GLP-1R and IL-6 expression in the gastrointestinal tract of a murine model of metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Background and aims: Glucose homeostasis is a critical cornerstone in both health and disease. It is described to be regulated by the balance of insulin and glucagon secretion but, this bi-hormonal perspective is long overdue, since glucose homeostasis is now known to be a multi-hormonal process. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic features which includes impaired glucose metabolism and obesity. Obesity promotes a low chronic inflammation state due to release of bioactive molecules like cytokines, ultimately contributing to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT), namely stomach and intestine, has a vital role not only in the food uptake and absorption, but also in the production of incretin hormones, such as GLP-1. We aim to evaluate the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in the GIT of a MetS animal model, and to assess whether it correlates with inflammatory levels.

Material and method: The expression of GLP-1R and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was evaluated in the stomach and intestine of mice subjected to Normal Diet (ND) and High Fat Diet (HFD) by immunohistochemistry.

Results: We observed that HFD fed animals presented lower levels of GLP-1R in stomach and intestine when compared with animals fed with ND. Concomitantly, these mice expressed increased levels of IL-6.

Conclusions: GLP-1R expression is inversely correlated with the expression of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6.