Glyoxalase 1 knockdown induces age-related β-cell dysfunction and glucose intolerance in mice

Immacolata Prevenzano1, Alessia Leone1, Michele Longo1

  • 1URT Genomics of Diabetes-IEOS, CNR & Department of Translational Medicine - Federico II, University of Naples, Naples, Italy.

EMBO Reports
|May 27, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Methylglyoxal (MGO) accumulation impairs glucose tolerance and insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by inducing islet inflammation and senescence. Senolytic treatment can reverse this MGO-induced beta-cell dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Metabolic disease research
  • Diabetes pathogenesis
  • Cellular senescence

Background:

  • Tight glycemic control is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
  • Factors beyond glycemic control influence T2DM progression.
  • Methylglyoxal (MGO) is linked to T2DM complications, but its role in early pathogenesis is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of MGO accumulation in the early pathogenesis of T2DM.
  • To determine if MGO induces age-dependent metabolic alterations and pancreatic changes associated with T2DM.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized glyoxalase 1 knockdown (Glo1KD) mice to induce MGO accumulation.
  • Assessed glucose tolerance and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in Glo1KD and wild-type (WT) mice.
  • Analyzed pancreatic tissue for inflammatory markers, senescence markers, and cytokine expression.
  • Exposed INS832/13 beta-cells to MGO in vitro and tested senolytic treatment.

Main Results:

  • MGO accumulation in Glo1KD mice led to age-dependent impairment of glucose tolerance and insulin secretion.
  • Observed insular inflammation, islet senescence markers, and increased pro-inflammatory cytokines (MCP-1, TNF-α) in Glo1KD mouse pancreata.
  • In vitro MGO exposure caused beta-cell dysfunction, which was reversible with senolytic treatment.

Conclusions:

  • MGO accumulation can induce early T2DM-like phenotypes, including metabolic dysfunction and pancreatic inflammation/senescence.
  • MGO directly contributes to beta-cell dysfunction.
  • These findings suggest MGO as a potential therapeutic target for T2DM prevention.