Small molecule inhibition of glycogen synthase I reduces muscle glycogen content and improves biomarkers in a mouse model of Pompe disease.

Pompe disease is a rare genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA). This enzyme is responsible for breaking down glycogen, leading to the abnormal accumulation of glycogen, which results in progressive muscle weakness and metabolic dysregulation. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that the small molecule inhibition of glycogen synthase I (GYS1) may reduce muscle glycogen content and improve metabolic dysregulation in a mouse model of Pompe disease.

Cytosolic calcium regulates hepatic mitochondrial oxidation, intrahepatic lipolysis, and gluconeogenesis via CAMKII activation.

To examine the roles of mitochondrial calcium Ca ([Ca]) and cytosolic Ca ([Ca]) in the regulation of hepatic mitochondrial fat oxidation, we studied a liver-specific mitochondrial calcium uniporter knockout (MCU KO) mouse model with reduced [Ca] and increased [Ca] content. Despite decreased [Ca], deletion of hepatic MCU increased rates of isocitrate dehydrogenase flux, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase flux, and succinate dehydrogenase flux in vivo. Rates of [C]palmitate oxidation and intrahepatic lipolysis were increased in MCU KO liver slices, which led to decreased hepatic triacylglycerol content.

Q-Flux: A method to assess hepatic mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase, methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, and glutaminase fluxes in vivo.

The mammalian succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) complex has recently been shown as capable of operating bidirectionally. Here, we develop a method (Q-Flux) capable of measuring absolute rates of both forward (V) and reverse (V) flux through SDH in vivo while also deconvoluting the amount of glucose derived from four discreet carbon sources in the liver. In validation studies, a mitochondrial uncoupler increased net SDH flux by >100% in awake rodents but also increased SDH cycling.

Metformin, phenformin, and galegine inhibit complex IV activity and reduce glycerol-derived gluconeogenesis.

SignificanceMetformin is the most commonly prescribed drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, yet the mechanism by which it lowers plasma glucose concentrations has remained elusive. Most studies to date have attributed metformin's glucose-lowering effects to inhibition of complex I activity. Contrary to this hypothesis, we show that inhibition of complex I activity in vitro and in vivo does not reduce plasma glucose concentrations or inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis.

High-dose saccharin supplementation does not induce gut microbiota changes or glucose intolerance in healthy humans and mice.

Background: Non-caloric artificial sweeteners (NCAS) are widely used as a substitute for dietary sugars to control body weight or glycemia. Paradoxically, some interventional studies in humans and rodents have shown unfavorable changes in glucose homeostasis in response to NCAS consumption. The causative mechanisms are largely unknown, but adverse changes in gut microbiota have been proposed to mediate these effects.

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Metformin Action.

Metformin is a first-line therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, due to its robust glucose-lowering effects, well-established safety profile, and relatively low cost. While metformin has been shown to have pleotropic effects on glucose metabolism, there is a general consensus that the major glucose-lowering effect in patients with type 2 diabetes is mostly mediated through inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis. However, despite decades of research, the mechanism by which metformin inhibits this process is still highly debated.

T1R2 receptor-mediated glucose sensing in the upper intestine potentiates glucose absorption through activation of local regulatory pathways.

Objective: Beyond the taste buds, sweet taste receptors (STRs; T1R2/T1R3) are also expressed on enteroendocrine cells, where they regulate gut peptide secretion but their regulatory function within the intestine is largely unknown.

Methods: Using T1R2-knock out (KO) mice we evaluated the role of STRs in the regulation of glucose absorption in vivo and in intact intestinal preparations ex vivo.

Results: STR signaling enhances the rate of intestinal glucose absorption specifically in response to the ingestion of a glucose-rich meal.