The role of the intestinal hormones GIP and GLP-2 in postprandial splanchnic blood flow distribution and metabolism in humans

When we eat, gut hormones are released from the intestines to the blood stream. Their task is to signal to other organs that nutrients have arrived and how to handle them. Important drugs on the market act via the system of the gut hormone GLP-1. Scientific results indicate that two other gut hormones, GIP and GLP-2, signal to the blood vessels of the intestinal area and increase the flow of blood so the body can benefit from as many nutrients as possible. However, this effect of the gut hormones has not yet been visualised and therefore we will do magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) while healthy men ingest glucose or are injected with GIP or GLP-2. Furthermore, to study the hormones secreted from the intestines, we will infuse a GIP receptor inhibitor or a GLP-2 receptor inhibitor to block the signals from these hormones and evaluate the effects. This project will therefore characterise the blood flow changes during glucose ingestion and reveal the actions of two of the most important gut hormones. GIP and GLP-2 are currently explored as treatment options for type 2 diabetes and other diseases, and several drugs are on their way to the marked.

Mentor:

Basic mentor: Professor Mette Marie Rosenkilde, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen

Clinical mentor: Professor Henrik Bo Wiberg Larsson, Department of Clinical Physiology, Rigshospitalet

Life science industry partner: Antag Therapeutics