Metformin improves intestinal L cell survival in vitro and in vivo

Aims: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is released from the intestinal L-cell following stimulation by nutrients. Hence, GLP-1-based medication is now available for type 2 diabetes. As previously reported, metformin, an AMP-protein kinase (AMPK) activator, causes increased GLP-1 levels in vivo, but not in vitro. We hypothesized that the increased GLP-1 levels might be associated with enhanced L-cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis. Methods: To assess L-cell survival, the mouse GLUTag L-cell line was treated with metformin (150mM) or the AMPK-activator AICAR (1mM), followed by induction of apoptosis, and imm…