Coagonist of glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucagon receptors ameliorates kidney injury in murine models of obesity and diabetes mellitus

AIM To investigate the role of glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1)/glucagon receptors coagonist on renal dysfunction associated with diabetes and obesity. METHODS Chronic high-fat diet fed C57 BL/6 J mice, streptozotocintreated high-fat diet fed C57 BL/6 J mice and diabeticC57 BLKS/J db/db mice were used as models of diabetes-induced renal dysfunction. The streptozotocintreated high-fat diet fed mice and db/db mice were treated with the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors coagonist(Aib2 C24 Chimera2, 150 μg/kg, sc) for twelve weeks, while in chronic high-fat diet fed mice, coagonist(Aib2 C24 Chimera2, 150 μg/kg, sc) treatment was continued for forty weeks. Kidney function, histology, fibrosis, inflammation, and plasma biochemistry were assessed at the end of the treatment. RESULTS Coagonist treatment decreased body weight, plasma lipids, insulin resistance, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, urinary albumin excretion rate and renal lipids. In kidney, expression of lipogenic genes(SREBP-1 C, FAS, and SCD-1) was decreased, and expression of genes involved in β-oxidation(CPT-1 and PPAR-α) was increased due to coagonist treatment. In plasma, coagonist treatment increased adiponectin and FGF21 and decreased IL-6 and TNF-?. Coagonist treatment reduced expression of inflammatory(TNF-α, MCP-1, and MMP-9) and pro-fibrotic(TGF-β, COL1 A1, and α-SMA) genes and also improved histological derangement in renal tissue.CONCLUSION Coagonist of GLP-1 and glucagon receptors alleviated diabetes and obesity-induced renal dysfunction by reducing glucose intolerance, obesity, and hyperlipidemia.

Olfactory receptors in neural regeneration in the central nervous system

Olfactory receptors are crucial for detecting odors and play a vital role in our sense of smell,influencing behaviors from food choices to emotional memories.These receptors also contribute to our perception of flavor and have potential applications in medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.The ability of the olfactory system to regenerate its sensory neurons provides a unique model to study neural regeneration,a phenomenon largely absent in the central nervous system.Insights gained from how olfactory neurons continuously replace themselves and reestablish functional connections can provide strategies to promote similar regenerative processes in the central nervous system,where damage often results in permanent deficits.Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning olfactory neuron regeneration could pave the way for developing therapeutic approaches to treat spinal co rd injuries and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease.Olfa ctory receptors are found in almost any cell of eve ry orga n/tissue of the mammalian body.This ectopic expression provides insights into the chemical structures that can activate olfactory receptors.In addition to odors,olfactory receptors in ectopic expression may respond to endogenous compounds and molecules produced by mucosal colonizing microbiota.The analysis of the function of olfactory receptors in ectopic expression provides valuable information on the signaling pathway engaged upon receptor activation and the receptor's role in proliferation and cell differentiation mechanisms.This review explo res the ectopic expression of olfa ctory receptors and the role they may play in neural regeneration within the central nervous system,with particular attention to compounds that can activate these receptors to initiate regenerative processes.Evidence suggests that olfactory receptors could serve as potential therapeutic targets for enhancing neural repair and recovery following central nervous system injuries.

Intestinal glucagon-like peptide-1:A new regulator of impaired counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes mellitus

In this article,we review the study by Jin et al,which examined the role of intestinal glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1)in counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM).With the global rise of T1DM,there is an increased burden on society and healthcare systems.Due to insulin therapy and islet dysfunction,T1DM patients are highly vulnerable to severe hypoglycemia,a leading cause of mortality.In healthy individuals,counterregulatory mechanisms restore blood glucose during hypoglycemia,but repeated episodes impair these responses.Jin et al demonstrated that overexpression of GLP-1 attenuates the sympathetic-adrenal reflex and disrupts the secretion of counterregulatory hormones such as glucagon during hypoglycemia,leading to counterregulatory dysfunction.These findings highlight the critical role of GLP-1 in the impaired counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia in T1DM patients and provide new insights into the potential application of GLP-1-related therapies in T1DM patients.

Cortico-striatal gamma oscillations are modulated by dopamine D3 receptors in dyskinetic rats

Long-term levodopa administration can lead to the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesia.Gamma oscillations are a widely recognized hallmark of abnormal neural electrical activity in levodopa-induced dyskinesia.Currently,studies have reported increased oscillation power in cases of levodopa-induced dyskinesia.However,little is known about how the other electrophysiological parameters of gamma oscillations are altered in levodopa-induced dyskinesia.Furthermore,the role of the dopamine D3 receptor,which is implicated in levodopa-induced dyskinesia,in movement disorder-related changes in neural oscillations is unclear.We found that the cortico-striatal functional connectivity of beta oscillations was enhanced in a model of Parkinson’s disease.Furthermore,levodopa application enhanced cortical gamma oscillations in cortico-striatal projections and cortical gamma aperiodic components,as well as bidirectional primary motor cortex(M1)↔dorsolateral striatum gamma flow.Administration of PD128907(a selective dopamine D3 receptor agonist)induced dyskinesia and excessive gamma oscillations with a bidirectional M1↔dorsolateral striatum flow.However,administration of PG01037(a selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonist)attenuated dyskinesia,suppressed gamma oscillations and cortical gamma aperiodic components,and decreased gamma causality in the M1→dorsolateral striatum direction.These findings suggest that the dopamine D3 receptor plays a role in dyskinesia-related oscillatory activity,and that it has potential as a therapeutic target for levodopa-induced dyskinesia.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists:Role of the gut in hypoglycemia unawareness,and the rationale in type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is increasing and the majority of patients have poor glycemic control.Although advanced technology and nanoparticle use have greatly enhanced insulin delivery and glucose monitoring,weight gain and hypoglycemia remain major challenges and a constant source of concern for patients with type 1 diabetes.Type 1 diabetes shares some pathophysiology with type 2 diabetes,and an overlap has been reported.The above observation created great interest in glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists(GLP-1)as adjuvants for type 1 diabetes.Previous trials confirmed the positive influence of GLP-1 agonists onβcell function.However,hypoglycemia unawareness and dysregulated glucagon response have been previously reported in patients with recurrent hypoglycemia using GLP-1 agonists.Jin et al found that the source of glucagon dysregulation due to GLP-1 agonists resides in the gut.Plausible explanations could be gut nervous system dysregulation or gut microbiota disruption.This review evaluates the potential of GLP-1 agonists in managing type 1 diabetes,particularly focusing on their impact on glycemic control,weight management,and glucagon dysregulation.We provide a broader insight into the problem of type 1 diabetes mellitus management in the light of recent findings and provide future research directions.

Role of incretins and glucagon receptor agonists in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease:Opportunities and challenges

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)has become the most common chronic liver disease worldwide,paralleling the rising pandemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes.Due to the growing global health burden and com-plex pathogenesis of MASLD,a multifaceted and innovative therapeutic approach is needed.Incretin receptor agonists,which were initially developed for diabetes management,have emerged as promising candidates for MASLD treatment.This review describes the pathophysiological mechanisms and action sites of three major classes of incretin/glucagon receptor agonists:glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists,glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonists,and glucagon receptor agonists.Incretins and glucagon directly or indirectly impact various organs,including the liver,brain,pancreas,gastro-intestinal tract,and adipose tissue.Thus,these agents significantly improve glycemic control and weight management and mitigate MASLD pathogenesis.Importantly,this study provides a summary of clinical trials analyzing the effect-iveness and safety of incretin receptor agonists in MASLD management and provides an in-depth analysis highlighting their beneficial effects on improving liver function,hepatic steatosis,and intrahepatic inflammation.There are emerging challenges associated with the use of these medications in the real world,particularly adverse events,drug-drug interactions,and barriers to access,which are discussed in detail.Additionally,this review highlights the evolving role of incretin receptor agonists in MASLD management and suggests future research directions.

Role of intestinal glucagon-like peptide-1 in impaired counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia

Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM)experience multiple episodes of hypoglycemia,resulting in dysfunctional counter-regulatory responses with time.The recent experimental study by Jin et al explored the role of intestinal glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1)in impaired counter-regulatory responses to hypoglycemia.They identified intestinal GLP-1 along with GLP-1 receptor(GLP-1R)as the new key players linked with impaired counter-regulatory responses to hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetic mice.They also demonstrated that excessive expression of GLP-1 and GLP-1R was associated with attenuated sympathoadrenal responses and decreased glucagon secretion.The study has enormous clinical relevance as de-fective counter regulation and hypoglycemia unawareness negatively impacts the intensive glycemic management approach in this group of patients.However,the physiological processes must be validated in dedicated human studies to compre-hensively understand the pathophysiology of this complex relationship,and to clarify the true extent of impaired hypoglycemia counter regulation by intestinal GLP-1.For now,following the results of the index study and other similar studies,GLP-1 analogues usage in T1DM must be carefully monitored,as there is an inherent risk of worsening the already impaired counter-regulatory responses in these patients.Further studies in the future could identify other key players in-volved in this clinically relevant interaction.

Practical guide:Glucagon-like peptide-1 and dual glucosedependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in diabetes mellitus

Practical guide:Glucagon-like peptide-1 and dual glucosedependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in diabetes mellitus common second-line choice after metformin for treating T2DM.Various considerations can make selecting and switching between different GLP-1 RAs challenging.Our study aims to provide a comprehensive guide for the usage of GLP-1 RAs and dual GIP and GLP-1 RAs for the management of T2DM.

A Case of Severe Cholestatic Hepatitis Induced by a Novel Dual Agonist of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 and Glucosedependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Receptors

Glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1)and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide(GIP)receptor agonists are increasingly used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity due to their ability to stimulate insulin secretion,delay gastric emptying,and suppress appetite.The combination of GLP-1 and GIP agonists improves glycemic control and promotes weight loss.However,the introduction of these novel therapies has raised safety concerns,including the risk of cholestatic hepatitis.We report a case of a patient with obesity who was prescribed a GLP-1/GIP dual-receptor agonist as part of his treatment regimen.Importantly,both before the initiation of this therapy and during the course of treatment,the patient was not taking any other medications.Shortly after receiving four doses of the therapy,the patient developed symptoms of severe cholestatic hepatitis,including jaundice and elevated liver enzyme levels.During hospitalization,no alternative causes for the condition were identified,and a liver biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of druginduced cholestatic hepatitis.This is the first recorded case of cholestatic hepatitis induced by a GLP-1/GIP dual agonist,and it aimed to raise global awareness of this potential side effect.

Metabotropic glutamate receptors(mGluRs)in epileptogenesis:an update on abnormal mGluRs signaling and its therapeutic implications

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by high morbidity,high recurrence,and drug resistance.Enhanced signaling through the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is intricately associated with epilepsy.Metabotropic glutamate receptors(mGluRs)are G protein-coupled receptors activated by glutamate and are key regulators of neuronal and synaptic plasticity.Dysregulated mGluR signaling has been associated with various neurological disorders,and numerous studies have shown a close relationship between mGluRs expression/activity and the development of epilepsy.In this review,we first introduce the three groups of mGluRs and their associated signaling pathways.Then,we detail how these receptors influence epilepsy by describing the signaling cascades triggered by their activation and their neuroprotective or detrimental roles in epileptogenesis.In addition,strategies for pharmacological manipulation of these receptors during the treatment of epilepsy in experimental studies is also summarized.We hope that this review will provide a foundation for future studies on the development of mGluR-targeted antiepileptic drugs.

A Retrospective Analysis of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists in Treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Complicated by Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background: The objective of this study was to compare and analyze the variations in clinical indices before and after treatment of type 2 mellitus (T2DM) combined with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that were treated with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). Methods: The electronic medical record system was utilized to search for a total of 16 patients with type 2 diabetes complicated by NAFLD who were hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University from October 2022 to April 2023 and treated with GLP-1RA for the first time. The clinical indices were compared before and after 12 weeks of treatment with GLP-1RA. Results: The liver-spleen CT ratio (L/S), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in all patients treated with GLP-1RA after 12 weeks were significantly different (P 0.05). The patients were categorized into two groups based on the types of GLP-1RAs. The changes in L/S, TC, TG, and LDL-C in the long-acting group after treatment were statistically significant (P Conclusions: GLP-1RAs can improve liver function, regulate lipid metabolism, and reduce the severity of fatty liver in patients with T2DM complicated by NAFLD, which demonstrates the importance of clinical applications.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists as a possible intervention to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes:A new horizon

Type 1 diabetes(T1D)is a chronic autoimmune condition that destroys insulinproducing beta cells in the pancreas,leading to insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia.The management of T1D primarily focuses on exogenous insulin replacement to control blood glucose levels.However,this approach does not address the underlying autoimmune process or prevent the progressive loss of beta cells.Recent research has explored the potential of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists(GLP-1RAs)as a novel intervention to modify the disease course and delay the onset of T1D.GLP-1RAs are medications initially developed for treating type 2 diabetes.They exert their effects by enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion,suppressing glucagon secretion,and slowing gastric emptying.Emerging evidence suggests that GLP-1RAs may also benefit the treatment of newly diagnosed patients with T1D.This article aims to highlight the potential of GLP-1RAs as an intervention to delay the onset of T1D,possibly through their potential immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects and preservation of beta-cells.This article aims to explore the potential of shifting the paradigm of T1D management from reactive insulin replacement to proactive disease modification,which should open new avenues for preventing and treating T1D,improving the quality of life and long-term outcomes for individuals at risk of T1D.

Immunomodulation of Proton-activated G Protein-coupled Receptors in Inflammation

Proton-activated G protein-coupled receptors(GPCRs),initially discovered by Ludwig in 2003,are widely distributed in various tissues.These receptors have been found to modulate the immune system in several inflammatory diseases,including inflammatory bowel disease,atopic dermatitis,and asthma.Proton-activated GPCRs belong to the G protein-coupled receptor family and can detect alternations in extracellular pH.This detection triggers downstream signaling pathways within the cells,ultimately influencing the function of immune cells.In this review,we specifically focused on investigating the immune response of proton-activated GPCRs under inflammatory conditions.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor activation:anti-inflammatory effects in the brain

The glucagon-like peptide 1 is a pleiotropic hormone that has potent insulinotropic effects and is key in treating metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.Glucagon-like peptide 1 exerts its effects by activating a membrane receptor identified in many tissues,including diffe rent brain regions.Glucagon-like peptide 1 activates several signaling pathways related to neuroprotection,like the support of cell growth/survival,enhancement promotion of synapse formation,autophagy,and inhibition of the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines,microglial activation,and apoptosis during neural morphogenesis.The glial cells,including astrocytes and microglia,maintain metabolic homeostasis and defe nse against pathogens in the central nervous system.After brain insult,microglia are the first cells to respond,followed by reactive astrocytosis.These activated cells produce proinflammato ry mediators like cytokines or chemokines to react to the insult.Furthermore,under these circumstances,mic roglia can become chro nically inflammatory by losing their homeostatic molecular signature and,consequently,their functions during many diseases.Several processes promote the development of neurological disorders and influence their pathological evolution:like the formation of protein aggregates,the accumulation of abnormally modified cellular constituents,the formation and release by injured neurons or synapses of molecules that can dampen neural function,and,of critical impo rtance,the dysregulation of inflammato ry control mechanisms.The glucagonlike peptide 1 receptor agonist emerges as a critical tool in treating brain-related inflammatory pathologies,restoring brain cell homeostasis under inflammatory conditions,modulating mic roglia activity,and decreasing the inflammato ry response.This review summarizes recent advances linked to the anti-inflammato ry prope rties of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor activation in the brain related to multiple sclerosis,Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,vascular dementia,or chronic migraine.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist:A potential game changer for cholangiocarcinoma

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor(GLP-1R)agonist,a subgroup of incretin-based anti-diabetic therapies,is an emerging medication with benefits in reducing blood glucose and weight and increasing cardiovascular protection.Contrarily,concerns have been raised about GLP-1R agonists increasing the risk of particular cancers.Recently,several epidemiological studies reported contradictory findings of incretin-based therapy on the risk modification for cholangiocarcinoma(CCA).The first cohort study demonstrated that incretin-based therapy was associated with an increased risk of CCA.Later studies,however,showed a null effect of incretinbased therapy on CCA risk for dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor nor GLP-1R agonist.Mechanistically,glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor is multifunctional,including promoting cell growth.High GLP-1R expressions were associated with progressive phenotypes of CCA cells in vitro.Unexpectedly,the GLP-1R agonist showed anti-tumor effects on CCA cells in vitro and in vivo with unclear mechanisms.Our recent report also showed that GLP-1R agonists suppressed the expression of GLP-1R in CCA cells in vitro and in vivo,leading to the inhibition of CCA tumor growth.This editorial reviews recent evidence,discusses the potential effects of GLP-1R agonists in CCA patients,and proposes underlying mechanisms that would benefit from further basic and clinical investigation.

Characterization of Domeless receptors and the role of Bd Domeless3 in anti-symbiont-like virus defense in Bactrocera dorsalis

The Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription(JAK/STAT)signaling pathway play a pivotal role in innate immunity.Among invertebrates,Domeless receptors serve as the key upstream regulators of this pathway.In our study on Bactrocera dorsalis,we identified three cytokine receptors:BdDomeless1,BdDomeless2,and BdDomeless3.Each receptor encompasses five fibronectin-type-III-like(FN III)extracellular domains and a transmembrane domain.Furthermore,these receptors exhibit the increased responsiveness to diverse pathogenic challenges.Notably,only BdDomeless3 is upregulated during symbiont-like viral infections.Moreover,silencing BdDomeless3 enhanced the infectivity of Bactrocera dorsalis cripavirus(BdCV)and B.dorsalis picorna-like virus(BdPLV),underscoring BdDomeless3’s crucial role in antiviral defense of B.dorsalis.Following the suppression of Domeless3 expression,six antimicrobial peptide genes displayed decreased expression,potentially correlating with the rise in viral infectivity.To our knowledge,this is the first study identifying cytokine receptors associated with the JAK/STAT pathway in tephritid flies,shedding light on the immune mechanisms of B.dorsalis.

The Role of Toll-Like Receptors and Nuclear Factor κB p65 Protein in the Pathogenesis of Otitis Media

The role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65) proteins in the pathogenesis of otitis media is explored. In recent years, the incidence of otitis media has been rising globally, becoming a significant threat to human health. More and more studies have found that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), as a member of the Toll-like receptor family, can promote the generation of inflammatory factors and is closely related to the body’s immune response and inflammatory response. Nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) is a nuclear transcription factor that can interact with various cytokines, growth factors, and apoptotic factors, participating in processes such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in the body [1]. This article elaborates on the structure, function, and signaling pathways of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins in the pathogenesis of otitis media, aiming to provide more precise targets and better therapeutic efficacy for the diagnosis and treatment of otitis media. The role of inflammation in disease.

Toll-like receptors 2 polymorphism is associated with psoriasis: A case-control study in the northern Chinese population

Background:Psoriasis is a disease caused by genetics and immune system dysfunction,affecting the skin and joints.Toll-like receptors(TLRs)play an important role in triggering the innate immune response and controlling adaptive immunity.The role of TLR2 in the progression of psoriasis is not well understood.Methods:A case-control study was conducted on a northern Chinese Han population,consisting of psoriasis patients and healthy control subjects.Genotyping was performed using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction(ARMS-PCR),and allele and genotype frequencies of four SNPs in TLR2 were analyzed in 270 psoriasis patients and 246 healthy controls.Results:Four TLR2 SNPs(rs11938228,rs4696480,rs3804099,rs5743699)were genotyped and found to be in linkage disequilibrium.The genotype distributions of rs11938228 and rs4696480 in two groups were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and statistically significant except for the overdominance model.The haplotypes ATTC and ATCC were found to be protective against psoriasis.Conclusion:Our study found a correlation between TLR2 genetic variations and the likelihood of psoriasis in northern China.

Interplay of gut microbiota,glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists,and nutrition:New frontiers in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease therapy

The gut-liver axis plays a crucial role in the development and progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD).Key metabolites,including lipopolysaccharides,short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs),bile acids,and beneficial gut bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus,are pivotal in this process.Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists(GLP-1 RAs)show promise in managing MASLD by promoting weight loss,enhancing insulin secretion,and improving liver health.They restore gut-liver axis functionality,and their effects are amplified through dietary modifications and gut microbiometargeted therapies.Emerging research highlights the interplay between GLP-1 RAs and gut microbiota,indicating that the gut microbiome significantly influences therapeutic outcomes.Metabolites produced by gut bacteria,can stimulate glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1)secretion,further improving metabolic health.Integrating dietary interventions with GLP-1 RA treatment may enhance liver health by modulating the gut microbiota-SCFAs-GLP-1 pathway.Future research is needed to understand personalized effects,with prebiotics and probiotics offering treatment avenues for MASLD.

Impact of glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists on endoscopy and its preoperative management: Guidelines, challenges, and future directions

Glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists(GLP-1RA)are used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and,more recently,have garnered attention for their effect-iveness in promoting weight loss.They have been associated with several gastrointestinal adverse effects,including nausea and vomiting.These side effects are presumed to be due to increased residual gastric contents.Given the potential risk of aspiration and based on limited data,the American Society of Anesthesi-ologists updated the guidelines concerning the preoperative management of patients on GLP-1RA in 2023.They included the duration of mandated cessation of GLP-1RA before sedation and usage of“full stomach”precautions if these medications were not appropriately held before the procedure.This has led to additional challenges,such as extended waiting time,higher costs,and increased risk for patients.In this editorial,we review the current societal guidelines,clinical practice,and future directions regarding the usage of GLP-1RA in patients undergoing an endoscopic procedure.