Manganese supplementation protects against diet-induced diabetes in wild type mice by enhancing insulin secretion.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is both a contributing mechanism and complication of diabetes, and oxidative stress contributes to that dysfunction. Mitochondrial manganese-superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is a metalloenzyme that provides antioxidant protection. We have previously shown in a mouse model of hereditary iron overload that cytosolic iron levels affected mitochondrial manganese availability, MnSOD activity, and insulin secretion. We therefore sought to determine the metallation status of MnSOD in wild-type mice and whether altering that status affected ß-cell function. 129/SvEVTac mice given supplemental manganese exhibited a 73% increase in hepatic MnSOD activity and increased metallation of MnSOD. To determine whether manganese supplementation offered glucose homeostasis under a situation of ß-cell stress, we challenged C57BL/6J mice, which are more susceptible to diet-induced diabetes, with a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Manganese was supplemented or not for the final 8 weeks on that diet, after which we examined glucose tolerance and the function of isolated islets. Liver mitochondria from manganese-injected C57BL/6J mice had similar increases in MnSOD activity (81%) and metallation as were seen in 129/SvEVTac mice. The manganese-treated group fed high fat had improved glucose tolerance (24% decrease in fasting glucose and 41% decrease in area under the glucose curve), comparable with mice on normal chow and increased serum insulin levels. Isolated islets from the manganese-treated group exhibited improved insulin secretion, decreased lipid peroxidation, and improved mitochondrial function. In conclusion, MnSOD metallation and activity can be augmented with manganese supplementation in normal mice on normal chow, and manganese treatment can increase insulin secretion to improve glucose tolerance under conditions of dietary stress.

Eosinophils sustain adipose alternatively activated macrophages associated with glucose homeostasis.

Eosinophils are associated with helminth immunity and allergy, often in conjunction with alternatively activated macrophages (AAMs). Adipose tissue AAMs are necessary to maintain glucose homeostasis and are induced by the cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4). Here, we show that eosinophils are the major IL-4-expressing cells in white adipose tissues of mice, and, in their absence, AAMs are greatly attenuated. Eosinophils migrate into adipose tissue by an integrin-dependent process and reconstitute AAMs through an IL-4- or IL-13-dependent process. Mice fed a high-fat diet develop increased body fat, impaired glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance in the absence of eosinophils, and helminth-induced adipose tissue eosinophilia enhances glucose tolerance. Our results suggest that eosinophils play an unexpected role in metabolic homeostasis through maintenance of adipose AAMs.

Iron-mediated inhibition of mitochondrial manganese uptake mediates mitochondrial dysfunction in a mouse model of hemochromatosis.

Previous phenotyping of glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion in a mouse model of hereditary hemochromatosis (Hfe(-/-)) and iron overload suggested mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria from Hfe(-/-) mouse liver exhibited decreased respiratory capacity and increased lipid peroxidation. Although the cytosol contained excess iron, Hfe(-/-) mitochondria contained normal iron but decreased copper, manganese, and zinc, associated with reduced activities of copper-dependent cytochrome c oxidase and manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). The attenuation in MnSOD activity was due to substantial levels of unmetallated apoprotein. The oxidative damage in Hfe(-/-) mitochondria is due to diminished MnSOD activity, as manganese supplementation of Hfe(-/-) mice led to enhancement of MnSOD activity and suppressed lipid peroxidation. Manganese supplementation also resulted in improved insulin secretion and glucose tolerance associated with increased MnSOD activity and decreased lipid peroxidation in islets. These data suggest a novel mechanism of iron-induced cellular dysfunction, namely altered mitochondrial uptake of other metal ions.

Increased glucose disposal and AMP-dependent kinase signaling in a mouse model of hemochromatosis.

Hereditary hemochromatosis is an inherited disorder of increased iron absorption that can result in cirrhosis, diabetes, and other morbidities. We have investigated the mechanisms underlying supranormal glucose tolerance despite decreased insulin secretion in a mouse model of hemochromatosis with deletion of the hemochromatosis gene (Hfe(-/-)). Hfe(-/-) mice on 129Sv or C57BL/6J backgrounds have decreased glucose excursions after challenge compared with controls. In the C57BL/6J/ Hfe(-/-), for example, incremental area under the glucose curve is reduced 52% (p < 0.001) despite decreased serum insulin, and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance is decreased 50% (p < 0.05). When studied by the euglycemic clamp technique 129Sv/Hfe(-/-) mice exhibit a 20% increase in glucose disposal (p < 0.05) at submaximal insulin but no increase at maximal insulin compared with wild types. [1,2-(13)C]D-glucose clearance from plasma is significantly increased in Hfe(-/-) mice (19%, p < 0.05), and lactate derived from glycolysis is elevated 5.1-fold in Hfe(-/-) mice (p < 0.0001). Basal but not insulin-stimulated glucose uptake is elevated in isolated soleus muscle from Hfe(-/-) mice (p < 0.03). Compared with controls Hfe(-/-) mice exhibit no differences in serum lipid, insulin, glucagon, or thyroid hormone levels; adiponectin levels are elevated 41% (p < 0.05), and the adiponectin message in adipocytes is increased 83% (p = 0.04). Insulin action measured by phosphorylation of Akt is not enhanced in muscle, but phosphorylation of AMP-dependent kinase is increased. We conclude that supranormal glucose tolerance in iron overload is characterized by increased glucose disposal that does not result from increased insulin action. Instead, the Hfe(-/-) mice demonstrate increased adiponectin levels and activation of AMP-dependent kinase.

Oxidative stress, beta-cell apoptosis, and decreased insulin secretory capacity in mouse models of hemochromatosis.

The pathogenesis of diabetes associated with hemochromatosis is not known. We therefore examined glucose homeostasis and beta-cell function in mouse models of hemochromatosis. Mice with targeted deletion of the hemochromatosis gene (Hfe(-/-)) on the 129/Sv genetic background exhibited a 72% increase in iron content in the islets of Langerhans compared with wild-type controls. Insulin content was decreased in Hfe(-/-) mice by 35%/pancreas and 25%/islet. Comparable decreases were seen in the mRNA levels of beta-cell-specific markers, ins1, ins2, and glucose transporter 2. By 6-8 months, islets from Hfe(-/-) mice were 45% smaller, associated with increased staining for activated caspase 3 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxy-UTP nick end labeling. Islets from Hfe(-/-) mice were also desensitized to glucose, with half-maximal stimulation of insulin secretion seen at 16.7 +/- 0.9 mm glucose in perifused islets from Hfe(-/-) mice compared with 13.1 +/- 0.6 mm glucose in wild-type animals. Carbonyl protein modification, a marker for oxidative stress, was increased by 58% in Hfe(-/-) islets. Despite decreased islet size, Hfe(-/-) mice exhibited enhanced glucose tolerance. Fasting serum insulin levels were comparable between Hfe(-/-) and Hfe(+/+) mice, but were 48% lower in the Hfe(-/-) mice 30 min after challenge. Similar results were seen in mice carrying an Hfe mutation analogous to the common human mutation (C282Y) and in mice fed excess dietary iron. Hfe(-/-)mice on the C57BL6 background exhibited decreased glucose tolerance at 10-12 months due to an inability to increase insulin levels as they aged. We conclude that iron excess results in beta-cell oxidant stress and decreased insulin secretory capacity secondary to beta-cell apoptosis and desensitization of glucose-induced insulin secretion. This abnormality alone, however, is insufficient to cause diabetes.