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Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 Improve Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function in Aged Rats
1Yu Hu, Department of Geriatrics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200030, China, E-mail: hu.yu@zs-hospital.sh.cn, Tel:+86-021-64041990-3766, Fax:+86-21-64035399.
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|May 29, 2018
Summary
Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) therapy enhances intestinal barrier function in aging rats by promoting mucosal growth and increasing tight junction proteins like ZO-1 and occludin. This reduces age-related intestinal permeability, suggesting GLP-2
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Aging research
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is known for intestinal repair.
- The mechanism of GLP-2 in improving intestinal barrier function during aging is not fully understood.
- Aging is associated with impaired intestinal barrier function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of GLP-2 on intestinal barrier function in aged rats.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of GLP-2 action in aging intestines.
Main Methods:
- Administration of GLP-2 to 26-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats for 14 days.
- Assessment of intestinal mucosal morphometry using light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
- Evaluation of small intestinal permeability with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled dextran.
- Measurement of mRNA and protein expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1) and GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R) via Real-time PCR and Western blot.
Main Results:
- GLP-2 treatment significantly improved age-related intestinal mucosal atrophy and villi height.
- GLP-2 administration reduced age-related increases in small intestinal permeability.
- The expression of ZO-1 and occludin mRNA and protein in the ileum was upregulated in GLP-2 treated rats.
- Serum GLP-2 levels showed a negative correlation with small intestinal permeability.
Conclusions:
- GLP-2 effectively improves small intestinal epithelial barrier function in aged rats.
- The mechanism involves promoting intestinal mucosa growth and reducing permeability.
- GLP-2 increases the expression of key tight junction proteins, ZO-1 and occludin.
- These findings highlight the clinical potential of GLP-2 in preventing age-related intestinal barrier dysfunction.
Keywords:
Glucagon-Like Peptide-2aged ratsintestinal barrier functionintestinal permeabilitytight junctionMore Related Videos
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