The complementary DNA encoding a 585-amino acid parathyroid hormone-parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTH-PTHrP) receptor with seven potential membrane-spanning domains was cloned by COS-7 expression using an opossum kidney cell complementary DNA (cDNA) library. The expressed receptor binds PTH and PTHrP with equal affinity, and both ligands equivalently stimulate adenylate cyclase. Striking homology with the calcitonin receptor and lack of homology with other G protein-linked receptors indicate that receptors for these calcium-regulating hormones are related and represent a new family.

Lipasin (also known as C19ORF80, RIFL, ANGPTL8 and betatrophin) is a newly discovered circulating factor that regulates lipid metabolism and promotes pancreatic β-cell proliferation. Whether circulating levels of lipasin in humans are altered in a) type 2 diabetes; b) obesity and c) the postprandial state, however, is unknown. The current study aimed to compare serum lipasin levels in those who were a) non-diabetic (N = 15) or diabetic (BMI- and age-matched; N = 14); b) lean or obese (N = 53 totally) and c) fasting and 2 hours following a defined meal (N = 12). Serum lipasin levels were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lipasin levels [mean ± SEM] were increased by more than two fold (P < 0.001) in the diabetic patients (5.56 ± 0.73 ng/mL) as compared to the control subjects (2.19 ± 0.24 ng/mL). Serum lipasin levels were positively correlated with BMI (rho = 0.49, P < 0.001), and showed a 35% increase 2 hours following a defined meal (P = 0.009). Therefore, lipasin/betatrophin is nutritionally-regulated hepatokine that is increased in human type 2 diabetes and obesity.

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