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The pancreas is a mixed gland primarily composed of exocrine tissue, which secretes digestive enzymes into the digestive tract, and an endocrine component organized into small clusters known as islets of Langerhans, constituting approximately 1% of the pancreatic mass. Each adult islet contains an average of 1,500 cells, including beta-, alpha- and delta-cells, which produce and secrete insulin (INS), glucagon (GCG), and somatostatin (SST) respectively. The destruction of insulin-producing beta-cells or the defective insulin secretion give rise to type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, respectively. These chronic metabolic disorders are characterized by the dysregulation of glucose homeostasis. 

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Current Issue

The low-density lipoprotein receptor contributes to carotenoid homeostasis by regulating tissue uptake and fecal elimination

Anthony P. Miller, Walter C. Monroy, Gema Soria, Jaume Amengual

The low-density lipoprotein receptor contributes to carotenoid homeostasis by regulating tissue uptake and fecal elimination

Objective

Carotenoids are lipophilic plant molecules with antioxidant properties. Some carotenoids such as β-carotene also serve as vitamin A precursors, playing a key role in human health. Carotenoids are transported in lipoproteins with other lipids such as cholesterol, however, the mechanisms responsible for carotenoid storage in tissues and their non-enzymatic elimination remain relatively unexplored. The goal of this study was to examine the contribution of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in the bodily distribution and disposal of carotenoids.

Methods

We employed mice lacking one or both carotenoid-cleaving enzymes as suitable models for carotenoid accumulation. We examined the contribution of LDLR in carotenoid distribution by crossbreeding these mice with Ldlr-/- mice or overexpressing LDLR in the liver.

Results

Our results show that LDLR plays a dual role in carotenoid homeostasis by simultaneously favoring carotenoid storage in the liver and adipose tissue while facilitating their fecal elimination.

Conclusions

Our results highlight a novel role of the LDLR in carotenoid homeostasis, and unveil a previously unrecognized disposal pathway for these important bioactive molecules.

Articles in Press

The low-density lipoprotein receptor contributes to carotenoid homeostasis by regulating tissue uptake and fecal elimination

Anthony P. Miller, Walter C. Monroy, Gema Soria, Jaume Amengual

The low-density lipoprotein receptor contributes to carotenoid homeostasis by regulating tissue uptake and fecal elimination

Objective

Carotenoids are lipophilic plant molecules with antioxidant properties. Some carotenoids such as β-carotene also serve as vitamin A precursors, playing a key role in human health. Carotenoids are transported in lipoproteins with other lipids such as cholesterol, however, the mechanisms responsible for carotenoid storage in tissues and their non-enzymatic elimination remain relatively unexplored. The goal of this study was to examine the contribution of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in the bodily distribution and disposal of carotenoids.

Methods

We employed mice lacking one or both carotenoid-cleaving enzymes as suitable models for carotenoid accumulation. We examined the contribution of LDLR in carotenoid distribution by crossbreeding these mice with Ldlr-/- mice or overexpressing LDLR in the liver.

Results

Our results show that LDLR plays a dual role in carotenoid homeostasis by simultaneously favoring carotenoid storage in the liver and adipose tissue while facilitating their fecal elimination.

Conclusions

Our results highlight a novel role of the LDLR in carotenoid homeostasis, and unveil a previously unrecognized disposal pathway for these important bioactive molecules.

2022 impact factor: 6.6

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