it seems that not only HFD but also other factors are needed to permit increased intestinal permeability in vivo. This indicates that the healthy gut can adapt to extremes of macro-nutrients and increased levels of intestinally produced ketone bodies, at least during a shorter dietary challenge.

The human duodenal mucosa harbors all components for a local renin angiotensin system.

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is present in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract but remains to be fully characterized, particularly in man. The duodenum plays a role in both the upper and lower GI regulation, as well as in distant organs. The present study investigates the presence and functional potential of RAS in the human duodenal mucosa of healthy individuals. Endoscopically acquired mucosal biopsies from healthy volunteers were examined using western blot, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. Functionality was examined by using Ussing chambers and recording duodenal transmucosal potential difference (PD) and motility in vivo Angiotensinogen, Angiotensin II (AngII) and its receptors (AT1R, AT2R) as well as to the RAS associated enzymes renin, ACE, and neprylisin were detected in all samples of duodenal mucosa. Migrating motility complex induced elevations of transmucosal PD were significantly larger after per-oral administration of the AT1R receptor antagonist candesartan. Fasting duodenal motility per se was not influenced by candesartan. The epithelial current produced by duodenal mucosae mounted in Ussing chambers increased significantly after addition of AngII to specimens where the AT1R was blocked using losartan. The epithelial current also increased after addition of the AT2R-selective agonist C21. Immunostaining and pharmacological data demonstrate the presence of a local RAS in the human duodenal mucosa with capacity to influence epithelial ion transport by way of particulary the AT2R.

Angiotensin II receptor expression and relation to Helicobacter pylori-infection in the stomach of the Mongolian gerbil.

BACKGROUND: The role of the renin-angiotensin system in gastric physiology and disease has as yet been sparsely explored. The first aim of the study was to investigate the baseline presence and location of angiotensin II receptors (AT1R and AT2R) in the stomach of the Mongolian gerbil. A second aim was to elucidate whether the presence of H. pylori infection is associated with changes in the expression of these receptors. METHODS: H. pylori-negative and H. pylori-infected (strain SS1 or TN2GF4) male Mongolian gerbils were investigated. The stomachs were examined at six or 12 months after inoculation by the use of immunohistochemistry, western blot and microscopic morphometry. RESULTS: AT1R and AT2R were located in a variety of cells in the gerbil gastric wall, including a subpopulation of endocrine cells in the antral mucosa and inflammatory cells infiltrating H. pylori-infected stomachs. Gerbils infected with the SS1 strain showed a significantly increased antral AT1R protein expression and an increased number of infiltrating polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) at 12 months. The AT1R protein expression correlated with the number of PMNs and the antral expression of myeloperoxidase. CONCLUSIONS: Angiotensin II receptors are present in a variety of cells in the gastric wall of the Mongolian gerbil. The results indicate an influence dependent on the H. pylori strain on the gastric AT1R expression and a relationship between gastric AT1R expression and mucosal PMNs infiltration.

Angiotensin II receptors are expressed and functional in human esophageal mucosa.

Only few studies have been devoted to the actions of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the human gastrointestinal tract. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the expression and action of RAS in the human esophageal mucosa. Mucosal specimens with normal histological appearance were obtained from healthy subjects undergoing endoscopy and from patients undergoing esophagectomy due to neoplasm. Gene and protein expressions of angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor type 1 (AT(1)) and type 2 (AT(2)) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) were analyzed. In vivo functionality in healthy volunteers was reflected by assessing transmucosal potential difference (PD). Ussing chamber technique was used to analyze the different effects of Ang II on its AT(1) and AT(2) receptors. Immunoreactivity to AT(1) and AT(2) was localized to stratum superficiale and spinosum in the epithelium. ACE, AT(1), and AT(2) were found in blood vessel walls. Transmucosal PD in vivo increased following administration of the AT(1) receptor antagonist candesartan. In Ussing preparations mean basal transmural PD was -6.4 mV, epithelial current (I(ep)) 34 muA/cm(2), and epithelial resistance (R(ep)) 321 Omega.cm(2). Serosal exposure to Ang II increased PD as a result of increased I(ep), whereas R(ep) was constant. Ang II given together with the selective AT(1)-receptor antagonist losartan, or AT(2) agonist C21 given alone, resulted in a similar effect. Ang II given in presence of the AT(2)-receptor antagonist PD123319 did not influence PD, but I(ep) decreased and R(ep) increased. In conclusion, Ang II receptors and ACE are expressed in the human esophageal epithelium. The results suggest that AT(2)-receptor stimulation increases epithelial ion transport, whereas the AT(1) receptor inhibits ion transport and increases R(ep).

Urinary sodium excretion after gastric bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: Gut-kidney signaling is implicated in sodium homeostasis and thus blood pressure regulation. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery for morbid obesity confers a pronounced and long-lasting blood pressure lowering effect in addition to significant weight loss. OBJECTIVES: We set out to establish whether RYGB is associated with an intrinsic change in urinary sodium excretion that may contribute to the reported blood pressure lowering effects of the procedure. SETTING: University hospital METHODS: Five female patients (age range: 28-50 yr) without metabolic or hypertensive co-morbidities were included in a study involving four 24-hour residential visits: once before surgery and 10 days, 3 months, and 20 months after surgery. Creatinine and sodium were measured in fasting plasma samples and 24-hour urine samples and creatinine clearance, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and indices of urinary sodium excretion were calculated. Fasting and 60-minute postprandial blood samples from each study day were assayed for pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). RESULTS: Increases in weight-normalized urinary sodium excretion of up to 2.3-fold in magnitude occurred at 20 months after surgery. Median fractional excretion of sodium at 20 months was double that seen before surgery. Fasting NT-proBNP levels were stable or increased (1.5- to 5-fold). Moreover, a small postprandial increase in NT-proBNP was observed after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Renal fractional excretion of sodium is increased after RYGB. A shift toward increased postoperative basal and meal associated levels of NT-proBNP coincides with increased urinary sodium excretion. The data support a working hypothesis that an enhanced natriuretic gut-kidney signal after RYGB may be of mechanistic importance in the blood pressure lowering effects of this procedure.

Oxidative and nitrosative stress enzymes in relation to nitrotyrosine in Helicobacter pylori-infected humans.

AIM: To compare a possible relation between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and the oxygen- and nitrogen radical system in humans. METHODS: Mechanisms for H. pylori to interfere with the oxygen and nitrogen radical system is of great importance for understanding of the H. pylori persistence and pathogenesis. Biopsies were obtained from the gastric wall of 21 individuals. Ongoing infection with H. pylori was detected using direct analyze from the biopsies using campylobacter-like organism test (CLO-test) and/or by using (14)C-urea breath test. The individuals were divided in a negative H. pylori and a positive H. pylori group. Expression in the gastric mucosa of inducible nitric oxide syntase (iNOS), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase (NADPH-oxidase) myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nitrotyrosine were assessed by Western blotting. RESULTS: The individuals who undervent gastroscopy were divided in a H. pylori neg. [n = 13, m/f = 7/6, age (mean) = 39] and a H. pylori pos. group [n= 8, m/f = 5/3, age (mean) = 53]. Using western blot analysis iNOS was detected as a 130 kDa band. The iNOS expression was upregulated in the antrum of H. pylori infected individuals in comparison to the controls, mean ± SD being 12.6 ± 2.4 vs 8.3 ± 3.1, P < 0.01. There was a markedly upregulated expression of MPO in the antrum of H. pylori infected individuals in comparison to the control group without infection. In several of non-infected controls it was not possible to detect any MPO expression at all, whereas the expression was high in all the infected subjects, mean ± SD being 5.1 ± 3.4 vs 2.1 ± 1.9, P < 0.05. The NADPH-oxidase expression was analysed by detecting the NADPH-oxidase subunit p47-phox expression. P47-phox was detected as a 47 kDa band using Western blot, and showed a significantly higher expression of p47-phox in the antrum of the H. pylori infected individuals compared to the controls, mean ± SD being 3.1 ± 2.2 vs 0.3 ± 0.2, P < 0.01. Regarding nitrotyrosine formation, Western blot did not show any significant increase or decrease compared to controls, 7.0 ± 0.9 vs 6.9 ± 1.1, not significant. CONCLUSION: iNOS, MPO and NADPH-oxidase was up-regulated among H. pylori infected. Regarding nitrotyrosine no difference was found. This support an H. pylori related inhibition of radical formation.

Gastric bypass surgery is followed by lowered blood pressure and increased diuresis - long term results from the Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two bariatric surgical principles with regard to effects on blood pressure and salt intake. BACKGROUND: In most patients bariatric surgery induces a sustained weight loss and a reduced cardiovascular risk profile but the long-term effect on blood pressure is uncertain. METHODS: Cohort study with data from the prospective, controlled Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study involving 480 primary health care centres and 25 surgical departments in Sweden. Obese patients treated with non-surgical methods (Controls, n = 1636 and n = 1132 at 2 y and 10 y follow up, respectively) were compared to patients treated with gastric bypass (GBP, n = 245 and n = 277, respectively) or purely restrictive procedures (vertical banded gastroplasty or gastric banding; VBG/B, n = 1534 and n = 1064, respectively). RESULTS: At long-term follow-up (median 10 y) GBP was associated with lowered systolic (mean: -5.1 mm Hg) and diastolic pressure (-5.6 mmHg) differing significantly from both VBG/B (-1.5 and -2.1 mmHg, respectively; p<0.001) and Controls (+1.2 and -3.8 mmHg, respectively; p<0.01). Diurnal urinary output was +100 ml (P<0.05) and +170 ml (P<0.001) higher in GBP subjects than in weight-loss matched VBG/B subjects at the 2 y and 10 y follow-ups, respectively. Urinary output was linearly associated with blood pressure only after GBP and these patients consumed approximately 1 g salt per day more at the follow-ups than did VBG/B (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The purely restrictive techniques VBG/B exerted a transient blood pressure lowering effect, whereas gastric bypass was associated with a sustained blood pressure reduction and an increased diuresis. The daily salt consumption was higher after gastric bypass than after restrictive bariatric surgery.

The expression of renin-angiotensin system components in the human gastric mucosa.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to map the distribution of representative protein components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the human gastric mucosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biopsies from the antral and corporal mucosa of healthy Helicobacter pylori negative and positive volunteers were assessed by histology, Western blot and immunohistochemistry for angiotensin II subtype 1 and 2 receptors (AT1R, AT2R) and other RAS components (angiotensinogen, renin, angiotensin converting enzyme, and neprilysin). Mucosal levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) served as a protein marker of neutrophil infiltration. RESULTS: AT1R and AT2R were located in a variety of cells in the human gastric mucosa, including AT1R on a subpopulation of endocrine cells in the antral mucosa. Angiotensinogen and renin were expressed by resident mesenchymal cells in lamina propria. All investigated RAS components were found in vascular endothelial cells. The AT1R protein expression was 3-4 times higher in the gastric mucosa of H. pylori positive subjects compared to the gastric mucosa of H. pylori negative subjects (p < 0.05). Gastric mucosal AT1R protein expression correlated positively with neutrophil infiltration (r = 0.7, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Protein components of RAS are present in the human gastric mucosa. The results suggest an angiotensin II mediated impact on mucosal epithelial functions, antral endocrine properties, microvascular permeability, and gastric inflammation.