Research ArticleEffects of glucagon-like peptide-1 on glucagon secretion in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background & AimsWe evaluated the glucagon-suppressive effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and its potential effects on endogenous glucose production and whole body lipolysis in non-diabetic patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).MethodsOn two separate days, 10 non-diabetic patients with liver biopsy-verified NAFLD (NAFLD activity score 2.5 ± 1.0) and 10 matched controls underwent 2 h intravenous infusions of GLP-1 (0.8 pmol × kg−1 × min−1) and placebo. Since GLP-1-mediated glucagon suppression has been shown to be glucose-dependent, plasma glucose was clamped at fasting level during the first hour, and then raised and clamped at 'postprandial level' (fasting plasma glucose level plus 3 mmol/L) for the remaining hour. We evaluated relative plasma levels of glucagon, endogenous glucose production and whole body lipolysis rates with stable isotopes and respiratory quotient using indirect calorimetry.ResultsCompared to controls, patients with NAFLD were insulin resistant (homeostasis model assessment (HOMAIR): 3.8 ± 2.2 vs. 1.6 ± 1.5, p = 0.003) and had fasting hyperglucagonaemia (7.5 ± 5.3 vs. 5.8 ± 1.5 mmol/L, p = 0.045). Similar relative glucagon suppression was seen in both groups during GLP-1 infusion at fasting (−97 ± 75 vs. −93 ± 41 pmol/L × min−1p = 0.566) and 'postprandial' plasma glucose levels (−108 ± 101 vs. −97 ± 53 pmol/L × min−1, p = 0.196). Increased insulinotropic effect of GLP-1 was observed in NAFLD patients. No effect of GLP-1 on endogenous glucose production was observed in any of the groups.ConclusionsPatients with NAFLD exhibited fasting hyperglucagonaemia, but intact GLP-1-mediated glucagon suppression independently of plasma glucose concentrations. Preserved glucagonostatic effect and increased insulinotropic effects of GLP-1 in NAFLD may be important to maintain normo-glycaemia in these patients.