title: Magainin-AM2 improves glucose homeostasis and beta cell function in high-fat fed mice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Magainin-AM2, a previously described amphibian host-defense peptide, stimulates insulin- and glucagon-like peptide-1-release in vitro. This study investigated anti-diabetic effects of the peptide in mice with diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Male National Institute of Health Swiss mice were maintained on a high-fat diet for 12-weeks prior to the daily treatment with magainin-AM2. Various indices of glucose tolerance were monitored together with insulin secretory responsiveness of islets at conclusion of study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Following twice daily treatment with magainin-AM2 for 15 days, no significant difference in body weight and food intake was observed compared with saline-treated high fat control animals. However, non-fasting blood glucose was significantly (P<0.05) decreased while plasma insulin concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) increased. Oral and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance and insulin secretion following glucose administration via both routes were significantly (P<0.05) enhanced. The peptide significantly (P<0.001) improved insulin sensitivity as well as the beta cell responses of islets isolated from treated mice to a range of insulin secretagogues. Oxygen consumption, CO₂production, respiratory exchange ratio and energy expenditure were not significantly altered by sub-chronic administration of magainin-AM2 but a significant (P<0.05) reduction in fat deposition was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results indicate that magainin-AM2 improves glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and islet beta cells secretory responsiveness in mice with obesity-diabetes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The activity of magainin-AM2 suggests the possibility of exploiting this peptide for treatment of type 2 diabetes.
authors.affiliation: SAAD Centre for Pharmacy & Diabetes, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK.
authors.forename: O O
authors.initials: OO
authors.lastname: Ojo
authors.affiliation: SAAD Centre for Pharmacy & Diabetes, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK.
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Srinivasan
authors.affiliation: SAAD Centre for Pharmacy & Diabetes, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK.
authors.forename: B O
authors.initials: BO
authors.lastname: Owolabi
authors.affiliation: SAAD Centre for Pharmacy & Diabetes, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Conlon
authors.affiliation: SAAD Centre for Pharmacy & Diabetes, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK.
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Flatt
authors.affiliation: SAAD Centre for Pharmacy & Diabetes, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK. Electronic address: y.abdel-wahab@ulster.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Y H A
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Abdel-Wahab
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D059305:Diet, High-Fat; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000187:drug effects; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000187:drug effects*; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D050417:Insulin-Secreting Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D054806:Magainins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D010179:Pancreas / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D013997:Time Factors; D029867:Xenopus Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D054806:Magainins; D029867:Xenopus Proteins; C582631:magainin-AM2, Xenopus; D005947:Glucose
keywords: Amphibian peptide; Insulin-release; Magainin-AM2; Obesity; Type 2 diabetes