Sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors effects on myocardial function in patients with type 2 diabetes and asymptomatic heart failure

BACKGROUND Sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors(SGLT2i)have shown efficacy in reducing heart failure(HF)burden in a very heterogeneous groups of patients,raising doubts about some contemporary assumptions of their mechanism of action.We previously published a prospective observational study that evaluated mechanisms of action of SGLT2i in patients with type 2 diabetes who were in HF stages A and B on dual hypoglycemic therapy.Two groups of patients were included in the study:the ones receiving SGLT2i as an add-on agent to metformin and the others on dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors as an add-on to metformin due to suboptimal glycemic control.AIM To evaluate the outcomes regarding natriuretic peptide,oxidative stress,inflammation,blood pressure,heart rate,cardiac function,and body weight.METHODS The study outcomes were examined by dividing each treatment arm into two subgroups according to baseline parameters of global longitudinal strain(GLS),N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide,myeloperoxidase(MPO),high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hsCRP),and systolic and diastolic blood pressure.To evaluate the possible predictors of observed changes in the SGLT2i arm during follow-up,a rise in stroke volume index,body mass index(BMI)decrease,and lack of heart rate increase,linear regression analysis was performed.RESULTS There was a greater reduction of MPO,hsCRP,GLS,and blood pressure in the groups with higher baseline values of mentioned parameters irrespective of the therapeutic arm after 6 months of follow-up.Significant independent predictors of heart rate decrease were a reduction in early mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity at the interventricular septal annulus ratio and BMI,while the predictor of stroke volume index increase was SGLT2i therapy itself.CONCLUSION SGLT2i affect body composition,reduce cardiac load,improve diastolic/systolic function,and attenuate the sympathetic response.Glycemic control contributes to the improvement of heart function,blood pressure control,oxidative stress,and reduction in inflammation.

Effects of the kinetic pattern of dietary glucose release on nitrogen utilization, the portal amino acid profile, and nutrient transporter expression in intestinal enterocytes in piglets

Background Promoting the synchronization of glucose and amino acid release in the digestive tract of pigs could effectively improve dietary nitrogen utilization.The rational allocation of dietary starch sources and the exploration of appropriate dietary glucose release kinetics may promote the dynamic balance of dietary glucose and amino acid supplies.However,research on the effects of diets with different glucose release kinetic profiles on amino acid absorption and portal amino acid appearance in piglets is limited.This study aimed to investigate the effects of the kinetic pattern of dietary glucose release on nitrogen utilization,the portal amino acid profile,and nutrient transporter expression in intestinal enterocytes in piglets.Methods Sixty-four barrows(15.00±1.12 kg)were randomly allotted to 4 groups and fed diets formulated with starch from corn,corn/barley,corn/sorghum,or corn/cassava combinations(diets were coded A,B,C,or D respectively).Protein retention,the concentrations of portal amino acid and glucose,and the relative expression of amino acid and glucose transporter m RNAs were investigated.In vitro digestion was used to compare the dietary glucose release profiles.Results Four piglet diets with different glucose release kinetics were constructed by adjusting starch sources.The in vivo appearance dynamics of portal glucose were consistent with those of in vitro dietary glucose release kinetics.Total nitrogen excretion was reduced in the piglets in group B,while apparent nitrogen digestibility and nitrogen retention increased(P<0.05).Regardless of the time(2 h or 4 h after morning feeding),the portal total free amino acids content and contents of some individual amino acids(Thr,Glu,Gly,Ala,and Ile)of the piglets in group B were significantly higher than those in groups A,C,and D(P<0.05).Cluster analysis showed that different glucose release kinetic patterns resulted in different portal amino acid patterns in piglets,which decreased gradually with the extension of feeding time.The portal His/Phe,Pro/Glu,Leu/Val,Lys/Met,Tyr/Ile and Ala/Gly appeared higher similarity among the diet treatments.In the anterior jejunum,the glucose transporter SGLT1 was significantly positively correlated with the amino acid transporters B0AT1,EAAC1,and CAT1.Conclusions Rational allocation of starch resources could regulate dietary glucose release kinetics.In the present study,group B(corn/barley)diet exhibited a better glucose release kinetic pattern than the other groups,which could affect the portal amino acid contents and patterns by regulating the expression of amino acid transporters in the small intestine,thereby promoting nitrogen deposition in the body,and improving the utilization efficiency of dietary nitrogen.

Effects of sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and asymptomatic heart failure

Sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors(SGLT2i)have been increa-singly used with proven efficacy in patients with heart failure(HF),regardless of diabetes status.GrubićRotkvićet al recently published an observational study on SGLT2i therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and asymptomatic HF.They found that the use of SGLT2i led to reduced cardiac load and improved cardiovascular performance,reinforcing the evolving paradigm that SGLT2i are not merely glucose-lowering agents but are integral to the broader management of cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.The study by GrubićRotkvićet al contributes to the growing body of literature supporting the early use of SGLT2i in patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy,offering a potential strategy to mitigate the progression of HF.Future larger studies should be con-ducted to confirm these findings,and explore the long-term cardiovascular bene-fits of SGLT2i,particularly in asymptomatic patients at risk of developing HF.

Effectiveness and mechanisms of sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes and heart failure patients

We comment on an article by GrubićRotkvićet al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Cardiology.We specifically focused on possible factors affecting the therapeutic effectiveness of sodium-dependent glucose transporter inhibitors(SGLT2i)in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and their impact on comorbidities.SGLT2i inhibits SGLT2 in the proximal tubules of the kidneys,lowering blood glucose levels by inhibiting glucose reabsorption by the kidneys and causing excess glucose to be excreted in the urine.Previous studies have demonstrated a role of SGLT2i in cardiovascular function in patients with diabetes who take metformin but still have poor glycemic control.In addition,SGLT2i has been shown to be effective in anti-apoptosis,weight loss,and cardiovascular protection.Accordingly,it is feasible to treat patients with T2DM with cardiovascular or renal diseases using SGLT2i.

Value of glucose transport protein 1 expression in detecting lymph node metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND There are limited data on the use of glucose transport protein 1(GLUT-1)expre-ssion as a biomarker for predicting lymph node metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer.GLUT-1 and GLUT-3,hexokinase(HK)-II,and hypoxia-induced factor(HIF)-1 expressions may be useful biomarkers for detecting primary tumors and lymph node metastasis when combined with fluorodeoxyglucose(FDG)uptake on positron emission tomography/computed tomography(PET/CT).AIM To evaluate GLUT-1,GLUT-3,HK-II,and HIF-1 expressions as biomarkers for detecting primary tumors and lymph node metastasis with 18F-FDG-PET/CT.METHODS This retrospective study included 169 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent colectomy and preoperative 18F-FDG-PET/CT at Chungbuk National University Hospital between January 2009 and May 2012.Two tissue cores from the central and peripheral areas of the tumors were obtained and were examined by a dedicated pathologist,and the expressions of GLUT-1,GLUT-3,HK-II,and HIF-1 were determined using immunohisto-chemical staining.We analyzed the correlations among their expressions,various clinicopathological factors,and the maximum standardized uptake value(SUVmax)of PET/CT.RESULTS GLUT-1 was found at the center or periphery of the tumors in 109(64.5%)of the 169 patients.GLUT-1 positivity was significantly correlated with the SUVmax of the primary tumor and lymph nodes,regardless of the biopsy site(tumor center,P<0.001 and P=0.012;tumor periphery,P=0.030 and P=0.010,respectively).GLUT-1 positivity and negativity were associated with higher and lower sensitivities of PET/CT,respectively,for the detection of lymph node metastasis,regardless of the biopsy site.GLUT3,HK-II,and HIF-1 expressions were not significantly correlated with the SUVmax of the primary tumor and lymph nodes.CONCLUSION GLUT-1 expression was significantly correlated with the SUVmax of 18F-FDG-PET/CT for primary tumors and lymph nodes.Clinicians should consider GLUT-1 expression in preoperative endoscopic biopsy in interpreting PET/CT findings.

Icariin ameliorates memory deficits through regulating brain insulin signaling and glucose transporters in 3×Tg-AD mice

Icariin,a major prenylated flavonoid found in Epimedium spp.,is a bioactive constituent of Herba Epimedii and has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects in experimental models of Alzheimer’s disease.In this study,we investigated the neuroprotective mechanism of icariin in an APP/PS1/Tau triple-transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.We performed behavioral tests,pathological examination,and western blot assay,and found that memory deficits of the model mice were obviously improved,neuronal and synaptic damage in the cerebral cortex was substantially mitigated,and amyloid-βaccumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation were considerably reduced after 5 months of intragastric administration of icariin at a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight per day.Furthermore,deficits of proteins in the insulin signaling pathway and their phosphorylation levels were significantly reversed,including the insulin receptor,insulin receptor substrate 1,phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase,protein kinase B,and glycogen synthase kinase 3β,and the levels of glucose transporter 1 and 3 were markedly increased.These findings suggest that icariin can improve learning and memory impairments in the mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease by regulating brain insulin signaling and glucose transporters,which lays the foundation for potential clinical application of icariin in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Relationship Between Serum microRNA-372-3p and Glucose Transporter 4 Levels and Insulin Resistance in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Objective:To observe the changes in insulin resistance in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)based on the detection of serum microRNA-372-3p and glucose transporter protein 4(GLUT4)levels.Methods:We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 42 patients who were diagnosed with GDM and hospitalized in our hospital during the period from January 2017 to December 2021 and another 42 patients who had normal pregnancy during the same period by collecting their clinical data.We analyzed their serum microRNA expression profiles and miR-372-3p levels to study the relationship between GDM and insulin resistance.Results:The relative expression of miR-372-3p in the serum of patients in the GDM group was significantly higher than that of patients in the control group,but the GLUT 4 level of the GDM group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the GDM group had significantly higher levels of fasting blood glucose(FBG),fasting insulin(FINS),2-hour postprandial blood glucose(2h-BG),total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)index but significantly lower homeostasis model assessment ofβ-cell function(HOMA-β)index(P<0.05).The relative expression of miR-372-3p in serum was independently and positively correlated with HOMA-IR,while the level of GLUT4 was independently and negatively correlated with HOMA-IR(P<0.05).Conclusion:Glycosylated hemoglobin test in the early stages of pregnancy(12–13 weeks of gestation)is important to ensure the health of pregnant women and fetuses.The screening and intervention for elevated glucose in pregnant women act as a guideline for the treatment of GDM.Patients with insulin resistance and related complications such as hyperinsulinemia and hypoglycemia should be given priority.

Effect of exercise during pregnancy on offspring development through ameliorating high glucose and hypoxia in gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)women require prenatal care to minimize short-and long-term complications.The mechanism by which exercise during pregnancy affects organ development and whether glucose transporter(GLUT)1 plays a role in GDM offspring organ development remains unknown.AIM To determine the effect of exercise during pregnancy on the cardiac,hepatic and renal development of GDM mother’s offspring.METHODS Placenta samples were collected from humans and mice.GDM mouse models were created using streptozotocin along with a GDM with exercise group.The hearts,livers and kidneys of 3-and 8-week-old offspring were collected for body composition analysis and staining.The effects of high glucose levels and hypoxia were investigated using HTR8/SVneo.Transwell and wound-healing assays were performed to assess cell migration.Immunofluorescence accompanied with TUNEL and Ki67 staining was used to explore apoptosis and proliferation.RESULTS Exercise during pregnancy downregulated the GLUT1 and hypoxia inducible factor-1αexpression in placenta from individuals with GDM.Cobalt chloride induced hypoxia and high glucose levels also significantly decreased migration and apoptosis of HTR8/SVneo cells.In addition,exercise reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver and decreased the tubular vacuolar area in the kidneys of offspring.CONCLUSION GDM affects the growth and development of organs in offspring.Exercise during pregnancy can reverse adverse effects of GDM on the development of the heart,liver,and kidney in offspring.

The Effect of Thoracic Operation on Glucose Transporter-4 mRNA Expression by Preoperative Infusion of Glucose

Objective: To investigate the changes in glucose transporter-4(Glut-4) mRNA expression in skeletal muscle before and after the thoracic operation and to observe the changes in Glut-4 mRNA expression by preoperative infusion of glucose. Methods: Twelve cases of elective thoracic operation were randomly divided into two groups, namely ordinary group Ⅰ and glucose infusion group Ⅱ. One gram of intercostal muscle was taken while thorax being opened and closed from patients under general anesthesia. Total RNA of the muscle cells was extracted by TRIzol one-step assay. Reverse transcription-competitive polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to determine the Glut-4 mRNA amplification products with β-actin mRNA as an internal control. The Glut-4 mRNA expression was expressed by targeted gene /β-actin ×100%. The plasma glucose and insulin levels were determined at the same time.Results: Glut-4 mRNA expression was significantly reduced(P<0.05) and plasma glucose level increased (P<0.05), while thorax was being closed as compared with those while being opened. However, Glut-4 mRNA expression in glucose infusion group Ⅱ was significantly higher than ordinary group Ⅰ (P<0.01) and plasma glucose level in group Ⅱ was lower than group Ⅰ(P<0.05) when thorax was being closed. Conclusion: The results indicate that the synthesis of Glut-4 is suppressed by the surgical stress of thoracic operation under general anesthesia. We found that preoperative infusion glucose can increase Glut-4 mRNA expression at the same surgical stress and relieve postoperative insulin resistance.

Effects of electroacupuncture on microcirculatory blood flow and glucose transporter function in the hippocampus

Nerve cell metabolism in post brain ischemia depends on increased microcirculation perfusion and transport function of microvascular endothelial cells. In the present study, a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion was established to investigate the influence of electroacupuncture （EA） on hippocampal CA1 cerebral blood flow and glucose transporter 1 （GLUT1） expression in the microvascular endothelial cells. Following EA at Neiguan （PC 6）, the cerebral blood flow in the ischemic hippocampal CA1 region was significantly elevated, the number and microvascular integrated absorbance of the GLUTl-positive cells were significantly increased, nerve cell damage was ameliorated, and GLUT1 protein expression in the ischemic hippocampus was significantly increased. Results demonstrate that EA increased the cerebral blood flow of the hippocampal CA1 region and improved the glucose transport function, thereby attenuating neuronal injuries.

Transforming growth factor beta-1 upregulates glucose transporter 1 and glycolysis through canonical and noncanonical pathways in hepatic stellate cells

BACKGROUND Hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)are the key effector cells mediating the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis,while aerobic glycolysis is an important metabolic characteristic of HSC activation.Transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)induces aerobic glycolysis and is a driving factor for metabolic reprogramming.The occurrence of glycolysis depends on a high glucose uptake level.Glucose transporter 1(GLUT1)is the most widely distributed glucose transporter in the body and mainly participates in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism,thus affecting cell proliferation and growth.However,little is known about the relationship between TGF-β1 and GLUT1 in the process of liver fibrosis and the molecular mechanism underlying the promotion of aerobic glycolysis in HSCs.AIM To investigate the mechanisms of action of GLUT1,TGF-β1 and aerobic glycolysis in the process of HSC activation during liver fibrosis.METHODS Immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence assays were used to examine GLUT1 expression in fibrotic liver tissue.A Seahorse extracellular flux(XF)analyzer was used to examine changes in aerobic glycolytic flux,lactate production levels and glucose consumption levels in HSCs upon TGF-β1 stimulation.The mechanism by which TGF-β1 induces GLUT1 protein expression in HSCs was further explored by inhibiting/promoting the TGF-β1/mothersagainst-decapentaplegic-homolog 2/3(Smad2/3)signaling pathway and inhibiting the p38 and phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/AKT signaling pathways.In addition,GLUT1 expression was silenced to observe changes in the growth and proliferation of HSCs.Finally,a GLUT1 inhibitor was used to verify the in vivo effects of GLUT1 on a mouse model of liver fibrosis.RESULTS GLUT1 protein expression was increased in both mouse and human fibrotic liver tissues.In addition,immunofluorescence staining revealed colocalization of GLUT1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin proteins,indicating that GLUT1 expression was related to the development of liver fibrosis.TGF-β1 caused an increase in aerobic glycolysis in HSCs and induced GLUT1 expression in HSCs by activating the Smad,p38 MAPK and P13K/AKT signaling pathways.The p38 MAPK and Smad pathways synergistically affected the induction of GLUT1 expression.GLUT1 inhibition eliminated the effect of TGF-β1 on HSC proliferation and migration.A GLUT1 inhibitor was administered in a mouse model of liver fibrosis,and GLUT1 inhibition reduced the degree of liver inflammation and liver fibrosis.CONCLUSION TGF-β1 induces GLUT1 expression in HSCs,a process related to liver fibrosis progression.In vitro experiments revealed that TGF-β1-induced GLUT1 expression might be one of the mechanisms mediating the metabolic reprogramming of HSCs.In addition,in vivo experiments also indicated that the GLUT1 protein promotes the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis.

Effects of octreotide on glucose transporter type 2expression in obese rat small intestine

AIM： TO investigate the effects of the somatostatin analogue, octreotide, on maltose and sucrase activities and expression of glucose transporter type 2 （GLUT2） in obese rat intestinal mucosa. METHODS： We divided 49 Sprague-Dawley rats into a group of 31 high fat diet-induced obese rats and a group of 18 normal controls. The obese rats were separated into an octreotide treated group 9f 16 rats and an obese group of 15. The intervention （：jroup was injected with octreotide at 40 ±g/kg body weight every 12 h for 8 d. Rat body weight was measured weekly to calculate Lee＇s index. After euthanization, maltase and sucrase activities in the small intestine were measured by activity assays, and the fasting plasma glucose level was measured. The expression of GLUT2 in small intestinal mucosa was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting assays. RESULTS： Body weight, Lee＇s index, fasting plasma glucose level, maltase activity in small intestinal mucosa, mucosa and apical GLUT2, GLUT2 mRNA and protein expression levels were all significantly higher in the obese group than in the normal control group （605.61 ± 141.00 vs 378.54 ±111.75, 337.61 ± 10.82 vs 318.73 ± 20.10, 8.60± 1.38 vs 7.33 ± 0.70, 156.01 ± 58.81 vs 50.43 ± 30.49, 390 744.2± 62 469.21 vs 170 546.50 ± 50 646.14, 26 740.18 ±3809.60 vs 354.98± 57.19, 0.26± 0.11 vs 0.07± 0.02, and 2.08 ± 0.59 vs 1.27 ± 0.38, respectively, all P 〈 0.01）. Sucrase activity did not differ between the two groups. Octreotide intervention significantly decreased the body weight and fasting plasma glucose level of obese rats （508.27 ± 94.39 vs 605.61 ± 141.00, 7.58 ± 1.51 vs 8.60±1.38, respectively, all P 〈 0.05）. The intestinal mucosa and apical GLUT2, expression of GLUT2 mRNA and protein were also significantly lower in the octreotide intervention group than in the obese group （269 975.2 ± 53 730.94 vs 390 744.2 ± 62 469.21, 3758.06 ± 364.51 vs 26 740.18 ± 3809.60, 0.08 ± 0.02 vs 0.26 ±0.11, and 1.31 ± 0.27 vs 2.08 ±0.59, respectively, all P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： High fat dietinduced obesity is associated with elevated intestinal maltase activity, GLUT2 expression, and permanent apical GLUT2 in the small intestinal mucosa of rats. Octreotide can inhibit these effects.

5-Fluorocytosine–Sugar Conjugates for Glucose Transporter-Mediated Tumor Targeting: Synthesis, Cytotoxicity, and Cellular Uptake Mechanism

Two novel sugar-conjugated 5-fluorocytosine(5-FC)antineoplastic compounds were designed and synthesized to improve the selective drug uptake by targeting the tumor-specific glucose transporter(GLUT).The antitumor activity of these compounds was evaluated in four different human cancer cell lines:A549(human lung cancer cell line),HT29(human colorectal cancer cell line),H460(human lung cancer cell line),and PC3(human prostate cancer cell line).The sugar conjugates exhibited cytotoxicity similar to or higher than 5-FC and 1-hexylcarbamoyl-5-FC in A549,HT29,H460,and PC3.Furthermore,GLUT-mediated transport of the glycoconjugate was investigated with GLUT inhibitor-mediated cytotoxicity analysis in a GLUT-overexpressing HT29 cell line.The cell-killing potency of 5-FC glycoconjugate was found to depend significantly on the GLUT inhibitor,and the cellular uptake of molecules was regulated by GLUT-mediated transport.All the results demonstrate the potential advantages of glycoconjugation for Warburg effect-targeted drug design.

Hepatic expression and cellular distribution of the glucose transporter family

Glucose and other carbohydrates are transported into cells using members of a family of integral membrane glucose transporter (GLUT) molecules. To date 14 members of this family, also called the solute carrier 2A proteins have been identified which are divided on the basis of transport characteristics and sequence similarities into several families (Classes 1 to 3). The expression of these different receptor subtypes varies between different species, tissues and cellular subtypes and each has differential sensitivities to stimuli such as insulin. The liver is a contributor to metabolic carbohydrate homeostasis and is a major site for synthesis, storage and redistribution of carbohydrates. Situations in which the balance of glucose homeostasis is upset such as diabetes or the metabolic syndrome can lead metabolic disturbances that drive chronic organ damage and failure, confirming the importance of understanding the molecular regulation of hepatic glucose homeostasis. There is a considerable literature describing the expression and function of receptors that regulate glucose uptake and release by hepatocytes, the most import cells in glucose regulation and glycogen storage. However there is less appreciation of the roles of GLUTs expressed by non parenchymal cell types within the liver, all of which require carbohydrate to function. A better understanding of the detailed cellular distribution of GLUTs in human liver tissue may shed light on mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis. This review summarises the available literature on hepatocellular expression of GLUTs in health and disease and highlights areas where further investigation is required.

Current understanding of glucose transporter 4 expression and functional mechanisms

Glucose is used aerobically and anaerobically to generate energy for cells.Glucose transporters(GLUTs)are transmembrane proteins that transport glucose across the cell membrane.Insulin promotes glucose utilization in part through promoting glucose entry into the skeletal and adipose tissues.This has been thought to be achieved through insulin-induced GLUT4 translocation from intracellular compartments to the cell membrane,which increases the overall rate of glucose flux into a cell.The insulin-induced GLUT4 translocation has been investigated extensively.Recently,significant progress has been made in our understanding of GLUT4 expression and translocation.Here,we summarized the methods and reagents used to determine the expression levels of Slc2a4 mRNA and GLUT4 protein,and GLUT4 translocation in the skeletal muscle,adipose tissues,heart and brain.Overall,a variety of methods such real-time polymerase chain reaction,immunohistochemistry,fluorescence microscopy,fusion proteins,stable cell line and transgenic animals have been used to answer particular questions related to GLUT4 system and insulin action.It seems that insulininduced GLUT4 translocation can be observed in the heart and brain in addition to the skeletal muscle and adipocytes.Hormones other than insulin can induce GLUT4 translocation.Clearly,more studies of GLUT4 are warranted in the future to advance of our understanding of glucose homeostasis.

Transcriptional activation of glucose transporter 1 in orthodontic tooth movement-associated mechanical response

The interplay between mechanoresponses and a broad range of fundamental biological processes, such as cell cycle progression,growth and differentiation, has been extensively investigated. However, metabolic regulation in mechanobiology remains largely unexplored. Here, we identified glucose transporter 1(GLUT1)—the primary glucose transporter in various cells—as a novel mechanosensitive gene in orthodontic tooth movement(OTM). Using an in vivo rat OTM model, we demonstrated the specific induction of Glut1 proteins on the compressive side of a physically strained periodontal ligament. This transcriptional activation could be recapitulated in in vitro cultured human periodontal ligament cells(PDLCs), showing a time-and dose-dependent mechanoresponse. Importantly, application of GLUT1 specific inhibitor WZB117 greatly suppressed the efficiency of orthodontic tooth movement in a mouse OTM model, and this reduction was associated with a decline in osteoclastic activities. A mechanistic study suggested that GLUT1 inhibition affected the receptor activator for nuclear factor-κ B Ligand(RANKL)/osteoprotegerin(OPG)system by impairing compressive force-mediated RANKL upregulation. Consistently, pretreatment of PDLCs with WZB117 severely impeded the osteoclastic differentiation of co-cultured RAW264.7 cells. Further biochemical analysis indicated mutual regulation between GLUT1 and the MEK/ERK cascade to relay potential communication between glucose uptake and mechanical stress response. Together, these cross-species experiments revealed the transcriptional activation of GLUT1 as a novel and conserved linkage between metabolism and bone remodelling.

Uses of knockout,knockdown,and transgenic models in the studies of glucose transporter 4

Currently,glucose transporter 4(GLUT4)has been considered as the key player for the insulin-stimulated glucose transport in the muscle and adipose tissues.The development of recombinant DNA techniques allows the creations of genetically knockout,knockdown and transgenic animals and cells for the study of GLUT4’s physiological functions.Here,we have used key words to search the PubMed and summarized the methods used in Slc2a4 gene knockout,GLUT4 knockdown and overexpression in the whole body and tissue specific manner.The whole body GLUT4-null mice have growth retardation,but normal glucose tolerance and basal glucose turnover rates.Compared with whole body Slc2a4 knockout mice,adipose and muscle double knockout mice have impaired insulin tolerance and glucose intolerance.The results of GLUT4 knockdown in 3T3-L1 adipocytes have shown that its expression is needed for lipogenesis after,but not during,differentiation.Transgenic mice with the whole body GLUT4 overexpression have normal body weight and lowered blood glucose level.The adipose tissue specific overexpression of GLUT4 leads to increases in mouse body weight and adipose tissue weight.The insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation in the skeletal muscle contributes to the regulation of glucose homeostasis.Data from both transgenic overexpression and tissue specific Slc2a4 knockout indicate that GLUT4 probably plays a role in the glucose uptake in the fasting state.More studies are warranted to use advanced molecular biology tools to decipher the roles of GLUT4 in the control of glucose homeostasis.

Effects of suppressing glucose transporter-1 by an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide on the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND:The glucose transporter-1(Glut-1),a key ratelimiting factor in the transport and metabolism of glucose in cancer cells,is over-expressed in many human cancer cells and this overexpression is correlated with poor biological behavior. The increased levels of Glut-1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cells functionally affect tumorigenicity.This study was undertaken to investigate effects of suppressing Glut-1 by an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide(AS-ODN)on the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma(HepG-2)cells. METHODS:We used AS-ODN targeting against the Glut-1 gene in a HepG-2 cell line.There were four experimental groups: empty pcDNA3.1 vector(mock transfection),pcDNA3.1-anti-Glut(+),pcDNA3.1-Glut(+),and non-transfected HepG-2 cells. The Glut-1 mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR and the Glut-1 protein expression by Western blotting after cell culture, and the glucose uptake was detected after glucose stimulation in each group. RESULTS:Compared with non-transfected HepG-2 or Glut-1 pcDNA3.1,a down-regulation of Glut-1 mRNA in HepG-2 cells transfected with anti-Glut-1 pcDNA3.1 was noted(P<0.05).Glut-1 protein in HepG-2 cells transfected with Glut-1 AS-ODN was decreased compared with non-transfected HepG-2,Glut-1 pcDNA3.1,or empty vectors. Glucose uptake by the HepG-2 cells transfected with AS-ODN was decreased at 1 hour after glucose stimulation.CONCLUSIONS:The application of Glut-1 AS-ODN can down-regulate the expression of Glut-1 at mRNA and protein,and inhibit glucose uptake partially in HepG-2 cells.The Glut-1 gene maybe a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

Role of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors in the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. NAFLD is considerably more frequent in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than in the general population and is also more severe histologically in this group. Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, the newest class of antidiabetic agents, appear to represent a promising option for the management of NAFLD in patients with T2DM. In a number of studies, treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors resulted in a reduction in hepatic steatosis and in transaminase levels. However, existing studies are small, their follow-up period was short and none evaluated the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on liver histology. Accordingly, larger studies are needed to verify these preliminary results and define the role of SGLT2 inhibitors in the treatment of NAFLD in patients with T2DM.

Glucose transporter expression in the human colon

AIM To investigate by immunostaining glucose transporter expression in human colorectal mucosa in controls and patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD). METHODS Colorectal samples were obtained from patients undergoing lower endoscopic colonoscopy or rectosigmoidoscopy. Patients diagnosed with ulcerativecolitis(n = 18) or Crohn's disease(n = 10) and scheduled for diagnostic colonoscopy were enrolled. Patients who underwent colonoscopy for prevention screening of colorectal cancer or were followed-up after polypectomy or had a history of lower gastrointestinal symptoms were designated as the control group(CTRL, n = 16). Inflammatory status of the mucosa at the sampling site was evaluated histologically and/or endoscopically. A total of 147 biopsies of colorectal mucosa were collected and processed for immunohistochemistry analysis. The expression of GLUT2, SGLT1, and GLUT5 glucose transporters was investigated using immunoperoxidase labeling. To compare immunoreactivity of GLUT5 and LYVE-1, which is a marker for lymphatic vessel endothelium, doublelabeled confocal microscopy was used. RESULTS Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that GLUT2, SGLT1, and GLUT5 were expressed only in short epithelial portions of the large intestinal mucosa. No important differences were observed in glucose transporter expression between the samples obtained from the different portions of the colorectal tract and between the different patient groups. Unexpectedly, GLUT5 expression was also identified in vessels, mainly concentrated in specific areas where the vessels were clustered. Immunostaining with LYVE-1 and GLUT5 antibodies revealed that GLUT5-immunoreactive(-IR) clusters of vessels were concentrated in areas internal to those that were LYVE-1 positive. GLUT5 and LYVE-1 did not appear to be colocalized but rather showed a close topographical relationship on the endothelium. Based on their LYVE-1 expression, GLUT5-IR vessels were identified as lymphatic. Both inflamed and noninflamed mucosal colorectal tissue biopsies from the IBD and CTRL patients showed GLUT5-IR clusters of lymphatic vessels. CONCLUSION Glucose transporter immunoreactivity is present in colorectal mucosa in controls and IBD patients. GLUT5 expression is also associated with lymphatic vessels. This novel finding aids in the characterization of lymphatic vasculature in IBD patients.