Stellan Sandler

Cytokines suppress human islet function irrespective of their effects on nitric oxide generation.

Cytokines have been proposed as inducers of beta-cell damage in human insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus via the generation of nitric oxide (NO). This concept is mostly based on data obtained in rodent pancreatic islets using heterologous cytokine preparations. The present study examined whether exposure of human pancreatic islets to different cytokines induces NO and impairs beta-cell function. Islets from 30 human pancreata were exposed for 6-144 h to the following human recombinant cytokines, alone or in combination: IFN-gamma (1,000 U/ml), TNF-alpha (1,000 U/ml), IL-6 (25 U/ml), and IL-1 beta (50 U/ml). After 48 h, none of the cytokines alone increased islet nitrite production, but IFN-gamma induced a 20% decrease in glucose-induced insulin release. Combinations of cytokines, notably IL-1 beta plus IFN-gamma plus TNF-alpha, induced increased expression of inducible NO synthase mRNA after 6 h and resulted in a fivefold increase in medium nitrite accumulation after 48 h. These cytokines did not impair glucose metabolism or insulin release in response to 16.7 mM glucose, but there was an 80% decrease in islet insulin content. An exposure of 144 h to IL-1 beta plus IFN-gamma plus TNF-alpha increased NO production and decreased both glucose-induced insulin release and insulin content. Inhibitors of NO generation, aminoguanidine or NG-nitro-L-arginine, blocked this cytokine-induced NO generation, but did not prevent the suppressive effect of IL-1 beta plus IFN-gamma plus TNF-alpha on insulin release and content. In conclusion, isolated human islets are more resistant to the suppressive effects of cytokines and NO than isolated rodent islets. Moreover, the present study suggests that NO is not the major mediator of cytokine effects on human islets.

Nitric oxide contributes to cytokine-induced apoptosis in pancreatic beta cells via potentiation of JNK activity and inhibition of Akt

Aims/hypothesisPro-inflammatory cytokines cause beta cell secretory dysfunction and apoptosis—a process implicated in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. Cytokines induce the expression of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) leading to NO production. NO contributes to cytokine-induced apoptosis, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether NO modulates signalling via mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and Akt.Materials and methodsMAPK activities in INS-1 cells and isolated islets were determined by immunoblotting and in vitro kinase assay. Apoptosis was determined by ELISA measurement of histone–DNA complexes present in cytoplasm.ResultsApoptosis in INS-1 cells induced by IL-1β plus IFNγ was dependent on NO production as demonstrated by the use of the NOS blocker NG-methyl-l-arginine. Accordingly, an NO donor (S-nitroso-N-acetyl-d,l-penicillamine, SNAP) dose-dependently caused apoptosis in INS-1 cells. SNAP activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK, but suppressed the activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase MAPK. In rat islets, NOS inhibition decreased JNK and p38 activities induced by a 6-h exposure to IL-1β. Likewise, IL-1β-induced JNK and p38 activities were lower in iNOS(−/−) mouse islets than in wild-type islets. In human islets, SNAP potentiated IL-1β-induced JNK activation. The constitutive level of active, Ser473-phosphorylated Akt in INS-1 cells was suppressed by SNAP. IGF-I activated Akt and protected against SNAP-induced apoptosis. The anti-apoptotic effect of IGF-I was not associated with reduced JNK activation.Conclusions/interpretationWe suggest that NO contributes to cytokine-induced apoptosis via potentiation of JNK activity and suppression of Akt.

Large-scale production of fetal porcine pancreatic isletlike cell clusters. An experimental tool for studies of islet cell differentiation and xenotransplantation.

A recently described method for the preparation of isletlike cell clusters (ICC) from human fetal pancreas has been applied to the fetal pig with the ultimate aim of large-scale production of ICC. Fetuses ranging in age from 51 to 77 days were used, and after a brief colla-genase-incubation the pancreatic digest was plated into culture dishes containing medium RPMI 1640 supplemented with either 10% fetal calf serum (PCS) or human serum (HS). HS seemed to increase the number of ICC formed as compared to that obtained with FCS. A total of more than 100,000 ICC were produced from each of 3 litters, ages 67–77 days, after culture in the presence of HS. The DNA content of such ICC was reduced by about 50% as compared to those maintained with FCS supplementation. Immunocytochemical staining revealed insulin-and glucagon-positive cells scattered among a majority of nonstained cells within the cell clusters. ICC maintained in either FCS or HS displayed significant rates of (pro)insulin biosynthesis in vitro and an increased insulin release when exposed to 16.7 mM glucose plus 5 mM theophylline. Four weeks after implantation, ICC grafted under the kidney capsule of nondiabetic nude mice contained frequent insulin-and glucagon-positive cells. In 2 nude mice transplanted with ICC, the functional capacity of the graft was tested by perfusing the graft-bearing kidney. When the perfusion fluid was changed from one containing 2.8 mM glucose to one containing 16.7 mM glucose ± 5mM theophylline, the secretion of insulin increased within a few min. It is concluded that the fetal porcine pancreas can be used for large-scale production of ICC, which have a very consistent, but immature functional capacity. Because of their inherent growth and differentiation properties, fetal porcine ICC constitute a potential source of xenogenic islet grafts intended for human diabetics.

Amelioration of diabetes by imatinib mesylate (Gleevec): role of beta-cell NF-kappaB activation and anti-apoptotic preconditioning

It was recently reported that tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate (Gleevec®) improves Type 2 diabetes, possibly by decreasing insulin resistance. However, as both Type 2 and Type 1 diabetes are characterized by β‐cell dysfunction and death, we investigated whether imatinib counteracts diabetes by maintaining β‐cell function. We observed that imatinib counteracted diabetes in two animal models, the streptozotocin‐injected mouse and the nonobese diabetes mouse, and that this was paralleled by a partial preservation of the β‐cell mass. In addition, imatinib decreased the death of human β‐cells in vitro when exposed to NO, cytokines, and streptozotocin. The imatinib effect was mimicked by siRNA‐mediated knockdown of c‐Abl mRNA. Imatinib enhanced β‐cell survival by promoting a state similar to ischemic preconditioning, as evidenced by NF‐B activation, increased NO and reactive oxygen species production, and depolarization of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Imatinib did not suppress islet cell death in the presence of an NF‐B inhibitor, suggesting that NF‐B activation is a necessary step in the antiapoptotic action of imatinib. We conclude that imatinib mediates β‐cell survival and that this could contribute to the beneficial effects observed in diabetes.—Hägerkvist, R., Sandler, S., Mokhtari, D., Welsh, N. Amelioration of diabetes by imatinib mesylate (Gleevec®): role of β‐cell NF‐B activation and anti‐apoptotic preconditioning. FASEB J. 21, 618–628 (2007)

The effect of host factors and capsule composition on the cellular overgrowth on implanted alginate capsules

Microencapsulation of islets of Langerhans in alginate/poly-L-lysine (PLL)/alginate capsules may provide a method for transplantation in the absence of immunosuppression. The aim of this study was to investigate the problem of overgrowth on implanted capsules with regard to the composition of the capsules and host factors such as cytokine and nitric oxide production. Empty capsules were implanted to C57BL/6 mice for 1, 3, 7, or 28 days. Glucose oxidation rates showed the metabolic activity of the cellular overgrowth on retrieved capsules. DNA content, histological score, and retrieval rates were also measured to assess the overgrowth. It was noted that the pericapsular host reaction arose by day 7 and had not increased further by day 28. Capsules of varying alginate compositions and different concentrations of PLL were implanted for 7 days to either C57BL/6 or Balb/c mice. Capsules were also implanted to mice lacking the inducible nitric oxide synthase enzyme. Glucose oxidation rates, DNA content, and histological score were positively correlated to each other and negatively correlated to retrieval rates. The pericapsular reaction was reduced if PLL was omitted from the capsule or if a high mannuronic acid alginate was used. Balb/c mice had reduced cellular overgrowth on implanted capsules and had reduced mRNA expression of interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in their peritoneal macrophages. The capsular overgrowth seemed more severe in animals lacking inducible nitric oxide synthase compared with wild-type controls. It is concluded that alginate composition, PLL, and recipient factors such as nitric oxide production and cytokine expression affect the cellular overgrowth on implanted alginate capsules.

IL-1 receptor antagonist inhibits recurrence of disease after syngeneic pancreatic islet transplantation to spontaneously diabetic non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice.

The effect of an IL‐1 receptor antagonist on recurrence of hyperglycaemia after syngeneic pancreatic islet transplantation to spontaneously diabetic female NOD mice was investigated. The transplanted animals were treated with either the receptor antagonist (8.0 mg/kg body weight per day for 12–14 days) or PBS, delivered by subcutaneously implanted osmotic pumps. In the control animals, a transient normoglycaemia was achieved, but hyperglycaemia was generally observed 6 days after islet transplantation. Administration of IL‐1 receptor antagonist had a clear protective effect against recurrence of hyperglycaemia until day 14, but after cessation of drug delivery hyperglycaemia re‐appeared. The results indicate that continuous administration of the IL‐1 receptor antagonist can prevent recurrence of the diabetogenic process in NOD mice. IL‐1 receptor antagonist may therefore become a useful adjuvant immunomodulating therapy after human islet transplantation in insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus.

Interleukin-1β induces nitric oxide production and inhibits the activity of aconitase without decreasing glucose oxidation rates in isolated mouse pancreatic islets

Summary The aim of this investigation was to further characterize the process of interleukin-lβ (IL-lβ) induced nitric oxide production in isolated pancreatic islets. It was found that both IL-1β and nitroprusside increased islet nitrite production. This effect was paralleled by inhibition of islet aconitase activity and glucose oxidation rates. Neither trifluoroperazinen or aminopterin could prevent the IL-1β induced increase in nitrite production, aconitase inhibition and decrease in glucose oxidation rates. In a second series of experiments, isolated mouse pancreatic islets were exposed to IL-1β for 24 h and subequently used for nitrite production, aconitase activity and glucose oxidation determinations. The islets responded to IL-1β with an increased nitrite production and a decreased activity of aconitase, whereas the islet glucose oxidation rates were not decreased. It is concluded that IL-1β in both rat and mouse islets induces nitric oxide formation and that this induction leads to the inhibition of the Krebs cycle enzyme aconitase. In rat islets this probably leads to an inhibited insulin secretion, whereas IL-1β in mouse islets suppresses insulin secretion by a non-mitochondrial mechanism.

The gastric mucus layers: constituents and regulation of accumulation

The mucus layer continuously covering the gastric mucosa consists of a loosely adherent layer that can be easily removed by suction, leaving a firmly adherent mucus layer attached to the epithelium. These two layers exhibit different gastroprotective roles; therefore, individual regulation of thickness and mucin composition were studied. Mucus thickness was measured in vivo with micropipettes in anesthetized mice [isoflurane; C57BL/6, Muc1-/-, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-/-, and neuronal NOS (nNOS)-/-] and rats (inactin) after surgical exposure of the gastric mucosa. The two mucus layers covering the gastric mucosa were differently regulated. Luminal administration of PGE(2) increased the thickness of both layers, whereas luminal NO stimulated only firmly adherent mucus accumulation. A new gastroprotective role for iNOS was indicated since iNOS-deficient mice had thinner firmly adherent mucus layers and a lower mucus accumulation rate, whereas nNOS did not appear to be involved in mucus secretion. Downregulation of gastric mucus accumulation was observed in Muc1-/- mice. Both the firmly and loosely adherent mucus layers consisted of Muc5ac mucins. In conclusion, this study showed that, even though both the two mucus layers covering the gastric mucosa consist of Muc5ac, they are differently regulated by luminal PGE(2) and NO. A new gastroprotective role for iNOS was indicated since iNOS-/- mice had a thinner firmly adherent mucus layer. In addition, a regulatory role of Muc1 was demonstrated since downregulation of gastric mucus accumulation was observed in Muc1-/- mice.

Effects of vascular endothelial growth factor on pancreatic duct cell replication and the insulin production of fetal islet-like cell clusters in vitro

We have previously shown that the tyrosine kinase receptor Flk-1 and its ligand, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), may play a role in the development of fetal rat islet-like structures in vitro, possibly by stimulating the maturation of endocrine precursor cells in the pancreatic ductal epithelium. In order to further assess this, adult rat pancreatic ducts and fetal porcine islet-like cell clusters (ICC) were cultured in the presence of VEGF. In ducts, VEGF stimulated the mitogenesis in the epithelium. Culture of ICC in the presence of VEGF significantly enhanced their insulin content, but decreased the insulin accumulation to the culture medium. Glucose-stimulated acute insulin release was not affected by VEGF. Northern blot analysis after partial pancreatectomy in adult rats revealed induction of VEGF mRNA 3 days after the operation. Immunohistochemistry of fetal rat pancreas showed staining mainly in the islets of Langerhans. We conclude that VEGF directly stimulates the replication of the ductal epithelium, a possible prerequisite for beta-cell formation. This could require local production of VEGF, which may alter in response to physiological demands.

Glucose- and Hormone-Induced cAMP Oscillations in α- and β-Cells Within Intact Pancreatic Islets

OBJECTIVE cAMP is a critical messenger for insulin and glucagon secretion from pancreatic β- and α-cells, respectively. Dispersed β-cells show cAMP oscillations, but the signaling kinetics in cells within intact islets of Langerhans is unknown. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The subplasma-membrane cAMP concentration ([cAMP]pm) was recorded in α- and β-cells in the mantle of intact mouse pancreatic islets using total internal reflection microscopy and a fluorescent translocation biosensor. Cell identification was based on the opposite effects of adrenaline on cAMP in α- and β-cells. RESULTS In islets exposed to 3 mmol/L glucose, [cAMP]pm was low and stable. Glucagon and glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36)-amide (GLP-1) induced dose-dependent elevation of [cAMP]pm, often with oscillations synchronized among β-cells. Whereas glucagon also induced [cAMP]pm oscillations in most α-cells, <20% of the α-cells responded to GLP-1. Elevation of the glucose concentration to 11–30 mmol/L in the absence of hormones induced slow [cAMP]pm oscillations in both α- and β-cells. These cAMP oscillations were coordinated with those of the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in the β-cells but not caused by the changes in [Ca2+]i. The transmembrane adenylyl cyclase (AC) inhibitor 2′5′-dideoxyadenosine suppressed the glucose- and hormone-induced [cAMP]pm elevations, whereas the preferential inhibitors of soluble AC, KH7, and 1,3,5(10)-estratrien-2,3,17-β-triol perturbed cell metabolism and lacked effect, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Oscillatory [cAMP]pm signaling in secretagogue-stimulated β-cells is maintained within intact islets and depends on transmembrane AC activity. The discovery of glucose- and glucagon-induced [cAMP]pm oscillations in α-cells indicates the involvement of cAMP in the regulation of pulsatile glucagon secretion.