Analysis of beta-cell maturity and mitochondrial morphology in juvenile non-human primates exposed to maternal Western-style diet during development.

Introduction: Using a non-human primate (NHP) model of maternal Western-style diet (mWSD) feeding during pregnancy and lactation, we previously reported altered offspring beta:alpha cell ratio and insulin hyper-secretion Mitochondria are known to maintain beta-cell function by producing ATP for insulin secretion. In response to nutrient stress, the mitochondrial network within beta cells undergoes morphological changes to maintain respiration and metabolic adaptability. Given that mitochondrial dynamics have also been associated with cellular fate transitions, we assessed whether mWSD exposure was associated with changes in markers of beta-cell maturity and/or mitochondrial morphology that might explain the offspring islet phenotype.

Pharmacological modulation of prostaglandin E (PGE ) EP receptors improves cardiomyocyte function under hyperglycemic conditions.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) affects >30 million Americans and nearly 70% of individuals with T2D will die from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Circulating levels of the inflammatory signaling lipid, prostaglandin E (PGE ), are elevated in the setting of obesity and T2D and are associated with decreased cardiac function. The EP3 and EP4 PGE receptors have opposing actions in several tissues, including the heart: overexpression of EP3 in cardiomyocytes impairs function, while EP4 overexpression improves function.

Pharmacological blockade of the EP3 prostaglandin E receptor in the setting of type 2 diabetes enhances β-cell proliferation and identity and relieves oxidative damage.

Objective: Type 2 diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia and inflammation. Prostaglandin E, which signals through four G protein-coupled receptors (EP1-4), is a mediator of inflammation and is upregulated in diabetes. We have shown previously that EP3 receptor blockade promotes β-cell proliferation and survival in isolated mouse and human islets ex vivo.

Western-style diet consumption impairs maternal insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism during pregnancy in a Japanese macaque model.

The prevalence of maternal obesity is increasing in the United States. Offspring born to women with obesity or poor glycemic control have greater odds of becoming obese and developing metabolic disease later in life. Our group has utilized a macaque model to study the metabolic effects of consumption of a calorically-dense, Western-style diet (WSD; 36.

Analysis of Non-Human Primate Pancreatic Islet Oxygen Consumption.

The measurement of oxygen consumption in spheroid clusters of cells, such as ex vivo pancreatic islets, has historically been challenging. We demonstrate the measurement of islet oxygen consumption using a 96-well microplate designed for the measurement of oxygen consumption in spheroids. In this assay, spheroid microplates are coated with a cell and tissue adhesive on the day prior to the assay.