Scientific topics
Keywords
Robert Ducroc Adipokines control intestinal absorption of glucose
Course and current status
Born 01.05.1950 in Paris, France
Education 1977: Master of Physiology and Master of Human Biology (University Paris 7); 1981: PhD in Physiology, University Paris 7; 1985: Doctorat of Science, University Paris 7
Positions: 1977: Doctoral Grant of Délégation Générale de la Recherche Scientifique et Technique); Laboratory of Functional Differentiation, Université Paris 7; 1979: Post Doctoral Grant of AJD « Foundation to Help Young Diabetics »; Inserm Unit 83; 1981: PostDoctoral Grant of FRM “Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale” Laboratory of Functional Differentiation, University Paris 7; Since 1983: Researcher at Institut of Health and Medical Research (Inserm).
Presently : Senior Researcher in the Team of Digestive Physiology (André BADO) Center of Biomedical Research Bichat-Beaujon (CRB3, Inserm U773 (Marc LABURTHE), Faculty of Medicine Xavier Bichat, Paris
Scientific Activities of Evaluation and Animation- Member of Scientific Committee of Evaluation of Inserm (1990-1994 and 1998-2002); - Member of Scientific Committee of Evaluation, University Paris 7 (1998-2001); - Evaluator in several committees for recruitment of Ingeneers and Technicians; - Member of Scientific and Pedagogic team of Doctoral School in Physiology and Physiopathology (University Paris 7 ; Faculty Xavier Bichat); - Member of committee for Lab Security, Inserm Paris-Nord (since 2002); - Regular Peer reviewer for scientific journals (Pediatric Research, Am J Physiol, British J Pharmacol. Regulatory Peptide..)
Grants - 1983-1986: Research Grant from Inserm (# 837 008) Role of prostaglandins from maternal milk in regulation of gastric acid secretion in rat; - 1985-1986: Research Grant from Inserm (# 877 003) Inhibition of gastric acid secretion in newborn rat: role of milk and glucocorticoids -1987-1989: Research Grant of Nestlé Nutrition (NN 87/10) Role of milk in regulation of gastric acid secretion (Thesis of Agnes Wirbel) - 2001 : Post doctoral Grant from Inserm (Dr Katia Marazova). Role of protease produced by intestinal cells in protease-activated receptor activities - 2008 : Award Alfediam - Becton Dickinson Gut leptin stimulates intestinal fructose absorption
Scientific summary
Blood glucose crucially depends on intestinal absorption. This physiological process includes sequential availability of glucose transporters of high (SGLT1) or low affinity (GLUT2, GLUT7) in the brush-border membrane (BBM) of enterocytes depending on glucose levels in the lumen. It is highly controlled by hormones and gut peptides. We recently discovered that adipokines (leptin, RELMb, apelin..) which are produced by epithelial cells of GI tract are potent regulators of glucose and fructose transport. These peptides can be secreted in response to alimentary sugars, can circulate into the gut lumen and reach their specific receptors in BBM of intestinal cells. Through activation of intracellular processes including PKC and AMPK phosphorylation, these peptides can control availability of sugar transporters in membranes upon glucose load. We demonstrated that antihyperglycemic drugs are acting in similar ways to promote sugar absorption together with reduced osmotic disturbance. Since balanced uptake of sugars is impaired in diabetes and obesity, further research is needed to understand physiological mechanisms involved in these processes.
Key words : glucose; SGLT1; Ussing chamber; leptin; fructose
