Development of a glucagon sensitivity test in humans: Pilot data and the GLUSENTIC study protocol

Sasha A.S. Kjeldsen, Michael M. Richter, Nicole J. Jensen, Malin S.D. Nilsson, Niklas Heinz, Janus D. Nybing, Frederik H. Linden, Erik Høgh-Schmidt, Mikael P. Boesen, Sten Madsbad, Hendrik Vilstrup, Frank Vinholt Schiødt, Andreas Møller, Kirsten Nørgaard, Signe Schmidt, Elias B. Rashu, Lise L. Gluud, Steen B. Haugaard, Jens J. Holst, Jørgen RungbyNicolai J. Wewer Albrechtsen*

*Corresponding author af dette arbejde

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Abstract

A physiological feedback system exists between hepatocytes and the alpha cells, termed the liver-alpha cell axis and refers to the relationship between amino acid-stimulated glucagon secretion and glucagon-stimulated amino acid catabolism. Several reports indicate that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) disrupts the liver-alpha cell axis, because of impaired glucagon receptor signaling (glucagon resistance). However, no experimental test exists to assess glucagon resistance in humans. The objective was to develop an experimental test to determine glucagon sensitivity with respect to amino acid and glucose metabolism in humans. The proposed glucagon sensitivity test (comprising two elements: 1) i.v. injection of 0.2 mg glucagon and 2) infusion of mixed amino acids 331 mg/hour/kg) is based on nine pilot studies which are presented. Calculation of a proposed glucagon sensitivity index with respect to amino acid catabolism is also described. Secondly, we describe a complete study protocol (GLUSENTIC) according to which the glucagon sensitivity test will be applied in a cross-sectional study currently taking place. 65 participants including 20 individuals with a BMI 18.6–25 kg/m2, 30 individuals with a BMI ≥ 25–40 kg/m2, and 15 individuals with type 1 diabetes with a BMI between 18.6 and 40 kg/m2 will be included. Participants will be grouped according to their degree of hepatic steatosis measured by whole-liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The primary outcome measure will be differences in the glucagon sensitivity index between individuals with and without hepatic steatosis. Developing a glucagon sensitivity test and index may provide insight into the physiological and pathophysiological mechanism of glucagon action and glucagon-based therapies.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
Artikelnummer170938
TidsskriftPeptides
Vol/bind161
Antal sider10
ISSN0196-9781
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2023

Bibliografisk note

Funding Information:
The study is supported by NNF Excellence Emerging Investigator Grant – Endocrinology and Metabolism (Application No. NNF19OC0055001 ), EFSD Future Leader Award ( NNF21SA0072746 ) and DFF Sapere Aude ( 1052-00003B ).

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The Authors

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