All Publications


  • Defining clinically important hypoglycemia in patients with postbariatric hypoglycemia. Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery Craig, C. M., McLaughlin, T. L. 2021

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Postbariatric hypoglycemia (PBH) is a rare but growing complication of bariatric surgery. Many aspects have yet to be established, including the blood glucose threshold which represents clinically important hypoglycemia in affected patients.OBJECTIVE: To confirm the glucose threshold below which neuroglycopenic (NG) symptoms arise in patients with PBH during provoked and real-world hypoglycemia as an indicator of clinically important hypoglycemia.SETTING: Stanford University School of Medicine.METHODS: Forty patients with PBH were enrolled. Thirty-two patients underwent hypoglycemia provocation in the clinical research unit (CRU) during which symptoms and blood glucose concentrations were assessed. A sensitivity analysis and stepwise linear regression were conducted evaluating relationships between symptoms and glucose levels. To validate CRU findings in the real-world setting, 8 sex-, age-, body mass index (BMI)-, and disease severity-matched patients underwent 20 days of at-home continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), and symptom assessment by electronic diary (eDiary).RESULTS: In response to hypoglycemia provocation 19%, 59%, and 22% of patients developed a postprandial glucose nadir <70-54 mg/dL , <54-40 mg/dL, and <40 mg/dL, respectively. Number of NG symptoms was highest when glucose was in the <54-40 mg/dL range, although 23% of those with NG symptoms in this range, and 37% with NG symptoms below this range lacked autonomic symptoms, indicating substantial hypoglycemia unawareness. Sensitivity of symptoms to detect hypoglycemia was poor other than for drowsiness, while specificity was high for all NG symptoms. Confusion, sweating, drowsiness, and incoordination were significant independent predictors of hypoglycemia. Events captured during real-world monitoring mirrored CRU data, showing a spike in NG symptoms in the <54-40 mg/dL range. CGM captured up to 10-fold more events than were patient-perceived and captured by SMBG/eDiary.CONCLUSION: Due to the peak in NG symptoms at glucose <54-40 mg/dL during provoked and real-world hypoglycemia, the low sensitivity/high specificity of NG symptoms to detect hypoglycemia, and high prevalence of hypoglycemia unawareness at glucose values <54 mg/dL, we propose that blood glucose <54 mg/dL should be taken to signify clinically important hypoglycemia in patients with established PBH.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.soard.2021.06.013

    View details for PubMedID 34275761

  • PREVENT: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial of Avexitide for Treatment of Post-Bariatric Hypoglycemia. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism Craig, C. M., Lawler, H. M., Lee, C. J., Tan, M., Davis, D. B., Tong, J., Glodowski, M., Rogowitz, E., Karaman, R., McLaughlin, T. L., Porter, L. 2021

    Abstract

    CONTEXT: Post-bariatric hypoglycemia (PBH), characterized by enteroinsular axis overstimulation and hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, is a complication of bariatric surgery for which there is no approved therapy.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy and safety of avexitide [exendin(9-39)], a GLP-1 antagonist, for treatment of PBH.DESIGN: Phase II, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study (PREVENT).SETTING: Multicenter.PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen female patients with PBH.INTERVENTION: Placebo for 14 days followed by avexitide 30mg BID and 60mg QD, each for 14 days in random order.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Glucose nadir and insulin peak during mixed-meal tolerance testing (MMTT) and hypoglycemic events captured by self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), electronic diary, and blinded continuous glucose monitor (CGM).RESULTS: Compared to placebo, avexitide 30mg BID and 60mg QD raised the glucose nadir by 21% (p=0.001) and 26% (p=0.0002) and lowered the insulin peak by 23% (p=0.029) and 21% (p=0.042), corresponding to 50% and 75% fewer participants requiring rescue during MMTT, respectively. Significant reductions in rates of Levels 1-3 hypoglycemia were observed, defined, respectively, as SMBG<70mg/dL, SMBG<54mg/dL, and a severe event characterized by altered mental and/or physical function requiring assistance. CGM demonstrated reductions in hypoglycemia without induction of clinically-relevant hyperglycemia. Avexitide was well-tolerated, with no increase in adverse events.CONCLUSIONS: Avexitide administered for 28 days was well-tolerated and resulted in robust and consistent improvements across multiple clinical and metabolic parameters, reinforcing the targeted therapeutic approach and demonstrating durability of effect. Avexitide may represent a first promising treatment for patients with severe PBH.

    View details for DOI 10.1210/clinem/dgab103

    View details for PubMedID 33616643

  • Guidelines for gastrostomy tube placement and enteral nutrition in patients with severe, refractory hypoglycemia after gastric bypass. Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery Zanley, E., Shah, N. D., Craig, C., Lau, J. N., Rivas, H., McLaughlin, T. 2020

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Postbariatric hypoglycemia (PBH) affects up to 38% of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients. Severe cases are refractory to diet and medications. Surgical treatments including bypass reversal and pancreatectomy are highly morbid and hypoglycemia often recurs. We have developed a highly effective method of treatment by which enteral nutrition administered through a gastrostomy (G) tube placed in the remnant stomach replaces oral diet: if done correctly this reverses hyperinsulinemia and hypoglycemia, yielding substantial health and quality of life benefits for severely affected patients.OBJECTIVES: To provide clinical guidelines for placement of a G-tube to treat postRYGB hypoglycemia, including candidate selection, preoperative evaluation, surgical considerations, and post-RYGB management.SETTING: Stanford University Hospital and Clinics.METHODS: Based on our relatively large experience with placing and managing G-tubes for PBH treatment, an interdisciplinary task force developed guidelines for practitioners.RESULTS: A team approach (endocrinologist, dietitian, surgeon, psychologist) is recommended. Appropriate candidates have a history of RYGB, severe hypoglycemia refractory to medical-nutrition therapy, and significantly affected quality of life. Preoperative requirements include education and expectation setting, determination of initial enteral feeding program, and establishing service with a home enteral provider. Close postoperative follow-up is needed to ensure success and may require adjustments in formula and mode/rate of delivery to optimize tolerance and meet nutritional goals. G-tube nutrition must fully replace oral nutrition to prevent hypoglycemia.CONCLUSIONS: G-tube placement in the remnant stomach represents a relatively well-tolerated and effective treatment for severe, refractory hypoglycemia after RYGB.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.soard.2020.09.026

    View details for PubMedID 33160876

  • Safety, Efficacy and Pharmacokinetics of Repeat Subcutaneous Dosing of Avexitide (Exendin 9-39) for Treatment of Post-Bariatric Hypoglycemia. Diabetes, obesity & metabolism Tan, M., Lamendola, C., Luong, R., McLaughlin, T., Craig, C. 2020

    Abstract

    AIMS: To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of repeat dosing of two formulations of subcutaneous (SC) avexitide (exendin 9-39) in patients with post-bariatric hypoglycemia (PBH).METHODS: In this Phase 2, multiple-ascending-dose study conducted at Stanford University, 19 women with PBH underwent a baseline oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with metabolic and symptomatic assessments. Fourteen participants were then sequentially assigned to receive 1 of 4 ascending dose levels of twice daily (BID) lyophilized (Lyo) avexitide by SC injection for 3 days. On the basis of safety, efficacy and tolerability, 5 additional participants then received a novel liquid formulation (Liq) of avexitide by SC injection at a fixed dose of 30 mg BID for 3 days. All 19 subjects underwent a repeat OGTT on Day 3 of dosing to quantify metabolic, symptomatic, and pharmacokinetic responses.RESULTS: Treatment with Lyo avexitide reduced the magnitude of symptomatic hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia at all dose levels, with dose-dependent improvements in glucose nadir, insulin peak and symptom score; doses ≥20 mg BID did not require glycemic rescue (administered at glucose <50 mg/dL). Participants receiving Liq avexitide 30 mg BID did not require any glycemic rescue, and on average achieved a 47% increase in glucose nadir, 67% reduction in peak insulin, and 47% reduction in overall symptom score. Equivalent doses of Liq vs Lyo avexitide yielded higher and more sustained plasma concentrations. Both formulations were well tolerated.CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PBH, BID administration of SC avexitide effectively raised the glucose nadir and prevented severe hypoglycemia requiring rescue intervention. Avexitide may represent a viable therapy for PBH.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/dom.14048

    View details for PubMedID 32250530

  • Plasma FGF-19 Levels are Increased in Patients with Post-Bariatric Hypoglycemia OBESITY SURGERY Mulla, C. M., Goldfine, A. B., Dreyfuss, J. M., Houten, S., Pan, H., Pober, D. M., Albrechtsen, N., Svane, M. S., Schmidt, J. B., Holst, J., Craig, C. M., McLaughlin, T. L., Patti, M. 2019; 29 (7): 2092–99
  • Generating biosimilar therapeutic drugs through innovative technology and operational excellence NATURE Zhou, B. 2019; 569 (7755)
  • Longitudinal multi-omics of host-microbe dynamics in prediabetes. Nature Zhou, W., Sailani, M. R., Contrepois, K., Zhou, Y., Ahadi, S., Leopold, S. R., Zhang, M. J., Rao, V., Avina, M., Mishra, T., Johnson, J., Lee-McMullen, B., Chen, S., Metwally, A. A., Tran, T. D., Nguyen, H., Zhou, X., Albright, B., Hong, B., Petersen, L., Bautista, E., Hanson, B., Chen, L., Spakowicz, D., Bahmani, A., Salins, D., Leopold, B., Ashland, M., Dagan-Rosenfeld, O., Rego, S., Limcaoco, P., Colbert, E., Allister, C., Perelman, D., Craig, C., Wei, E., Chaib, H., Hornburg, D., Dunn, J., Liang, L., Rose, S. M., Kukurba, K., Piening, B., Rost, H., Tse, D., McLaughlin, T., Sodergren, E., Weinstock, G. M., Snyder, M. 2019; 569 (7758): 663–71

    Abstract

    Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a growing health problem, but little is known about its early disease stages, its effects on biological processes or the transition to clinical T2D. To understand the earliest stages of T2Dbetter, we obtained samples from 106 healthy individuals and individuals with prediabetes over approximately four years and performed deep profiling of transcriptomes, metabolomes, cytokines, and proteomes, as well as changes in the microbiome. This rich longitudinal data set revealed many insights: first, healthy profiles are distinct among individuals while displaying diverse patterns of intra- and/or inter-personal variability. Second, extensive host and microbial changes occur during respiratory viral infections and immunization, and immunization triggers potentially protective responses that are distinct from responses to respiratory viral infections. Moreover, during respiratory viral infections, insulin-resistant participants respond differently than insulin-sensitive participants. Third, global co-association analyses among the thousands of profiled molecules reveal specific host-microbe interactions that differ between insulin-resistant and insulin-sensitive individuals. Last, we identified early personal molecular signatures in one individual that preceded the onset of T2D, including the inflammation markers interleukin-1 receptor agonist (IL-1RA) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) paired with xenobiotic-induced immune signalling. Our study reveals insights into pathways and responses that differ between glucose-dysregulated and healthy individuals during health and disease and provides an open-access data resource to enable further research into healthy, prediabetic and T2D states.

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s41586-019-1236-x

    View details for PubMedID 31142858

  • Plasma FGF-19 Levels are Increased in Patients with Post-Bariatric Hypoglycemia. Obesity surgery Mulla, C. M., Goldfine, A. B., Dreyfuss, J. M., Houten, S., Pan, H., Pober, D. M., Wewer Albrechtsen, N. J., Svane, M. S., Schmidt, J. B., Holst, J. J., Craig, C. M., McLaughlin, T. L., Patti, M. 2019

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Hypoglycemia is an increasingly recognized complication of bariatric surgery. Mechanisms contributing to glucose lowering remain incompletely understood. We aimed to identify differentially abundant plasma proteins in patients with post-bariatric hypoglycemia (PBH) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), compared to asymptomatic post-RYGB.METHODS: Proteomic analysis of blood samples collected after overnight fast and mixed meal challenge in individuals with PBH, asymptomatic RYGB, severe obesity, or overweight recruited from outpatient hypoglycemia or bariatric clinics.RESULTS: The top-ranking differentially abundant protein at 120min after mixed meal was fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF-19), an intestinally derived hormone regulated by bile acid-FXR signaling; levels were 2.4-fold higher in PBH vs. asymptomatic post-RYGB (mean + SEM, 1094±141 vs. 428±45, P<0.001, FDR<0.01). FGF-19 ELISA confirmed 3.5-fold higher concentrations in PBH versus asymptomatic (360±70 vs. 103±18, P=0.025). To explore potential links between increased FGF-19 and GLP-1, residual samples from other human studies in which GLP-1 was modulated were assayed. FGF-19 levels did not change in response to infusion of GLP-1 and PYY in overweight/obese individuals. Infusion of the GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin 9-39 in recently operated asymptomatic post-RYGB did not alter FGF-19 levels after mixed meal. By contrast, GLP-1 receptor antagonist infusion yielded a significant increase in FGF-19 levels after oral glucose in individuals with PBH. While plasma bile acids did not differ between PBH and asymptomatic post-RYGB, these data suggest unique interrelationships between GLP-1 and FGF-19 in PBH.CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these data support FGF-19 as a potential contributor to insulin-independent pathways driving postprandial hypoglycemia in PBH.

    View details for PubMedID 30976983

  • High-frequency actionable pathogenic exome variants in an average-risk cohort COLD SPRING HARBOR MOLECULAR CASE STUDIES Rego, S., Dagan-Rosenfeld, O., Zhou, W., Sailani, M., Limcaoco, P., Colbert, E., Avina, M., Wheeler, J., Craig, C., Salins, D., Rost, H. L., Dunn, J., McLaughlin, T., Steinmetz, L. M., Bernstein, J. A., Snyder, M. P. 2018; 4 (6)
  • High Frequency Actionable Pathogenic Exome Variants in an Average-Risk Cohort. Cold Spring Harbor molecular case studies Rego, S., Dagan-Rosenfeld, O., Zhou, W., Sailani, M. R., Limcaoco, P., Colbert, E., Avina, M., Wheeler, J., Craig, C., Salins, D., Rost, H. L., Dunn, J., McLaughlin, T., Steinmetz, L. M., Bernstein, J. A., Snyder, M. P. 2018

    Abstract

    Exome sequencing is increasingly utilized in both clinical and non-clinical settings, but little is known about its utility in healthy individuals. Most previous studies on this topic have examined a small subset of genes known to be implicated in human disease and/or have used automated pipelines to assess pathogenicity of known variants. In order to determine the frequency of both medically actionable and non-actionable but medically relevant exome findings in the general population we assessed the exomes of 70 participants who have been extensively characterized over the past several years as part of a longitudinal integrated multi-omics profiling study. We analyzed exomes by identifying rare likely pathogenic and pathogenic variants in genes associated with Mendelian disease in the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database. We then used American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) guidelines for the classification of rare sequence variants. Additionally, we assessed pharmacogenetic variants. Twelve out of 70 (17%) participants had medically actionable findings in Mendelian disease genes. Five had phenotypes or family histories associated with their genetic variants. The frequency of actionable variants is higher than that reported in most previous studies and suggests added benefit from utilizing expanded gene lists and manual curation to assess actionable findings. A total of 63 participants (90%) had additional non-actionable findings, including 60 who were found to be carriers for recessive diseases and 21 who have increased Alzheimer's disease risk due to heterozygous or homozygous APOE e4 alleles (18 participants had both). Our results suggest that exome sequencing may have considerable more utility for health management in the general population than previously thought.

    View details for PubMedID 30487145

  • Efficacy and pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous exendin (9-39) in patients with post-bariatric hypoglycaemia DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM Craig, C. M., Liu, L., Thi Nguyen, Price, C., Bingham, J., McLaughlin, T. L. 2018; 20 (2): 352–61

    Abstract

    To evaluate the efficacy, pharmacokinetic (PK) profile and tolerability of subcutaneous (s.c.). exendin 9-39 (Ex-9) injection in patients with post-bariatric hypoglycaemia (PBH).Nine women who had recurrent symptomatic hypoglycaemia after undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass were enrolled in this 2-part, single-blind, single-ascending-dose study. In Part 1, a single participant underwent equimolar low-dose intravenous (i.v.) vs s.c. Ex-9 administration; in Part 2, 8 participants were administered single ascending doses of s.c. Ex-9 during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Glycaemic, hormonal, PK and symptomatic responses were compared with those obtained during the baseline OGTT.Although an exposure-response relationship was observed, all doses effectively prevented hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia and improved associated symptoms. On average, the postprandial glucose nadir was increased by 66%, peak insulin was reduced by 57%, and neuroglycopenic symptoms were reduced by 80%. All doses were well tolerated with no treatment-emergent adverse events observed.Injection s.c. of Ex-9 appears to represent a safe, effective and targeted therapeutic approach for treatment of PBH. Further investigation involving multiple doses with chronic dosing is warranted.

    View details for PubMedID 28776922

  • Integrative Personal Omics Profiles during Periods of Weight Gain and Loss. Cell systems Piening, B. D., Zhou, W. n., Contrepois, K. n., Röst, H. n., Gu Urban, G. J., Mishra, T. n., Hanson, B. M., Bautista, E. J., Leopold, S. n., Yeh, C. Y., Spakowicz, D. n., Banerjee, I. n., Chen, C. n., Kukurba, K. n., Perelman, D. n., Craig, C. n., Colbert, E. n., Salins, D. n., Rego, S. n., Lee, S. n., Zhang, C. n., Wheeler, J. n., Sailani, M. R., Liang, L. n., Abbott, C. n., Gerstein, M. n., Mardinoglu, A. n., Smith, U. n., Rubin, D. L., Pitteri, S. n., Sodergren, E. n., McLaughlin, T. L., Weinstock, G. M., Snyder, M. P. 2018

    Abstract

    Advances in omics technologies now allow an unprecedented level of phenotyping for human diseases, including obesity, in which individual responses to excess weight are heterogeneous and unpredictable. To aid the development of better understanding of these phenotypes, we performed a controlled longitudinal weight perturbation study combining multiple omics strategies (genomics, transcriptomics, multiple proteomics assays, metabolomics, and microbiomics) during periods of weight gain and loss in humans. Results demonstrated that: (1) weight gain is associated with the activation of strong inflammatory and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy signatures in blood; (2) although weight loss reverses some changes, a number of signatures persist, indicative of long-term physiologic changes; (3) we observed omics signatures associated with insulin resistance that may serve as novel diagnostics; (4) specific biomolecules were highly individualized and stable in response to perturbations, potentially representing stable personalized markers. Most data are available open access and serve as a valuable resource for the community.

    View details for PubMedID 29361466

  • Metabolic markers, regional adiposity, and adipose cell size: relationship to insulin resistance in African-American as compared with Caucasian women. International journal of obesity (2005) Allister-Price, C. n., Craig, C. M., Spielman, D. n., Cushman, S. S., McLaughlin, T. L. 2018

    Abstract

    African-American women have the greatest prevalence of obesity in the United States, and higher rates of type 2 diabetes than Caucasian women, yet paradoxically lower plasma triglycerides (TG), visceral fat and intrahepatic fat, and higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. Visceral fat has not been evaluated against insulin resistance in African-American women, and TG/HDL-cholesterol has been criticized as a poor biomarker for insulin resistance in mixed-sex African-American populations. Adipocyte hypertrophy, reflecting adipocyte dysfunction, predicts insulin resistance in Caucasians, but has not been studied in African-Americans. Our goal was to assess whether traditional correlates of insulin resistance, measures of adiposity and adipocyte characteristics similarly predict peripheral insulin resistance in African-American and Caucasian women.Thirty-four healthy African-American (n = 17) and Caucasian (n = 17) women, matched for age (mean = 53.0 yrs) and body mass index (BMI) (mean = 30 kg/m2), underwent a steady-state plasma glucose test to measure insulin sensitivity; computed tomography (fat distribution); and a periumbilical scalpel biopsy (adipocyte characterization). By-race analyzes utilized analysis of covariance; linear regressions evaluated relationships between metabolic/adipose variables. All analyses adjusted for BMI and menopausal status.Insulin sensitivity did not differ between groups (p = 0.65). Neither BMI, nor %body fat or thigh fat predicted insulin resistance in African-American women. Fasting TG (p = 0.046), HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.0006) and TG/HDL-cholesterol ratio (p = 0.009) strongly predicted insulin resistance in African-American women. Despite being lower in African-American women, hepatic fat and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) correlated with insulin resistance in both groups, as did fasting glucose, VAT/SAT (subcutaneous adipose tissue) ratio, and %SAT (inverse).Total adiposity measures and adipocyte hypertrophy did not predict insulin resistance in African-American women, but did in Caucasian women. Plasma TG and HDL-cholesterol were significant predictors of insulin resistance in African-American women. Our findings demonstrate the need to identify race and sex-specific biomarkers for metabolic risk profiling.

    View details for PubMedID 30127463

  • T-Cells in Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Mclaughlin, T., Liu, L., Craig, C., Perelman, D., Choi, O., Tolentino, L., Engleman, E. AMER DIABETES ASSOC. 2017: A90
  • Critical role for GLP-1 in symptomatic post-bariatric hypoglycaemia. Diabetologia Craig, C. M., Liu, L., Deacon, C. F., Holst, J. J., McLaughlin, T. L. 2017; 60 (3): 531-540

    Abstract

    Post-bariatric hypoglycaemia (PBH) is a rare, but severe, metabolic disorder arising months to years after bariatric surgery. It is characterised by symptomatic postprandial hypoglycaemia, with inappropriately elevated insulin concentrations. The relative contribution of exaggerated incretin hormone signalling to dysregulated insulin secretion and symptomatic hypoglycaemia is a subject of ongoing inquiry. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that PBH and associated symptoms are primarily mediated by glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).We conducted a double-blinded crossover study wherein eight participants with confirmed PBH were assigned in random order to intravenous infusion of the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1r) antagonist. Exendin (9-39) (Ex-9), or placebo during an OGTT on two separate days at the Stanford University Clinical and Translational Research Unit. Metabolic, symptomatic and pharmacokinetic variables were evaluated. Results were compared with a cohort of BMI- and glucose-matched non-surgical controls (NSCs).Infusion of Ex-9 decreased the time to peak glucose and rate of glucose decline during OGTT, and raised the postprandial nadir by over 70%, normalising it relative to NSCs and preventing hypoglycaemia in all PBH participants. Insulin AUC and secretion rate decreased by 57% and 71% respectively, and peak postprandial insulin was normalised relative to NSCs. Autonomic and neuroglycopenic symptoms were significantly reduced during Ex-9 infusion.GLP-1r blockade prevented hypoglycaemia in 100% of individuals, normalised beta cell function and reversed neuroglycopenic symptoms, supporting the conclusion that GLP-1 plays a primary role in mediating hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia in PBH. Competitive antagonism at the GLP-1r merits consideration as a therapeutic strategy.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02550145.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s00125-016-4179-x

    View details for PubMedID 27975209

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5300915

  • Adipose tissue macrophages impair preadipocyte differentiation in humans. PloS one Liu, L. F., Craig, C. M., Tolentino, L. L., Choi, O., Morton, J., Rivas, H., Cushman, S. W., Engleman, E. G., McLaughlin, T. 2017; 12 (2)

    Abstract

    The physiologic mechanisms underlying the relationship between obesity and insulin resistance are not fully understood. Impaired adipocyte differentiation and localized inflammation characterize adipose tissue from obese, insulin-resistant humans. The directionality of this relationship is not known, however. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether adipose tissue inflammation is causally-related to impaired adipocyte differentiation.Abdominal subcutaneous(SAT) and visceral(VAT) adipose tissue was obtained from 20 human participants undergoing bariatric surgery. Preadipocytes were isolated, and cultured in the presence or absence of CD14+ macrophages obtained from the same adipose tissue sample. Adipocyte differentiation was quantified after 14 days via immunofluorescence, Oil-Red O, and adipogenic gene expression. Cytokine secretion by mature adipocytes cultured with or without CD14+macrophages was quantified.Adipocyte differentiation was significantly lower in VAT than SAT by all measures (p<0.001). With macrophage removal, SAT preadipocyte differentiation increased significantly as measured by immunofluorescence and gene expression, whereas VAT preadipocyte differentiation was unchanged. Adipocyte-secreted proinflammatory cytokines were higher and adiponectin lower in media from VAT vs SAT: macrophage removal reduced inflammatory cytokine and increased adiponectin secretion from both SAT and VAT adipocytes. Differentiation of preadipocytes from SAT but not VAT correlated inversely with systemic insulin resistance.The current results reveal that proinflammatory immune cells in human SAT are causally-related to impaired preadipocyte differentiation, which in turn is associated with systemic insulin resistance. In VAT, preadipocyte differentiation is poor even in the absence of tissue macrophages, pointing to inherent differences in fat storage potential between the two depots.

    View details for DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0170728

    View details for PubMedID 28151993

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5289462

  • Subcutaneous Exendin (9-39) Effectively Treats Postbariatric Hyper insulinemic Hypoglycemia Craig, C. M., Mclaughlin, T. L. AMER DIABETES ASSOC. 2016: A7–A8
  • Adipose Cell Size and Regional Fat Deposition as Predictors of Metabolic Response to Overfeeding in Insulin-Resistant and Insulin-Sensitive Humans DIABETES McLaughlin, T., Craig, C., Liu, L., Perelman, D., Allister, C., Spielman, D., Cushman, S. W. 2016; 65 (5): 1245-1254

    Abstract

    Obesity is associated with insulin resistance (IR), but significant variability exists between similarly-obese individuals, pointing to qualitative characteristics of body fat as potential mediators. To test the hypothesis that obese, insulin-sensitive (IS) individuals possess adaptive adipose cell/tissue responses, we measured subcutaneous adipose cell size, insulin-suppression-of lipolysis, and regional fat responses to short-term overfeeding in BMI-matched overweight/obese individuals classified as IS or IR. At baseline, IR subjects exhibited significantly-greater visceral adipose tissue(VAT), intrahepatic lipid(IHL), plasma FFAs , adipose cell diameter, and %small adipose cells. With weight gain (3.1+1.4 kg), IR subjects demonstrated no significant change in adipose cell size, VAT, or insulin-suppression-of lipolysis, and only 8% worsening of insulin-mediated glucose uptake (IMGU).Alternatively, IS subjects demonstrated significant adipose cell enlargement, decrease in %small adipose cells, increase in VAT, IHL, lipolysis, 45% worsening of IMGU, and decreased expression of lipid metabolism genes. Smaller baseline adipose cell size and greater enlargement with weight gain predicted decline in IMGU, as did increase in IHL, VAT, and decrease in insulin-suppression-of lipolysis. Weight gain in IS humans causes maladaptive changes in adipose cells, regional fat distribution, and insulin resistance. The correlation between worsening insulin resistance and changes in adipose cell size, VAT, IHL, and insulin-suppression-of lipolysis highlight these factors as potential mediators between obesity and insulin resistance.

    View details for DOI 10.2337/db15-1213

    View details for Web of Science ID 000375028000015

    View details for PubMedID 26884438

  • Pasireotide Induced Adrenal Insufficiency. Clinical endocrinology Weaver, K. n., Craig, C. n., McLaughlin, T. n. 2016

    Abstract

    We report the case of secondary adrenal insufficiency in a 56-year-old woman with a history of post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, undergoing experimental treatment with pasireotide. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

    View details for PubMedID 26733356

  • In vivo 2H2O administration reveals impaired triglyceride storage in adipose tissue of insulin-resistant humans. Journal of lipid research Allister, C. A., Liu, L., Lamendola, C. A., Craig, C. M., Cushman, S. W., Hellerstein, M. K., McLaughlin, T. L. 2015; 56 (2): 435-439

    Abstract

    Indirect evidence suggests that impaired triglyceride storage in the subcutaneous fat depot contributes to the development of insulin resistance via lipotoxicity. We directly tested this hypothesis by measuring, in vivo, TG synthesis, de novo lipogenesis (DNL), adipocyte proliferation, and insulin suppression of lipolysis in subcutaneous adipose tissue of BMI-matched individuals classified as insulin resistant (IR) or insulin sensitive (IS). Nondiabetic, moderately obese subjects with BMI 25-35 kg/m(2), classified as IR or IS by the modified insulin suppression test, consumed deuterated water ((2)H2O) for 4 weeks. Deuterium incorporation into glycerol, palmitate, and DNA indicated TG synthesis, DNL, and adipocyte proliferation, respectively. Net TG synthesis and DNL in adipose cells were significantly lower in IR as compared with IS subjects, whereas adipocyte proliferation did not differ significantly. Plasma FFAs measured during an insulin suppression test were 2.5-fold higher in IR subjects, indicating resistance to insulin suppression of lipolysis. Adipose TG synthesis correlated directly with DNL but not with proliferation. These results provide direct in vivo evidence for impaired TG storage in subcutaneous adipose tissue of IR as compared with IS. Relative inability to store TG in the subcutaneous depot may represent a mechanism contributing to the development of insulin resistance in the setting of obesity.

    View details for DOI 10.1194/jlr.M052860

    View details for PubMedID 25418322

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4306696

  • The Use of Gastrostomy Tube for the Long-Term Remission of Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia After Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass: A Case Report AACE Clinical Case Reports: Spring 2015 Craig, C. M., Lamendola, C., Holst, J. J., Deacon, C. F., McLaughlin, T. L. 2015; 1 (2): e84-e87

    View details for DOI 10.4158/EP14218

  • The Integrative Human Microbiome Project: Dynamic Analysis of Microbiome-Host Omics Profiles during Periods of Human Health and Disease CELL HOST & MICROBE Proctor, L. M. 2014; 16 (3): 276-289

    Abstract

    Much has been learned about the diversity and distribution of human-associated microbial communities, but we still know little about the biology of the microbiome, how it interacts with the host, and how the host responds to its resident microbiota. The Integrative Human Microbiome Project (iHMP, http://hmp2.org), the second phase of the NIH Human Microbiome Project, will study these interactions by analyzing microbiome and host activities in longitudinal studies of disease-specific cohorts and by creating integrated data sets of microbiome and host functional properties. These data sets will serve as experimental test beds to evaluate new models, methods, and analyses on the interactions of host and microbiome. Here we describe the three models of microbiome-associated human conditions, on the dynamics of preterm birth, inflammatory bowel disease, and type 2 diabetes, and their underlying hypotheses, as well as the multi-omic data types to be collected, integrated, and distributed through public repositories as a community resource.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.chom.2014.08.014

    View details for Web of Science ID 000342057000006

    View details for PubMedID 25211071

  • Notch Oncoproteins depend on gamma-secretase/presenilin activity for processing and function JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY Das, I., Craig, C., Funahashi, Y., Jung, K. M., Kim, T. W., Byers, R., Weng, A. P., Kutok, J. L., Aster, J. C., Kitajewski, J. 2004; 279 (29): 30771-30780

    Abstract

    During normal development Notch receptor signaling is important in regulating numerous cell fate decisions. Mutations that truncate the extracellular domain of Notch receptors can cause aberrant signaling and promote unregulated cell growth. We have examined two types of truncated Notch oncoproteins that arise from proviral insertion into the Notch4 gene (Notch4/int-3) or a chromosomal translocation involving the Notch1 gene (TAN-1). Both Notch4/int-3 and TAN-1 oncoproteins lack most or all of their ectodomain. Normal Notch signaling requires gamma-secretase/presenilin-mediated proteolytic processing, but whether Notch oncoproteins are also dependent on gamma-secretase/presenilin activity is not known. We demonstrate that Notch4/int-3-induced activation of the downstream transcription factor, CSL, is abrogated in cells deficient in presenilins or treated with a pharmacological inhibitor of gamma-secretase/presenilins. Furthermore, we find that both Notch4/int-3 and TAN-1 accumulate at the cell surface, where presenilin-dependent cleavage occurs, when gamma-secretase/presenilin activity is inhibited. gamma-Secretase/presenilin inhibition effectively blocks cellular responses to Notch4/int-3, but not TAN-1, apparently because some TAN-1 polypeptides lack transmembrane domains and do not require gamma-secretase/presenilin activity for nuclear access. These studies highlight potential uses and limitations of gamma-secretase/presenilin inhibitors in targeted therapy of Notch-related neoplasms.

    View details for DOI 10.1074/jbc.M309252200

    View details for Web of Science ID 000222531900108

    View details for PubMedID 15123653