Endogenous GLP-1 alters postprandial functional connectivity between homeostatic and reward-related brain regions involved in regulation of appetite in healthy lean males: A pilotstudy

Anne Christin Meyer-Gerspach*, Huynh Giao Ly, Stefan Borgwardt, Patrick Dupont, Christoph Beglinger, Lukas Van Oudenhove, Bettina K. Wölnerhanssen

*Corresponding author for this work

Abstract

Aims: Peripheral infusion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) can affect brain activity in areas involved in the regulation of appetite, including hypothalamic and reward-related brain regions. In contrast, the physiological role of endogenous GLP-1 in the central regulation of appetite has hardly been investigated. Materials and Methods: This was a randomized, cross-over trial that involved 12 healthy volunteers who received an intragastric (ig) glucose (gluc) load, with or without intravenous (iv) exendin9-39 (ex9-39; specific GLP-1 receptor antagonist). Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to investigate the effect of endogenous GLP-1 on resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) between homeostatic and reward-related brain regions. Visual analogue scales were used to rate appetite-related sensations. Blood samples were collected for GI hormone measurements. Results: Administration of iv-ex9-39/ig-gluc induced a significantly higher rsFC, relative to ig-gluc administration, between the hypothalamus and the left lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) as well as the left amygdala (P ≤.001, respectively). Administration of iv-ex9-39/ig-gluc induced a significantly higher rsFC, relative to ig-gluc administration, between the right nucleus accumbens and the right lateral OFC (P <.001). Administration of iv-ex9-39/ig-gluc induced a significantly lower rsFC, relative to ig-gluc administration, between the midbrain and the right caudate nucleus (P =.001). Administration of ig-gluc significantly decreased prospective food consumption and increased sensations of fullness compared to pre-infusion baseline (P =.028 and P =.019, respectively); these effects were not present in the iv-ex9-39/ig-gluc condition. Conclusions: This pilot trial provides preliminary experimental evidence that glucose-induced endogenous GLP-1 affects central regulation of appetite by modulating rsFC in homeostatic and reward-related brain regions in healthy lean male participants in a GLP-1 receptor-mediated fashion.

Original languageEnglish
JournalDiabetes, Obesity and Metabolism
Volume20
Issue number10
Pages (from-to)2330-2338
Number of pages9
ISSN1462-8902
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10.2018

Funding

Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF); Stiftung zur Förderung der gastroenterologischen Forschung; KU Leuven Special Research Fund information Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF); Stiftung zur F?rderung der gastroenterologischen Forschung; KU Leuven Special Research FundWe would like to thank Alain Thoeni and Philipp Madoerin for radiography; Luisa Baselgia, Claudia Bl?si and Sylvia Ketterer for technical assistance; and Elizaveta Fasler for laboratory assistance. Furthermore, we would like to thank J?rg Schirra, Department of Internal Medicine II, Clinical Research Unit, Clinical Center of the Ludwig Maximilians University, Campus Grosshardern, Munich, Germany, for providing the exendin9-39. The authors have nothing to disclose. A.C. M. G., C. B., S. B. and B. K. W. designed the research. A.C.M.G. and B.K.W. conducted research; A.C.M.G., H.G.L., L.V.O., and P.D. analyzed data and performed statistical analysis; A.C.M.G., H.G.L, L.V.O., C.B., and B.K.W. wrote the manuscript. A.C.M.G. and B.K.W. have primary responsibility for the final content. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
  2. SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
    SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities

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