Caren L HE
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
Title: Anti-Inflammatory effects of exendin-4, a glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue, on human peripheral lymphocytes in patients with type 2 diabetes
Biography
Biography: Caren L HE
Abstract
Aims/Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is characterized by dysregulation of immunity, oxidative stress and reduced incretin effects. Experimental studies suggest that glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) might have immuno-modulating effects. We hypothesize that GLP-1 receptor agonist, exendin-4, may reduce inflammatory response in type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: Using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) sampled from 10 type 2 diabetes and 10 sex- and age-matched control subjects and supernatants from PBMC culture, the expression of phospho-mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in CD4+ T helper lymphocytes and monocytes was analysed using flow cytometry. Cytokines/chemokines and superoxide anion before and after treatment with exendin-4 were measured by cytometric bead array and chemiluminesence assay, respectively. Results: Compared to control subjects, PBMC from type 2 diabetes patients showed activated MAPK (P38, JNK and ERK) signaling pathway, elevated superoxide anion, increased proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), and chemokines (CCL5/RANTES and CXCL10/IP-10). These changes were attenuated by exendin-4, possibly through the suppression of p38 MAPK. Conclusions: These results suggest that exendin-4 might down-regulate proinflammatory responses and reduce oxidative stress by suppressing MAPK signaling pathways in type 2 diabetes.