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

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 that includes impaired glucose metabolism and obesity. Obesity promotes a low chronic inflammation state due to the release of bioactive molecules like cytokines, ultimately contributing to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT), namely the 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 the 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 pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]