High-fat diet modifies the PPAR-γ pathway leading to disruption of microbial and physiological ecosystem in murine small intestine.

Diet is among the most important factors contributing to intestinal homeostasis, and basic functions performed by the small intestine need to be tightly preserved to maintain health. Little is known about the direct impact of high-fat (HF) diet on small-intestinal mucosal defenses and spatial distribution of the microbiota during the early phase of its administration. We observed that only 30 d after HF diet initiation, the intervillous zone of the ileum-which is usually described as free of bacteria-became occupied by a dense microbiota. In addition to affecting its spatial distribution, HF diet also drastically affected microbiota composition with a profile characterized by the expansion of Firmicutes (appearance of Erysipelotrichi), Proteobacteria (Desulfovibrionales) and Verrucomicrobia, and decrease of Bacteroidetes (family S24-7) and Candidatus arthromitus A decrease in antimicrobial peptide expression was predominantly observed in the ileum where bacterial density appeared highest. In addition, HF diet increased intestinal permeability and decreased cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (Cftr) and the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter 1 (Nkcc1) gene and protein expressions, leading to a decrease in ileal secretion of chloride, likely responsible for massive alteration in mucus phenotype. This complex phenotype triggered by HF diet at the interface between the microbiota and the mucosal surface was reversed when the diet was switched back to standard composition or when mice were treated for 1 wk with rosiglitazone, a specific agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ). Moreover, weaker expression of antimicrobial peptide-encoding genes and intervillous bacterial colonization were observed in Ppar-γ-deficient mice, highlighting the major role of lipids in modulation of mucosal immune defenses.

Differences in Alimentary Glucose Absorption and Intestinal Disposal of Blood Glucose After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass vs Sleeve Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Bariatric procedures, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), are the most effective approaches to resolve type 2 diabetes in obese individuals. Alimentary glucose absorption and intestinal disposal of blood glucose have not been directly compared between individuals or animals that underwent RYGB vs VSG. We evaluated in rats and humans how the gut epithelium adapts after surgery and the consequences on alimentary glucose absorption and intestinal disposal of blood glucose. METHODS: Obese male rats underwent RYGB, VSG, or sham (control) operations. We collected intestine segments from all rats; we performed histologic analyses and measured levels of messenger RNAs encoding the sugar transporters SGLT1, GLUT1, GLUT2, GLUT3, GLUT4, and GLUT5. Glucose transport and consumption were assayed using ex vivo jejunal loops. Histologic analyses were also performed on Roux limb sections from patients who underwent RYGB 1-5 years after surgery. Roux limb glucose consumption was assayed after surgery by positron emission and computed tomography imaging. RESULTS: In rats and humans that underwent RYGB, the Roux limb became hyperplasic, with an increased number of incretin-producing cells compared with the corresponding jejunal segment of controls. Furthermore, expression of sugar transporters and hypoxia-related genes increased and the nonintestinal glucose transporter GLUT1 appeared at the basolateral membrane of enterocytes. Ingested and circulating glucose was trapped within the intestinal epithelial cells of rats and humans that underwent RYGB. By contrast, there was no hyperplasia of the intestine after VSG, but the intestinal absorption of alimentary glucose was reduced and density of endocrine cells secreting glucagon-like peptide-1 increased. CONCLUSIONS: The intestine adapts differently to RYGB vs VSG. RYGB increases intestinal glucose disposal and VSG delays glucose absorption; both contribute to observed improvements in glycemia.

Saturated and Unsaturated Fatty Acids Differently Modulate Colonic Goblet Cells In Vitro and in Rat Pups.

BACKGROUND: High-fat diets induce intestinal barrier alterations and promote intestinal diseases. Little is known about the effects of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) on mucin 2 (MUC2) production by goblet cells, which are crucial for intestinal protection. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of LCFAs on the differentiation of colonic goblet cells, MUC2 expression, and colonic barrier function. METHODS: Upon reaching confluence, human colonic mucus-secreting HT29-MTX cells were stimulated (21 d) with a saturated LCFA (palmitic or stearic acid), a monounsaturated LCFA (oleic acid), or a polyunsaturated LCFA (linoleic, γ-linolenic, α-linolenic, or eicosapentaenoic acid). In addition, rat pups underwent oral administration of oil (palm, rapeseed, or sunflower oil) or water (10 µL/g body weight, postnatal days 10-15). Subsequently, colon goblet cells were studied by Western blotting, reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry and colonic transmucosal electrical resistance was measured by using Ussing chambers. RESULTS: In vitro, palmitic acid enhanced MUC2 production (140% of control) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α expression, whereas oleic, linoleic, γ-linolenic, α-linolenic, and eicosapentaenoic acids reduced MUC2 expression (at least -50% of control). All unsaturated LCFAs decreased the expression of human atonal homolog 1, a transcription factor controlling goblet cell differentiation (at least -31% vs. control). In vivo, rats fed palm oil had higher palmitic acid concentrations (3-fold) in their colonic contents and increased mucus granule surfaces in their goblet cells (>2-fold) than did all other groups. Palm oil also increased colonic transmucosal electrical resistance (245% of control), yet had no effect on occludin and zonula occludens-1 expression. In contrast, sunflower and rapeseed oils decreased goblet cell number when compared with control (at least -10%) and palm oil (at least -14%) groups. CONCLUSIONS: Palm oil in rat pups and palmitic acid in HT29-MTX cells increase the production of MUC2 and strengthen the intestinal barrier. In contrast, unsaturated LCFAs decrease MUC2 expression. These data should be taken into account in the context of preventive or therapeutic nutritional programs.

Intestinal deletion of leptin signaling alters activity of nutrient transporters and delayed the onset of obesity in mice.

The importance of B-isoform of leptin receptor (LEPR-B) signaling in the hypothalamus, pancreas, or liver has been well characterized, but in the intestine, a unique site of entry for dietary nutrition into the body, it has been relatively ignored. To address this question, we characterized a mouse model deficient for LEPR-B specifically in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). (IEC)LEPR-B-knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were generated by Cre-Lox strategy and fed a normal or high-fat diet (HFD). The analyses of the animals involved histology and immunohistochemistry of intestinal mucosa, indirect calorimetric measurements, whole-body composition, and expression and activities of nutrient transporters. (IEC)LEPR-B-KO mice exhibited a 2-fold increase in length of jejunal villi and have normal growth on a normal diet but were less susceptible (P<0.01) to HFD-induced obesity. No differences occurred in energy intake and expenditure between (IEC)LEPR-B-WT and -KO mice, but (IEC)LEPR-B-KO mice fed an HFD showed increased excreted fats (P<0.05). Activities of the Na(+)/glucose cotransporter SGLT-1 and GLUT2 were unaffected in LEPR-B-KO jejunum, while GLUT5-mediated fructose transport and PepT1-mediated peptide transport were substantially reduced (P<0.01). These data demonstrate that intestinal LEPR-B signaling is important for the onset of diet-induced obesity. They suggest that intestinal LEPR-B could be a potential per os target for prevention against obesity.

The intestinal glucose-apelin cycle controls carbohydrate absorption in mice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Glucose is absorbed into intestine cells via the sodium glucose transporter 1 (SGLT-1) and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2); various peptides and hormones control this process. Apelin is a peptide that regulates glucose homeostasis and is produced by proximal digestive cells; we studied whether glucose modulates apelin secretion by enterocytes and the effects of apelin on intestinal glucose absorption. METHODS: We characterized glucose-related luminal apelin secretion in vivo and ex vivo by mass spectroscopy and immunologic techniques. The effects of apelin on (14)C-labeled glucose transport were determined in jejunal loops and in mice following apelin gavage. We determined levels of GLUT2 and SGLT-1 proteins and phosphorylation of AMPKα2 by immunoblotting. The net effect of apelin on intestinal glucose transepithelial transport was determined in mice. RESULTS: Glucose stimulated luminal secretion of the pyroglutaminated apelin-13 isoform ([Pyr-1]-apelin-13) in the small intestine of mice. Apelin increased specific glucose flux through the gastric epithelial barrier in jejunal loops and in vivo following oral glucose administration. Conversely, pharmacologic apelin blockade in the intestine reduced the increased glycemia that occurs following oral glucose administration. Apelin activity was associated with phosphorylation of AMPKα2 and a rapid increase of the GLUT2/SGLT-1 protein ratio in the brush border membrane. CONCLUSIONS: Glucose amplifies its own transport from the intestinal lumen to the bloodstream by increasing luminal apelin secretion. In the lumen, active apelin regulates carbohydrate flux through enterocytes by promoting AMPKα2 phosphorylation and modifying the ratio of SGLT-1:GLUT2. The glucose-apelin cycle might be pharmacologically handled to regulate glucose absorption and assess better control of glucose homeostasis.

Luminal leptin inhibits L-glutamine transport in rat small intestine: involvement of ASCT2 and B0AT1.

L-glutamine is the primary metabolic fuel for enterocytes. Glutamine from the diet is transported into the absorptive cells by two sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporters present at the apical membrane: ASCT2/SLC1A5 and B(0)AT1/SLC6A19. We have demonstrated that leptin is secreted into the stomach lumen after a meal and modulates the transport of sugars after binding to its receptors located at the brush border of the enterocytes. The present study was designed to address the effect of luminal leptin on Na(+)-dependent glutamine (Gln) transport in rat intestine and identify the transporters involved. We found that 0.2 nM leptin inhibited uptake of Gln and phenylalanine (Phe) (substrate of B(0)AT1) using everted intestinal rings. In Ussing chambers, 10 mM Gln absorption followed as Na(+)-induced short-circuit current was inhibited by leptin in a dose-dependent manner (maximum inhibition at 10 nM; I(C50) = approximately 0.1 nM). Phe absorption was also decreased by leptin. Western blot analysis after 3-min incubation of the intestinal loops with 10 mM Gln, showed marked increase of ASCT2 and B(0)AT1 protein in the brush-border membrane that was reduced by rapid preincubation of the intestinal lumen with 1 nM leptin. Similarly, the increase in ASCT2 and B(0)AT1 gene expression induced by 60-min incubation of the intestine with 10 mM Gln was strongly reduced after a short preincubation period with leptin. Altogether these data demonstrate that, in rat, leptin controls the active Gln entry through reduction of both B(0)AT1 and ASCT2 proteins traffic to the apical plasma membrane and modulation of their gene expression.

Distribution, pharmacological characterization and function of the 18 kDa translocator protein in rat small intestine.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The TSPO (18 kDa translocator protein) is a mitochondrial transmembrane protein involved in cholesterol transport in organs that synthesize steroids and bile salts. Different natural and synthetic high-affinity TSPO ligands have been characterized through their ability to stimulate cholesterol transport, but also to stimulate other physiological functions including cell proliferation, apoptosis and calcium-dependent transepithelial ion secretion. Here, we investigate the localization and functions of TSPO in the small intestine. RESULTS: TSPO was present in enterocyte mitochondria but not in rat intestinal goblet cells. Enterocyte cytoplasm also contained the endogenous TSPO ligand, polypeptide DBI (diazepam-binding inhibitor). Whereas intestinal TSPO had high affinity for the synthetic ligand PK 11195, the pharmacological profile of TSPO in the duodenum was distinct from the jejunum and ileum. Specifically, benzodiazepine Ro5-4864 and protoporphyrin IX showed 5-13-fold lower affinity for duodenal TSPO. The mRNA and protein ratios of TSPO to other mitochondrial membrane proteins VDAC (voltage-dependent anion channel) and ANT (adenine nucleotide transporter) were significantly different. PK 11195 stimulated calcium-dependent chloride secretion in the duodenum and calcium-dependent chloride absorption in the ileum, but did not affect jejunum ion transport. CONCLUSIONS: The functional differences in subpopulations of TSPO in different regions of the intestine could be related to structural organization of mitochondrial protein complexes that mediate the ability of TSPO to modulate either chloride secretion or absorption in the duodenum and ileum respectively.

Translocator protein (18 kDa) ligand PK 11195 induces transient mitochondrial Ca2+ release leading to transepithelial Cl- secretion in HT-29 human colon cancer cells.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: TSPO (translocator protein), known previously as PBR (peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor), is a 18 kDa protein expressed in the mitochondrial membrane of a variety of tissues. TSPO has been reported to be over-expressed in human colorectal tumours and cancer cell lines, but its function is not well characterized. RESULTS: We investigated the expression and function of TSPO in the human colon cancer cells HT-29. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that TSPO is localized in mitochondria, and its endogenous ligand, the polypeptide diazepam-binding inhibitor, in the cytosol. Radioligand binding studies using the specific high-affinity drug ligand [(3)H]PK 11195 and membrane fraction demonstrated saturable binding, with K(d) and B(max) values of 13.5+/-1.5 nM and 10.1+/-1.0 pmol/mg respectively. PK 11195 induced a rapid and transient dose-dependent rise in intracellular [Ca(2+)], which was unaffected by extracellular Ca(2+), but was blocked by the PTP (permeability transition pore) inhibitor, cyclosporin A, and by the TSPO partial agonist, flunitrazepam. Using HT-29 clone 19A cell line, which forms cell monolayers, we demonstrated that TSPO ligand stimulated a Ca(2+)-dependent transepithelial Cl(-) secretion. This secretion was inhibited: (i) after removal of extracellular Cl(-); (ii) by apical addition of the Cl(-) channel blocker NPPB [5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate]; and (iii) by basolateral addition of the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) co-transporter inhibitor bumetanide. Furthermore, the intracellular Ca(2+) chelator BAPTA/AM [bis-(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetra-acetic acid tetrakis(acetoxymethyl ester)] and cyclosporin A abolished the rise in PK 11195-induced Cl(-) secretion. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that TSPO is located in mitochondrial membranes of HT-29 and reveal that its activation induces a rise in cytosolic Ca(2+), leading to the stimulation of Cl(-) secretion.

Luminal leptin induces rapid inhibition of active intestinal absorption of glucose mediated by sodium-glucose cotransporter 1.

The effect of leptin on glucose transport was studied in rat jejunal mucosa in Ussing chambers. Leptin was added in the luminal or the serosal compartment before the tissues were challenged with 1, 10, or 50 mmol/l glucose. In response to 10 mmol/l glucose, the increase in short-circuit current (DeltaIsc) reached 26.8 +/- 2.1 microA/cm(2). Luminal addition of leptin dramatically decreased glucose-induced Isc (90.5% for 10 nmol/l leptin). Inhibition was maximal after 5 min and dose dependent (IC(50) = 0.13 nM). Western blot analysis showed that rapid inhibition of glucose-induced Isc by leptin was associated with a parallel decrease in the abundance of sodium-glucose transporter-1 in brush border membranes. Inhibition by luminal leptin of DeltaIsc was prevented by inhibitor of conventional protein kinase C isoforms. Serosal addition of leptin did not decrease glucose-induced Isc within 5 min and reached maximum after 10 min. The effect of leptin from serosal side was blocked by cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor-2 receptor antagonist YM022. Altogether, these data demonstrate that luminal leptin induces rapid inhibition of glucose entry into enterocyte. The slower action of leptin on the serosal side of mucosa seems indirect and is likely mediated by endogenous CCK. They demonstrate that gut leptin is a major regulator of rapid intestinal glucose transport.

Modulation of intestinal L-glutamate transport by luminal leptin.

Leptin is secreted into the digestive tract and contributes to the absorption of dietary molecules by regulating transporters activity. Here, we studied the effect of luminal leptin on the intestinal transport of L-glutamate, an important component of human diet. We examined the effect of leptin on L-glutamate uptake in rat intestine in vitro measuring glutamate-induced short-circuit current (Isc) in Ussing chambers and L-[(3)H (U)]-glutamate uptake in jejunal everted rings. Glutamate-induced Isc was only observed in Na(+)-free conditions. This Isc was concentration (1-60 mmol L(-1)) and pH dependent. Luminal leptin increased glutamate Isc (∼100 %). Dose-response curve showed a biphasic pattern, with maximal stimulations observed at 10(-13) and 10(-10) mmol L(-1), that were sensitive to leptin receptor antagonist. In everted rings, two glutamate transport mechanisms were distinguished: a Na(+)-dependent, H(+)-independent, that was inhibited by leptin (∼20 %), and a Na(+)-independent but H(+)-dependent, that was enhanced by leptin (∼20 %), in line with data obtained in Ussing chambers. Altogether, these data reveal original non-monotonic effect of luminal leptin in the intestine and demonstrate a new role for this hormone in the modulation of L-glutamate transport, showing that luminal active gut peptides can influence absorption of amino acids.

Early colonizing Escherichia coli elicits remodeling of rat colonic epithelium shifting toward a new homeostatic state.

We investigated the effects of early colonizing bacteria on the colonic epithelium. We isolated dominant bacteria, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillus intestinalis, Clostridium innocuum and a novel Fusobacterium spp., from the intestinal contents of conventional suckling rats and transferred them in different combinations into germfree (GF) adult rats. Animals were investigated after various times up to 21 days. Proliferative cell markers (Ki67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, phospho-histone H3, cyclin A) were higher in rats monocolonized with E. coli than in GF at all time points, but not in rats monocolonized with E. faecalis. The mucin content of goblet cells declined shortly after E. coli administration whereas the mucus layer doubled in thickness. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses revealed that E. coli resides in this mucus layer. The epithelial mucin content progressively returned to baseline, following an increase in KLF4 and in the cell cycle arrest-related proteins p21(CIP1) and p27(KIP1). Markers of colonic differentiated cells involved in electrolyte (carbonic anhydrase II and slc26A3) and water (aquaglyceroporin3 (aqp3)) transport, and secretory responses to carbachol were modulated after E. coli inoculation suggesting that ion transport dynamics were also affected. The colonic responses to simplified microbiotas differed substantially according to whether or not E. coli was combined with the other four bacteria. Thus, proliferation markers increased substantially when E. coli was in the mix, but very much less when it was absent. This work demonstrates that a pioneer strain of E. coli elicits sequential epithelial remodeling affecting the structure, mucus layer and ionic movements and suggests this can result in a microbiota-compliant state.

Remodeling of the residual gastric mucosa after roux-en-y gastric bypass or vertical sleeve gastrectomy in diet-induced obese rats.

Whereas the remodeling of intestinal mucosa after bariatric surgeries has been the matter of numerous studies to our knowledge, very few reported on the remodeling of the residual gastric mucosa. In this study, we analyzed remodeling of gastric mucosa after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) in rats. Diet-induced obese rats were subjected to RYGB, VSG or sham surgical procedures. All animals were assessed for food intake, body-weight, fasting blood, metabolites and hormones profiling, as well as insulin and glucose tolerance tests before and up to 5 weeks post-surgery. Remodeling of gastric tissues was analyzed by routine histology and immunohistochemistry studies, and qRT-PCR analyses of ghrelin and gastrin mRNA levels. In obese rats with impaired glucose tolerance, VSG and RYGB caused substantial weight loss and rats greatly improved their oral glucose tolerance. The remaining gastric mucosa after VSG and gastric pouch (GP) after RYGB revealed a hyperplasia of the mucous neck cells that displayed a strong immunoreactivity for parietal cell H+/K+-ATPase. Ghrelin mRNA levels were reduced by 2-fold in remaining fundic mucosa after VSG and 10-fold in GP after RYGB. In the antrum, gastrin mRNA levels were reduced after VSG in line with the reduced number of gastrin positive cells. This study reports novel and important observations dealing with the remaining gastric mucosa after RYGB and VSG. The data demonstrate, for the first time, a hyperplasia of the mucous neck cells, a transit cell population of the stomach bearing differentiating capacities into zymogenic and peptic cells.

Trypsin is produced by and activates protease-activated receptor-2 in human cancer colon cells: evidence for new autocrine loop.

In this work, we showed that human colon cancer cell lines produce trypsin which can activate a receptor for trypsin, the protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2), in these cells. RT-PCR experiments showed that trypsinogen transcripts were present in four colon cancer cell lines: T84, Caco-2, HT-29 and C1.19A. By Western blot analysis we found a 25 kDa immunoreactive band identified as trypsinogen I in cell lysates and in the corresponding culture media. Concentrations of trypsin in cell media were found in nanomolar range, thus compatible with activation of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2). This was further demonstrated in a colon cancer cell line (H-29) Ca2+i assay since increases in Ca2+i were observed in response to media from T84, Caco-2 or C1.19A cells that were similar to that observed with 2-5 nM trypsin and were abolished by trypsin inhibitor. Altogether, these data show that colon cancer cell lines produce and secrete trypsin at concentrations compatible with activation of PAR-2. They support possible autocrine/paracrine regulation of PAR-2 activity by trypsin in colon cancer cells.

Green tea decoction improves glucose tolerance and reduces weight gain of rats fed normal and high-fat diet.

Green tea containing polyphenols exerts antidiabetic and antiobesity effects, but the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. In this study, we first analyzed and compared polyphenol compounds [epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC)] in decoction of green tea leaves versus usual green tea extracts. Second, the effects of acute (30 min) or chronic (6 weeks) oral administration of green tea decoction (GTD) on intestinal glucose absorption were studied in vitro in Ussing chamber, ex vivo using isolated jejunal loops and in vivo through glucose tolerance tests. Finally, we explore in rat model fed normal or high-fat diet the effects of GTD on body weight, blood parameters and on the relative expression of glucose transporters SGLT-1, GLUT2 and GLUT4. GTD cooked for 15 min contained the highest amounts of phenolic compounds. In fasted rats, acute administration of GTD inhibited SGLT-1 activity, increased GLUT2 activity and improved glucose tolerance. Similarly to GTD, acute administration of synthetic phenolic compounds (2/3 EGCG+1/3 EGC) inhibited SGLT-1 activity. Chronic administration of GTD in rat fed high-fat diet reduced body weight gain, circulating triglycerides and cholesterol and improved glucose tolerance. GTD-treated rats for 6 weeks display significantly reduced SGLT-1 and increased GLUT2 mRNA levels in the jejunum mucosa. Moreover, adipose tissue GLUT4 mRNA levels were increased. These results indicate that GTD, a traditional beverage rich in EGCG and EGC reduces intestinal SGLT-1/GLUT2 ratio, a hallmark of regulation of glucose absorption in enterocyte, and enhances adipose GLUT4 providing new insights in its possible role in the control of glucose homeostasis.

Combined NADPH oxidase 1 and interleukin 10 deficiency induces chronic endoplasmic reticulum stress and causes ulcerative colitis-like disease in mice.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the rectum which progressively extents. Its etiology remains unknown and the number of treatments available is limited. Studies of UC patients have identified an unbalanced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the non-inflamed colonic mucosa. Animal models with impaired ER stress are sensitive to intestinal inflammation, suggesting that an unbalanced ER stress could cause inflammation. However, there are no ER stress-regulating strategies proposed in the management of UC partly because of the lack of relevant preclinical model mimicking the disease. Here we generated the IL10/Nox1dKO mouse model which combines immune dysfunction (IL-10 deficiency) and abnormal epithelium (NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1) deficiency) and spontaneously develops a UC-like phenotype with similar complications (colorectal cancer) than UC. Our data identified an unanticipated combined role of IL10 and Nox1 in the fine-tuning of ER stress responses in goblet cells. As in humans, the ER stress was unbalanced in mice with decreased eIF2α phosphorylation preceding inflammation. In IL10/Nox1dKO mice, salubrinal preserved eIF2α phosphorylation through inhibition of the regulatory subunit of the protein phosphatase 1 PP1R15A/GADD34 and prevented colitis. Thus, this new experimental model highlighted the central role of epithelial ER stress abnormalities in the development of colitis and defined the defective eIF2α pathway as a key pathophysiological target for UC. Therefore, specific regulators able to restore the defective eIF2α pathway could lead to the molecular remission needed to treat UC.

Is Crohn's creeping fat an adipose tissue?

BACKGROUND: In human pathology, the "creeping fat" (CF) of the mesentery is unique to Crohn's disease (CD). CF is usually referred to as an ectopic extension of mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT). However, since no animal model developing CF has ever been established, very little is known about this type of fat-depot expansion and its role in the development of the disease. METHODS: We developed and standardized an experimental protocol in mice that reproducibly induces CF development when a severe colonic inflammation is obtained by intracolonic instillation of DNBS. RESULTS: Macro-microscopic observations revealed a fatty appearance of CF. Yet when compared to MAT from the same animals, CF contains very little triglycerides, few adipocytes, and we observed a very low expression and protein levels of both adipose markers (hormone-sensitive lipase, perilipin) and adipocytokines (leptin, adiponectin). The decreased expression of perilipin in CF was also observed by immunohistochemistry. Conversely, the expression of proinflammatory and fibrous markers (Pref-1) was much higher in CF than in MAT. These observations were fully consistent with those made on CF recovered from five CD patients and compared with subcutaneous and mesenteric fat from the same patients. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, this work reports an original experimental mice model of CF. In this model we establish for the first time that CF only occurs in severe colonic inflammation and shows an inflammatory, fibrous but not an adipose pattern.

NADPH oxidase 1 modulates WNT and NOTCH1 signaling to control the fate of proliferative progenitor cells in the colon.

The homeostatic self-renewal of the colonic epithelium requires coordinated regulation of the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin and Notch signaling pathways to control proliferation and lineage commitment of multipotent stem cells. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the Wnt/beta-catenin and Notch1 pathways interplay in controlling cell proliferation and fate in the colon are poorly understood. Here we show that NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1), a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-producing oxidase that is highly expressed in colonic epithelial cells, is a pivotal determinant of cell proliferation and fate that integrates Wnt/beta-catenin and Notch1 signals. NOX1-deficient mice reveal a massive conversion of progenitor cells into postmitotic goblet cells at the cost of colonocytes due to the concerted repression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/Wnt/beta-catenin and Notch1 signaling. This conversion correlates with the following: (i) the redox-dependent activation of the dual phosphatase PTEN, causing the inactivation of the Wnt pathway effector beta-catenin, and (ii) the downregulation of Notch1 signaling that provokes derepression of mouse atonal homolog 1 (Math1) expression. We conclude that NOX1 controls the balance between goblet and absorptive cell types in the colon by coordinately modulating PI3K/AKT/Wnt/beta-catenin and Notch1 signaling. This finding provides the molecular basis for the role of NOX1 in cell proliferation and postmitotic differentiation.

Resistin-like molecule-beta inhibits SGLT-1 activity and enhances GLUT2-dependent jejunal glucose transport.

OBJECTIVE: An increased expression of RELM-beta (resistin-like molecule-beta), a gut-derived hormone, is observed in animal models of insulin resistance/obesity and intestinal inflammation. Intestinal sugar absorption is modulated by dietary environment and hormones/cytokines. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of RELM-beta on intestinal glucose absorption. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Oral glucose tolerance test was performed in mice and rats in the presence and the absence of RELM-beta. The RELM-beta action on glucose transport in rat jejunal sacs, everted rings, and mucosal strips was explored as well as downstream kinases modulating SGLT-1 and GLUT2 glucose transporters. RESULTS: Oral glucose tolerance test carried out in rodents showed that oral administration of RELM-beta increased glycemia. Studies in rat jejunal tissue indicated that mucosal RELM-beta promoted absorption of glucose from the gut lumen. RELM-beta had no effect on paracellular mannitol transport, suggesting a transporter-mediated transcellular mechanism. In studies with jejunal mucosa mounted in Ussing chamber, luminal RELM-beta inhibited SGLT-1 activity in line with a diminished SGLT-1 abundance in brush border membranes (BBMs). Further, the potentiating effect of RELM-beta on jejunal glucose uptake was associated with an increased abundance of GLUT2 at BBMs. The effects of RELM-beta were associated with an increased amount of protein kinase C betaII in BBMs and an increased phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). CONCLUSIONS: The regulation of SGLT-1 and GLUT2 by RELM-beta expands the role of gut hormones in short-term AMPK/protein kinase C mediated control of energy balance.

Positive regulatory control loop between gut leptin and intestinal GLUT2/GLUT5 transporters links to hepatic metabolic functions in rodents.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The small intestine is the major site of absorption of dietary sugars. The rate at which they enter and exit the intestine has a major effect on blood glucose homeostasis. In this study, we determine the effects of luminal leptin on activity/expression of GLUT2 and GLUT5 transporters in response to sugars intake and analyse their physiological consequences. METHODOLOGY: Wistar rats, wild type and AMPKalpha(2) (-/-) mice were used. In vitro and in vivo isolated jejunal loops were used to quantify transport of fructose and galactose in the absence and the presence of leptin. The effects of fructose and galactose on gastric leptin release were determined. The effects of leptin given orally without or with fructose were determined on the expression of GLUT2/5, on some gluconeogenesis and lipogenic enzymes in the intestine and the liver. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: First, in vitro luminal leptin activating its receptors coupled to PKCbetaII and AMPKalpha, increased insertion of GLUT2/5 into the brush-border membrane leading to enhanced galactose and fructose transport. Second in vivo, oral fructose but not galactose induced in mice a rapid and potent release of gastric leptin in gastric juice without significant changes in plasma leptin levels. Moreover, leptin given orally at a dose reproducing comparable levels to those induced by fructose, stimulated GLUT5-fructose transport, and potentiated fructose-induced: i) increase in blood glucose and mRNA levels of key gluconeogenesis enzymes; ii) increase in blood triglycerides and reduction of mRNA levels of intestinal and hepatic Fasting-induced adipocyte factor (Fiaf) and iii) increase in SREBP-1c, ACC-1, FAS mRNA levels and dephosphorylation/activation of ACC-1 in liver. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: These data identify for the first time a positive regulatory control loop between gut leptin and fructose in which fructose triggers release of gastric leptin which, in turn, up-regulates GLUT5 and concurrently modulates metabolic functions in the liver. This loop appears to be a new mechanism (possibly pathogenic) by which fructose consumption rapidly becomes highly lipogenic and deleterious.

Nigella sativa inhibits intestinal glucose absorption and improves glucose tolerance in rats.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae) seeds have been used traditionally for centuries, notably for treating diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied the effects of the crude aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds on intestinal glucose absorption in vitro using a short-circuit current technique and in vivo using an oral glucose tolerance test. RESULTS: The aqueous extract of Nigella sativa (0.1 pg/ml to 100 ng/ml) exerted dose-dependent inhibition of sodium-dependent glucose transport across isolated rat jejunum. Maximal inhibition exceeded 80% and IC50 was close to 10 pg/ml. An oral glucose tolerance test was carried out in rats after the initial dose and after a 6-week treatment of Nigella sativa (2 g/(kg day)), and compared to metformin (300 mg/(kg day)). Chronic Nigella sativa treatment improved glucose tolerance as efficiently as metformin. Nigella sativa and metformin also reduced body weight without any toxic effect. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that Nigella sativa directly inhibits the electrogenic intestinal absorption of glucose in vitro. Together with the observed improvement of glucose tolerance and body weight in rats after chronic oral administration in vivo, these effects further validate the traditional use of Nigella sativa seeds against diabetes.