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David P Sonne Department of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Endocrinology, Center for Diabetes Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Kildegårdsvej 28, DK-2900 Hellerup, Denmark
Department of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Endocrinology, Center for Diabetes Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Kildegårdsvej 28, DK-2900 Hellerup, Denmark

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Asger Lund Department of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Endocrinology, Center for Diabetes Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Kildegårdsvej 28, DK-2900 Hellerup, Denmark
Department of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Endocrinology, Center for Diabetes Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Kildegårdsvej 28, DK-2900 Hellerup, Denmark

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Jens Faber Department of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Endocrinology, Center for Diabetes Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Kildegårdsvej 28, DK-2900 Hellerup, Denmark

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Jens J Holst Department of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Endocrinology, Center for Diabetes Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Kildegårdsvej 28, DK-2900 Hellerup, Denmark

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Tina Vilsbøll Department of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Endocrinology, Center for Diabetes Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Kildegårdsvej 28, DK-2900 Hellerup, Denmark
Department of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Endocrinology, Center for Diabetes Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Kildegårdsvej 28, DK-2900 Hellerup, Denmark

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Filip K Knop Department of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Endocrinology, Center for Diabetes Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Kildegårdsvej 28, DK-2900 Hellerup, Denmark
Department of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Endocrinology, Center for Diabetes Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Kildegårdsvej 28, DK-2900 Hellerup, Denmark

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Bile acids are possible candidate agents in newly identified pathways through which energy expenditure may be regulated. Preclinical studies suggest that bile acids activate the enzyme type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase, which deiodinates thyroxine (T4) to the biologically active triiodothyronine (T3). We aimed to evaluate the influence of bile acid exposure and incretin hormones on thyroid function parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones (total T3 and free T4) were measured in plasma from two human studies: i) 75 g-oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and three isocaloric (500 kcal) and isovolaemic (350 ml) liquid meals with increasing fat content with concomitant ultrasonographic evaluation of gallbladder emptying in 15 patients with type 2 diabetes and 15 healthy age, gender and BMI-matched controls (meal-study) and ii) 50 g-OGTT and isoglycaemic intravenous glucose infusions (IIGI) alone or in combination with glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) and/or GLP2, in ten patients with type 2 diabetes (IIGI-study). In both studies, TSH levels declined (P<0.01) similarly following all meal and infusion stimuli. T3 and T4 concentrations did not change in response to any of the applied stimuli. TSH levels declined independently of the degree of gallbladder emptying (meal-study), route of nutrient administration and infusion of gut hormones. In conclusion, intestinal bile flow and i.v. infusions of the gut hormones, GIP, GLP1 and/or GLP2, do not seem to affect thyroid function parameters. Thus, the presence of a ‘gut–thyroid–pituitary’ axis seems questionable.

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Nicolai J Wewer Albrechtsen NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Science, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 12.2, DK‐2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark

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Monika J Bak NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Science, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 12.2, DK‐2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Science, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 12.2, DK‐2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark

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Bolette Hartmann NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Science, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 12.2, DK‐2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark

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Louise Wulff Christensen NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Science, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 12.2, DK‐2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark

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Rune E Kuhre NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Science, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 12.2, DK‐2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark

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Carolyn F Deacon NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Science, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 12.2, DK‐2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark

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Jens J Holst NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Science, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 12.2, DK‐2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark

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To investigate the stability of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucagon in plasma under short- and long-term storage conditions. Pooled human plasma (n=20), to which a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitor and aprotinin were added, was spiked with synthetic GLP-1 (intact, 7–36NH2 as well as the primary metabolite, GLP-1 9–36NH2) or glucagon. Peptide recoveries were measured in samples kept for 1 and 3 h at room temperature or on ice, treated with various enzyme inhibitors, after up to three thawing–refreezing cycles, and after storage at −20 and −80 °C for up to 1 year. Recoveries were unaffected by freezing cycles or if plasma was stored on ice for up to 3 h, but were impaired when samples stood at RT for more than 1 h. Recovery of intact GLP-1 increased by addition of a DPP4 inhibitor (no ice), but was not further improved by neutral endopeptidase 24.11 inhibitor or an inhibitor cocktail. GLP-1, but not glucagon, was stable for at least 1 year. Surprisingly, the recovery of glucagon was reduced by almost 50% by freezing compared with immediate analysis, regardless of storage time. Plasma handling procedures can significantly influence results of subsequent hormone analysis. Our data support addition of DPP4 inhibitor for GLP-1 measurement as well as cooling on ice of both GLP-1 and glucagon. Freeze–thaw cycles did not significantly affect stability of GLP-1 or glucagon. Long-term storage may affect glucagon levels regardless of storage temperature and results should be interpreted with caution.

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Bjarke R Medici Department of Medicine, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark

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Birte Nygaard Department of Medicine, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Jeppe L la Cour Department of Medicine, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark

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Martin Krakauer Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Andreas Brønden Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Mette P Sonne Department of Medicine, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark

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Jens J Holst Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Jens F Rehfeld Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Tina Vilsbøll Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark

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Jens Faber Department of Medicine, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Filip K Knop Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark

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Context

In individuals with hypothyroidism and overweight, levothyroxine substitution therapy is often expected to cause weight loss due to its effect on resting energy expenditure. However, despite levothyroxine-induced enhancement of resting energy expenditure, fat mass loss is rarely seen after levothyroxine substitution therapy. The mechanism behind this conundrum is unknown.

Aim

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of levothyroxine therapy on hunger sensations and ad libitum food intake in individuals with hypothyroidism.

Design and setting

Prospective cohort study of 18 newly diagnosed hypothyroid women (thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) >10 mU/L). Participants were investigated at diagnosis, after normalization of TSH (<4.0 mU/L), and after 6 months of successful treatment. Eighteen age and body mass index-matched healthy controls were also included.

Intervention

Hypothyroid individuals were treated with levothyroxine according to European Thyroid Association guidelines.

Main outcomes

Changes in hunger sensation were assessed using visual analog scales (cm) before and during a standardized mixed meal test, and food intake was measured during a subsequent ad libitum meal (g).

Results

After 6 months of levothyroxine therapy, mean resting energy expenditure was increased by 144 kcal/day (10%) (P < 0.001). Weight loss was comprised of 0.8 kg fat-free mass while fat mass remained unchanged. Fasting hunger sensation increased from a mean of 4.5 (s.d. 2.2) cm to 5.5 (s.d. 2.2) cm (P = 0.047). The numerical increase in ad libitum meal intake did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that levothyroxine-induced hunger may be a culprit in the lack of fat mass loss from levothyroxine therapy.

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Justyna Modrzynska Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Christine F Klein Department of Cardiology, Herlev Gentofte Hospital, Herlev, Denmark

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Kasper Iversen Department of Clinical Medicine, Herlev Gentofte Hospital, Herlev, Denmark

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Henning Bundgaard Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Bolette Hartmann Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Maike Mose Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

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Nikolaj Rittig Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

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Niels Møller Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

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Jens J Holst Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Nicolai J Wewer Albrechtsen Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Objective

Glucagon and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) originate from the common precursor, proglucagon, and their plasma concentrations have been reported to be increased during inflammatory conditions. Increased blood glucose levels are frequently observed in septic patients, and therefore we hypothesized that glucagon, but not GLP-1, is increased in individuals with inflammation.

Design

Prospective longitudinal cohort study.

Materials and methods

We measured glucagon and GLP-1 in plasma sampled consecutively in three cohorts consisting of patients with infective endocarditis (n = 16), urosepsis (n = 28) and post-operative inflammation following percutaneous aortic valve implantation or thoracic endovascular aortic repair (n = 5). Correlations between C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, and glucagon and GLP-1 concentrations were investigated. Additionally, glucagon and GLP-1 concentrations were measured after a bolus infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 ng/kg) in nine healthy young males.

Results

Glucagon and CRP were positively and significantly correlated (r = 0.27; P = 0.0003), whereas no significant association between GLP-1 and CRP was found (r = 0.08, P = 0.30). LPS infusion resulted in acute systemic inflammation reflected by increased temperature, pulse, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and concomitantly increased concentrations of glucagon (P < 0.05) but not GLP-1.

Conclusions

Systemic inflammation caused by bacterial infections or developed as a non-infected condition is associated with increased plasma concentration of glucagon, but not GLP-1. Hyperglucagonemia may contribute to the impaired glucose control in patients with systemic inflammatory diseases.

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Peter L Kristensen Department of Cardiology, Nephrology and Endocrinology, Nordsjællands Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark

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Ulrik Pedersen-Bjergaard Department of Cardiology, Nephrology and Endocrinology, Nordsjællands Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Rikke Due-Andersen Department of Cardiology, Nephrology and Endocrinology, Nordsjællands Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark
Lægerne på Ellemarksvej, Køge, Denmark

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Thomas Høi-Hansen Department of Cardiology, Nephrology and Endocrinology, Nordsjællands Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark
Department of Cardiology, Herlev-Gentofte University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark

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Lise Grimmeshave Department of Cardiology, Nephrology and Endocrinology, Nordsjællands Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark
Novo Nordisk A/S, Søborg, Denmark

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Valeriya Lyssenko Steno Diabetes Center, Gentofte, Denmark
Lund University Diabetes Centre, Skåne University Hospital, Malmø, Sweden

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Leif Groop Lund University Diabetes Centre, Skåne University Hospital, Malmø, Sweden
Finnish Institute for Molecular Medicine (FIMM), Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland

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Jens J Holst Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Department of Biomedical Sciences, NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, The Panum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Allan A Vaag Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark

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Birger Thorsteinsson Department of Cardiology, Nephrology and Endocrinology, Nordsjællands Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Introduction

In healthy carriers of the T allele of the transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2), fasting plasma glucagon concentrations are lower compared with those with the C allele. We hypothesised that presence of the T allele is associated with a diminished glucagon response during hypoglycaemia and a higher frequency of severe hypoglycaemia (SH) in type 1 diabetes (T1DM).

Material and methods

This is a post hoc study of an earlier prospective observational study of SH and four mechanistic studies of physiological responses to hypoglycaemia. 269 patients with T1DM were followed in a one-year observational study. A log-linear negative binomial model was applied with events of SH as dependent variable and TCF7L2 alleles as explanatory variable. In four experimental studies including 65 people, TCF7L2 genotyping was done and plasma glucagon concentration during experimental hypoglycaemia was determined.

Results

Incidences of SH were TT 0.54, TC 0.98 and CC 1.01 episodes per patient-year with no significant difference between groups. During experimental hypoglycaemia, the TCF7L2 polymorphism did not influence glucagon secretion.

Discussion

Patients with T1DM carrying the T allele of the TCF7L2 polymorphism do not exhibit diminished glucagon response during hypoglycaemia and are not at increased risk of severe hypoglycaemia compared with carriers of the C allele.

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Iben Rix Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
Zealand Pharma A/S, Søborg, Denmark

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Marie L Johansen Department of Medicine, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark

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Asger Lund Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark

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Malte P Suppli Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark

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Elizaveta Chabanova Department of Radiology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark

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Gerrit van Hall Clinical Metabolomics Core Facility, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Jens J Holst Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Nicolai J Wewer Albrechtsen Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Caroline Kistorp Department of Endocrinology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Filip K Knop Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark

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Aims

Hyperglucagonaemia contributes to the pathophysiology in type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the mechanisms behind the inappropriate glucagon secretion are not fully understood. Glucagon and amino acids are regulated in a feedback loop referred to as the liver–α cell axis. Individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) appear to be glucagon resistant, disrupting the liver–α cell axis resulting in hyperglucagonaemia and hyperaminoacidaemia. We investigated the associations between circulating glucagon, amino acids, and liver fat content in a cohort of individuals with T2D.

Methods

We included 110 individuals with T2D in this cross-sectional study. Liver fat content was quantified using 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Associations between liver fat content and plasma glucagon and amino acids, respectively, were estimated in multivariate linear regression analyses.

Results

Individuals with NAFLD (n = 52) had higher plasma glucagon concentrations than individuals without NAFLD (n = 58). The positive association between plasma glucagon concentrations and liver fat content was confirmed in the multivariable regression analyses. Plasma concentrations of isoleucine and glutamate were increased, and glycine and serine concentrations were decreased in individuals with NAFLD. Concentrations of other amino acids were similar between individuals with and without NAFLD, and no clear association was seen between liver fat content and amino acids in the regression analyses.

Conclusion

MRS-diagnosed NAFLD in T2D is associated with hyperglucagonaemia and elevated plasma concentrations of isoleucine and glutamate and low plasma concentrations of glycine and serine. Whether NAFLD and glucagon resistance per se induce these changes remains to be elucidated.

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Magnus F G Grøndahl Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark

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Jonatan I Bagger Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
Clinical Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark

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Malte P Suppli Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark

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Gerrit Van Hall Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Metabolomics Core Facility, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Nicolai J W Albrechtsen Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital Copenhagen, Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Jens J Holst Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Tina Vilsbøll Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
Clinical Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark

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Mikkel B Christensen Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Copenhagen University Hospital – Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen Center for Translational Research, Copenhagen University Hospital – Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Asger B Lund Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark

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Filip K Knop Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
Clinical Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Objective

In obesity and type 2 diabetes, hyperglucagonaemia may be caused by elevated levels of glucagonotropic amino acids due to hepatic glucagon resistance at the level of amino acid turnover. Here, we investigated the effect of exogenous glucagon on circulating amino acids in obese and non-obese individuals with and without type 2 diabetes.

Design

This was a post hoc analysis in a glucagon infusion study performed in individuals with type 2 diabetes (n = 16) and in age, sex, and body mass index-matched control individuals without diabetes (n = 16). Each group comprised two subgroups of eight individuals with and without obesity, respectively.

Methods

All participants received a 1-h glucagon infusion (4 ng/kg/min) in the overnight fasted state. Plasma amino acid concentrations were measured with frequent intervals.

Results

Compared to the control subgroup without obesity, baseline total amino acid levels were elevated in the control subgroup with obesity and in the type 2 diabetes subgroup without obesity. In all subgroups, amino acid levels decreased by up to 20% in response to glucagon infusion, which resulted in high physiological steady-state glucagon levels (mean concentration: 74 pmol/L, 95% CI [68;79] pmol/L). Following correction for multiple testing, no intergroup differences in changes in amino acid levels reached significance.

Conclusion

Obesity and type 2 diabetes status was associated with elevated fasting levels of total amino acids. The glucagon infusion decreased circulating amino acid levels similarly in all subgroups, without significant differences in the response to exogenous glucagon between individuals with and without obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Significance statement

The hormone glucagon stimulates glucose production from the liver, which may promote hyperglycaemia if glucagon levels are abnormally elevated, as is often seen in type 2 diabetes and obesity. Glucagon levels are closely linked to, and influenced by, the levels of circulating amino acids. To further investigate this link, we measured amino acid levels in individuals with and without obesity and type 2 diabetes before and during an infusion of glucagon. We found that circulating amino acid levels were higher in type 2 diabetes and obesity, and that glucagon infusion decreased amino acid levels in both individuals with and without type 2 diabetes and obesity. The study adds novel information to the link between circulating levels of glucagon and amino acids.

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Amalie R Lanng Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark

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Lærke S Gasbjerg Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Natasha C Bergmann Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark

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Sigrid Bergmann Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark

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Mads M Helsted Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark

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Matthew P Gillum Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Bolette Hartmann Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Jens J Holst Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Tina Vilsbøll Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Filip K Knop Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Background

Ingestion of the calorically dense compound alcohol may cause metabolic disturbances including hypoglycaemia, hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance, but the underlying mechanisms are uncertain. The gastrointestinal tract is well recognised as a major influencer on glucose, protein and lipid metabolism, but its role in alcohol metabolism remains unclear.

Objective

To examine the effects of oral and intravenous alcohol, respectively, on plasma concentrations of several gluco-regulatory hormones including serum/plasma insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21).

Design and methods

In a double-blinded, randomised, crossover design, we subjected 12 healthy men to intragastric ethanol infusion (IGEI) and an isoethanolaemic intravenous ethanol infusion (IVEI) (0.7 g alcohol per kg body weight), respectively, on two separate experimental days.

Results

Isoethanolaemia during the two alcohol administration forms was obtained (P = 0.38). During both interventions, plasma glucose peaked after ~30 min and thereafter fell below baseline concentrations. GIP and GLP-1 concentrations were unaffected by the two interventions. Insulin concentrations were unaffected by IGEI but decreased during IVEI. C-peptide, insulin secretion rate and glucagon concentrations were lowered similarly during IGEI and IVEI. FGF21 concentrations increased dramatically (nine-fold) and similarly during IGEI and IVEI.

Conclusions

Alcohol does not seem to affect the secretion of incretin hormones but decreased insulin and glucagon secretion independently of gut-derived factors. IGEI as well as IVEI potently stimulate FGF21 secretion indicating a gut-independent effect of alcohol on FGF21 secretion in humans.

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Charlotte Janus Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Danish Diabetes Academy, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Dorte Vistisen Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark

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Hanan Amadid Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
Department of Public Health, Research Unit of Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

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Daniel R Witte Danish Diabetes Academy, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
Department of Public Health, Research Unit of Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark

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Torsten Lauritzen Department of Public Health, Research Unit of Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

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Søren Brage MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

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Anne-Louise Bjerregaard Department of Public Health, Research Unit of Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

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Torben Hansen Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Jens J Holst Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Marit E Jørgensen Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark

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Oluf Pedersen Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Kristine Færch Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark

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Signe S Torekov Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Rationale

The hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) decreases blood glucose and appetite. Greater physical activity (PA) is associated with lower incidence of type 2 diabetes. While acute exercise may increase glucose-induced response of GLP-1, it is unknown how habitual PA affects GLP-1 secretion. We hypothesised that habitual PA associates with greater glucose-induced GLP-1 responses in overweight individuals.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis of habitual PA levels and GLP-1 concentrations in 1326 individuals (mean (s.d.) age 66 (7) years, BMI 27.1 (4.5) kg/m2) from the ADDITION-PRO cohort. Fasting and oral glucose-stimulated GLP-1 responses were measured using validated radioimmunoassay. PA was measured using 7-day combined accelerometry and heart rate monitoring. From this, energy expenditure (PAEE; kJ/kg/day) and fractions of time spent in activity intensities (h/day) were calculated. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF; mL O2/kg/min) was calculated using step tests. Age-, BMI- and insulin sensitivity-adjusted associations between PA and GLP-1, stratified by sex, were evaluated by linear regression analysis.

Results

In 703 men, fasting GLP-1 concentrations were 20% lower (95% CI: −33; −3%, P = 0.02) for every hour of moderate-intensity PA performed. Higher CRF and PAEE were associated with 1–2% lower fasting GLP-1 (P = 0.01). For every hour of moderate-intensity PA, the glucose-stimulated GLP-1 response was 16% greater at peak 30 min (1; 33%, P rAUC0-30 = 0.04) and 20% greater at full response (3; 40%, P rAUC0-120 = 0.02). No associations were found in women who performed PA 22 min/day vs 32 min/day for men.

Conclusion

Moderate-intensity PA is associated with lower fasting and greater glucose-induced GLP-1 responses in overweight men, possibly contributing to improved glucose and appetite regulation with increased habitual PA.

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Kim K B Clemmensen Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark

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Jonas S Quist Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark

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Dorte Vistisen Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark

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Daniel R Witte Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
Danish Diabetes Academy, Odense, Denmark

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Anna Jonsson NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Oluf Pedersen NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Torben Hansen NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Jens J Holst NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Torsten Lauritzen Section for General Practice, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

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Marit E Jørgensen Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Signe Torekov NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Kristine Færch Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark

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