1
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Libby P, Pinkosky SL, Nissen SE. Conquering cholesterol: a report from the front lines. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:e160-e163. [PMID: 38159295 PMCID: PMC10757583 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Libby
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 01915, USA
| | | | - Steven E Nissen
- Cleveland Clinic Coordinating Center for Clinical Research (C5Research), Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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2
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Desjardins EM, Wu J, Lavoie DCT, Ahmadi E, Townsend LK, Morrow MR, Wang D, Tsakiridis EE, Batchuluun B, Fayyazi R, Kwiecien JM, Tsakiridis T, Lally JSV, Paré G, Pinkosky SL, Steinberg GR. Combination of an ACLY inhibitor with a GLP-1R agonist exerts additive benefits on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and hepatic fibrosis in mice. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101193. [PMID: 37729871 PMCID: PMC10518624 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Increased liver de novo lipogenesis (DNL) is a hallmark of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A key enzyme controlling DNL upregulated in NASH is ATP citrate lyase (ACLY). In mice, inhibition of ACLY reduces liver steatosis, ballooning, and fibrosis and inhibits activation of hepatic stellate cells. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists lower body mass, insulin resistance, and steatosis without improving fibrosis. Here, we find that combining an inhibitor of liver ACLY, bempedoic acid, and the GLP-1R agonist liraglutide reduces liver steatosis, hepatocellular ballooning, and hepatic fibrosis in a mouse model of NASH. Liver RNA analyses revealed additive downregulation of pathways that are predictive of NASH resolution, reductions in the expression of prognostically significant genes compared with clinical NASH samples, and a predicted gene signature profile that supports fibrosis resolution. These findings support further investigation of this combinatorial therapy to treat obesity, insulin resistance, hypercholesterolemia, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis in people with NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M Desjardins
- Centre for Metabolism Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Jianhan Wu
- Centre for Metabolism Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2, Canada
| | - Declan C T Lavoie
- Centre for Metabolism Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Elham Ahmadi
- Centre for Metabolism Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Logan K Townsend
- Centre for Metabolism Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Marisa R Morrow
- Centre for Metabolism Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Dongdong Wang
- Centre for Metabolism Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Evangelia E Tsakiridis
- Centre for Metabolism Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Battsetseg Batchuluun
- Centre for Metabolism Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Russta Fayyazi
- Centre for Metabolism Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Jacek M Kwiecien
- Department of Pathology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Theodoros Tsakiridis
- Centre for Metabolism Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - James S V Lally
- Centre for Metabolism Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Guillaume Paré
- Centre for Metabolism Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2, Canada; Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2, Canada
| | | | - Gregory R Steinberg
- Centre for Metabolism Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2, Canada.
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3
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Hallows KR, Li H, Saitta B, Sepehr S, Huang P, Pham J, Wang J, Mancino V, Chung EJ, Pinkosky SL, Pastor-Soler NM. Beneficial effects of bempedoic acid treatment in polycystic kidney disease cells and mice. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1001941. [PMID: 36504724 PMCID: PMC9730828 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1001941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
ADPKD has few therapeutic options. Tolvaptan slows disease but has side effects limiting its tolerability. Bempedoic acid (BA), an ATP citrate-lyase (ACLY) inhibitor FDA-approved for hypercholesterolemia, catalyzes a key step in fatty acid/sterol synthesis important for cell proliferation. BA is activated by very long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (FATP2) expressed primarily in kidney and liver. BA also activates AMPK. We hypothesized that BA could be a novel ADPKD therapy by inhibiting cyst growth, proliferation, injury, and metabolic dysregulation via ACLY inhibition and AMPK activation. Pkd1-null kidney cell lines derived from mouse proximal tubule (PT) and collecting duct (IMCD) were grown in 2D or 3D Matrigel cultures and treated ± BA, ± SB-204990 (another ACLY inhibitor) or with Acly shRNA before cyst analysis, immunoblotting or mitochondrial assays using MitoSox and MitoTracker staining. Pkd1 fl/fl ; Pax8-rtTA; Tet-O-Cre C57BL/6J mice were induced with doxycycline injection on postnatal days 10 and 11 (P10-P11) and then treated ± BA (30 mg/kg/d) ± tolvaptan (30-100 mg/kg/d) by gavage from P12-21. Disease severity was determined by % total-kidney-weight-to-bodyweight (%TKW/BW) and BUN levels at euthanasia (P22). Kidney and liver homogenates were immunoblotted for expression of key biomarkers. ACLY expression and activity were upregulated in Pkd1-null PT and IMCD-derived cells vs. controls. Relative to controls, both BA and SB-204990 inhibited cystic growth in Pkd1-null kidney cells, as did Acly knockdown. BA inhibited mitochondrial superoxide production and promoted mitochondrial elongation, suggesting improved mitochondrial function. In ADPKD mice, BA reduced %TKW/BW and BUN to a similar extent as tolvaptan vs. untreated controls. Addition of BA to tolvaptan caused a further reduction in %TKW/BW and BUN vs. tolvaptan alone. BA generally reduced ACLY and stimulated AMPK activity in kidneys and livers vs. controls. BA also inhibited mTOR and ERK signaling and reduced kidney injury markers. In liver, BA treatment, both alone and together with tolvaptan, increased mitochondrial biogenesis while inhibiting apoptosis. We conclude that BA and ACLY inhibition inhibited cyst growth in vitro, and BA decreased ADPKD severity in vivo. Combining BA with tolvaptan further improved various ADPKD disease parameters. Repurposing BA may be a promising new ADPKD therapy, having beneficial effects alone and along with tolvaptan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth R. Hallows
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and USC/UKRO Kidney Research Center, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Hui Li
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and USC/UKRO Kidney Research Center, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Biagio Saitta
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and USC/UKRO Kidney Research Center, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Saman Sepehr
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and USC/UKRO Kidney Research Center, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Polly Huang
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and USC/UKRO Kidney Research Center, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jessica Pham
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and USC/UKRO Kidney Research Center, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jonathan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Valeria Mancino
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and USC/UKRO Kidney Research Center, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Eun Ji Chung
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and USC/UKRO Kidney Research Center, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | - Núria M. Pastor-Soler
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and USC/UKRO Kidney Research Center, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Núria M. Pastor-Soler,
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4
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Abstract
Fatty acids are essential for survival, acting as bioenergetic substrates, structural components and signalling molecules. Given their vital role, cells have evolved mechanisms to generate fatty acids from alternative carbon sources, through a process known as de novo lipogenesis (DNL). Despite the importance of DNL, aberrant upregulation is associated with a wide variety of pathologies. Inhibiting core enzymes of DNL, including citrate/isocitrate carrier (CIC), ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS), represents an attractive therapeutic strategy. Despite challenges related to efficacy, selectivity and safety, several new classes of synthetic DNL inhibitors have entered clinical-stage development and may become the foundation for a new class of therapeutics. De novo lipogenesis (DNL) is vital for the maintenance of whole-body and cellular homeostasis, but aberrant upregulation of the pathway is associated with a broad range of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders and cancers. Here, Steinberg and colleagues provide an overview of the physiological and pathological roles of the core DNL enzymes and assess strategies and agents currently in development to therapeutically target them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Battsetseg Batchuluun
- Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research, Department of Medicine and Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Gregory R Steinberg
- Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research, Department of Medicine and Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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5
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Pinkosky SL, Scott JW, Desjardins EM, Smith BK, Day EA, Ford RJ, Langendorf CG, Ling NXY, Nero TL, Loh K, Galic S, Hoque A, Smiles WJ, Ngoei KRW, Parker MW, Yan Y, Melcher K, Kemp BE, Oakhill JS, Steinberg GR. Long-chain fatty acyl-CoA esters regulate metabolism via allosteric control of AMPK β1 isoforms. Nat Metab 2020; 2:873-881. [PMID: 32719536 PMCID: PMC7502547 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-020-0245-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) play important roles in cellular energy metabolism, acting as both an important energy source and signalling molecules1. LCFA-CoA esters promote their own oxidation by acting as allosteric inhibitors of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, which reduces the production of malonyl-CoA and relieves inhibition of carnitine palmitoyl-transferase 1, thereby promoting LCFA-CoA transport into the mitochondria for β-oxidation2-6. Here we report a new level of regulation wherein LCFA-CoA esters per se allosterically activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) β1-containing isoforms to increase fatty acid oxidation through phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Activation of AMPK by LCFA-CoA esters requires the allosteric drug and metabolite site formed between the α-subunit kinase domain and the β-subunit. β1 subunit mutations that inhibit AMPK activation by the small-molecule activator A769662, which binds to the allosteric drug and metabolite site, also inhibit activation by LCFA-CoAs. Thus, LCFA-CoA metabolites act as direct endogenous AMPK β1-selective activators and promote LCFA oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Pinkosky
- Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research and the Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - John W Scott
- Protein Chemistry & Metabolism, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric M Desjardins
- Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research and the Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brennan K Smith
- Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research and the Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily A Day
- Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research and the Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rebecca J Ford
- Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research and the Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher G Langendorf
- Protein Chemistry & Metabolism, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Naomi X Y Ling
- Metabolic Signalling Laboratory, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tracy L Nero
- ACRF Rational Drug Discovery Centre, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
- Structural Biology and Computational Design Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kim Loh
- Protein Chemistry & Metabolism, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sandra Galic
- Protein Chemistry & Metabolism, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ashfaqul Hoque
- Metabolic Signalling Laboratory, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - William J Smiles
- Metabolic Signalling Laboratory, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kevin R W Ngoei
- Protein Chemistry & Metabolism, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael W Parker
- ACRF Rational Drug Discovery Centre, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
- Structural Biology and Computational Design Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yan Yan
- Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Structural Biology Program, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Karsten Melcher
- Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Structural Biology Program, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Bruce E Kemp
- Protein Chemistry & Metabolism, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jonathan S Oakhill
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.
- Metabolic Signalling Laboratory, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Gregory R Steinberg
- Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research and the Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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6
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Pinkosky SL, Groot PHE, Lalwani ND, Steinberg GR. Targeting ATP-Citrate Lyase in Hyperlipidemia and Metabolic Disorders. Trends Mol Med 2017; 23:1047-1063. [PMID: 28993031 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle promote imbalances in metabolism, often manifesting as risk factors for life-threating diseases such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Nucleocytosolic acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) has emerged as a central signaling node used to coordinate metabolic adaptations in response to a changing nutritional status. ATP-citrate lyase (ACL) is the enzyme primarily responsible for the production of extramitochondrial acetyl-CoA and is thus strategically positioned at the intersection of nutrient catabolism and lipid biosynthesis. Here, we discuss recent findings from preclinical studies, as well as Mendelian and clinical randomized trials, demonstrating the importance of ACL activity in metabolism, and supporting its inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach to treating ASCVD, NAFLD, and other metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Pinkosky
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5, Canada; Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. 3891 Ranchero Drive, Suite 150, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, USA
| | - Pieter H E Groot
- Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. 3891 Ranchero Drive, Suite 150, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, USA
| | - Narendra D Lalwani
- Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. 3891 Ranchero Drive, Suite 150, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, USA
| | - Gregory R Steinberg
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5, Canada.
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7
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Samsoondar JP, Burke AC, Sutherland BG, Telford DE, Sawyez CG, Edwards JY, Pinkosky SL, Newton RS, Huff MW. Prevention of Diet-Induced Metabolic Dysregulation, Inflammation, and Atherosclerosis in
Ldlr
−/−
Mice by Treatment With the ATP-Citrate Lyase Inhibitor Bempedoic Acid. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2017; 37:647-656. [DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.116.308963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective—
Bempedoic acid (ETC-1002, 8-hydroxy-2,2,14,14-tetramethylpentadecanedioic acid) is a novel low-density lipoprotein cholesterol–lowering compound. In animals, bempedoic acid targets the liver where it inhibits cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis through inhibition of ATP-citrate lyase and through activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that bempedoic acid would prevent diet-induced metabolic dysregulation, inflammation, and atherosclerosis.
Approach and Results—
Ldlr
−/−
mice were fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet (42% kcal fat, 0.2% cholesterol) supplemented with bempedoic acid at 0, 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg body weight/day. Treatment for 12 weeks dose-dependently attenuated diet-induced hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, fatty liver and obesity. Compared to high-fat, high-cholesterol alone, the addition of bempedoic acid decreased plasma triglyceride (up to 64%) and cholesterol (up to 50%) concentrations, and improved glucose tolerance. Adiposity was significantly reduced with treatment. In liver, bempedoic acid prevented cholesterol and triglyceride accumulation, which was associated with increased fatty acid oxidation and reduced fatty acid synthesis. Hepatic gene expression analysis revealed that treatment significantly increased expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation while suppressing inflammatory gene expression. In full-length aorta, bempedoic acid markedly suppressed cholesteryl ester accumulation, attenuated the expression of proinflammatory M1 genes and attenuated the
iNos
/
Arg1
ratio. Treatment robustly attenuated atherosclerotic lesion development in the aortic sinus by 44%, with beneficial changes in morphology, characteristic of earlier-stage lesions.
Conclusions—
Bempedoic acid effectively prevents plasma and tissue lipid elevations and attenuates the onset of inflammation, leading to the prevention of atherosclerotic lesion development in a mouse model of metabolic dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P. Samsoondar
- From the Molecular Medicine Research Laboratory, Robarts Research Institute (J.P.S., A.C.B., B.G.S., D.E.T., C.G.S., J.Y.E., M.W.H.), Department of Biochemistry (J.P.S., A.C.B., M.W.H.), and Department of Medicine (D.E.T., C.G.S., J.Y.E., M.W.H.), The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; and Esperion Therapeutics Inc, Ann Arbor, MI (S.L.P., R.S.N.)
| | - Amy C. Burke
- From the Molecular Medicine Research Laboratory, Robarts Research Institute (J.P.S., A.C.B., B.G.S., D.E.T., C.G.S., J.Y.E., M.W.H.), Department of Biochemistry (J.P.S., A.C.B., M.W.H.), and Department of Medicine (D.E.T., C.G.S., J.Y.E., M.W.H.), The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; and Esperion Therapeutics Inc, Ann Arbor, MI (S.L.P., R.S.N.)
| | - Brian G. Sutherland
- From the Molecular Medicine Research Laboratory, Robarts Research Institute (J.P.S., A.C.B., B.G.S., D.E.T., C.G.S., J.Y.E., M.W.H.), Department of Biochemistry (J.P.S., A.C.B., M.W.H.), and Department of Medicine (D.E.T., C.G.S., J.Y.E., M.W.H.), The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; and Esperion Therapeutics Inc, Ann Arbor, MI (S.L.P., R.S.N.)
| | - Dawn E. Telford
- From the Molecular Medicine Research Laboratory, Robarts Research Institute (J.P.S., A.C.B., B.G.S., D.E.T., C.G.S., J.Y.E., M.W.H.), Department of Biochemistry (J.P.S., A.C.B., M.W.H.), and Department of Medicine (D.E.T., C.G.S., J.Y.E., M.W.H.), The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; and Esperion Therapeutics Inc, Ann Arbor, MI (S.L.P., R.S.N.)
| | - Cynthia G. Sawyez
- From the Molecular Medicine Research Laboratory, Robarts Research Institute (J.P.S., A.C.B., B.G.S., D.E.T., C.G.S., J.Y.E., M.W.H.), Department of Biochemistry (J.P.S., A.C.B., M.W.H.), and Department of Medicine (D.E.T., C.G.S., J.Y.E., M.W.H.), The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; and Esperion Therapeutics Inc, Ann Arbor, MI (S.L.P., R.S.N.)
| | - Jane Y. Edwards
- From the Molecular Medicine Research Laboratory, Robarts Research Institute (J.P.S., A.C.B., B.G.S., D.E.T., C.G.S., J.Y.E., M.W.H.), Department of Biochemistry (J.P.S., A.C.B., M.W.H.), and Department of Medicine (D.E.T., C.G.S., J.Y.E., M.W.H.), The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; and Esperion Therapeutics Inc, Ann Arbor, MI (S.L.P., R.S.N.)
| | - Stephen L. Pinkosky
- From the Molecular Medicine Research Laboratory, Robarts Research Institute (J.P.S., A.C.B., B.G.S., D.E.T., C.G.S., J.Y.E., M.W.H.), Department of Biochemistry (J.P.S., A.C.B., M.W.H.), and Department of Medicine (D.E.T., C.G.S., J.Y.E., M.W.H.), The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; and Esperion Therapeutics Inc, Ann Arbor, MI (S.L.P., R.S.N.)
| | - Roger S. Newton
- From the Molecular Medicine Research Laboratory, Robarts Research Institute (J.P.S., A.C.B., B.G.S., D.E.T., C.G.S., J.Y.E., M.W.H.), Department of Biochemistry (J.P.S., A.C.B., M.W.H.), and Department of Medicine (D.E.T., C.G.S., J.Y.E., M.W.H.), The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; and Esperion Therapeutics Inc, Ann Arbor, MI (S.L.P., R.S.N.)
| | - Murray W. Huff
- From the Molecular Medicine Research Laboratory, Robarts Research Institute (J.P.S., A.C.B., B.G.S., D.E.T., C.G.S., J.Y.E., M.W.H.), Department of Biochemistry (J.P.S., A.C.B., M.W.H.), and Department of Medicine (D.E.T., C.G.S., J.Y.E., M.W.H.), The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; and Esperion Therapeutics Inc, Ann Arbor, MI (S.L.P., R.S.N.)
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8
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Filippov S, Pinkosky SL, Newton RS. LDL-cholesterol reduction in patients with hypercholesterolemia by modulation of adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase. Curr Opin Lipidol 2014; 25:309-15. [PMID: 24978142 PMCID: PMC4162331 DOI: 10.1097/mol.0000000000000091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the profile of ETC-1002, as shown in preclinical and clinical studies, including LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C)-lowering activity and beneficial effects on other cardiometabolic risk markers as they relate to the inhibition of adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase and the activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase. RECENT FINDINGS ETC-1002 is an adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase inhibitor/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase activator currently in Phase 2b clinical development. In seven Phase 1 and Phase 2a clinical studies, ETC-1002 dosed once daily for 2-12 weeks has lowered LDL-C and reduced high-sensitivity C-reactive protein by up to 40%, with neutral to positive effects on glucose levels, blood pressure, and body weight. Importantly, use of ETC-1002 in statin-intolerant patients has shown statin-like lowering of LDL-C without the muscle pain and weakness responsible for discontinuation of statin use by many patients. ETC-1002 has also been shown to produce an incremental benefit, lowering LDL-C as an add-on therapy to a low-dose statin. In over 300 individuals in studies of up to 12 weeks, ETC-1002 has been well tolerated with no serious adverse effects. SUMMARY Because adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase play central roles in regulating lipid and glucose metabolism, pharmacological modulation of these two enzymes could provide an important therapeutic alternative for statin-intolerant patients with hypercholesterolemia.
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Filippov S, Pinkosky SL, Lister RJ, Pawloski C, Hanselman JC, Cramer CT, Srivastava RAK, Hurley TR, Bradshaw CD, Spahr MA, Newton RS. ETC-1002 regulates immune response, leukocyte homing, and adipose tissue inflammation via LKB1-dependent activation of macrophage AMPK. J Lipid Res 2013; 54:2095-2108. [PMID: 23709692 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m035212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
ETC-1002 is an investigational drug currently in Phase 2 development for treatment of dyslipidemia and other cardiometabolic risk factors. In dyslipidemic subjects, ETC-1002 not only reduces plasma LDL cholesterol but also significantly attenuates levels of hsCRP, a clinical biomarker of inflammation. Anti-inflammatory properties of ETC-1002 were further investigated in primary human monocyte-derived macrophages and in in vivo models of inflammation. In cells treated with ETC-1002, increased levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation coincided with reduced activity of MAP kinases and decreased production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. AMPK phosphorylation and inhibitory effects of ETC-1002 on soluble mediators of inflammation were significantly abrogated by siRNA-mediated silencing of macrophage liver kinase B1 (LKB1), indicating that ETC-1002 activates AMPK and exerts its anti-inflammatory effects via an LKB1-dependent mechanism. In vivo, ETC-1002 suppressed thioglycollate-induced homing of leukocytes into mouse peritoneal cavity. Similarly, in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity, ETC-1002 restored adipose AMPK activity, reduced JNK phosphorylation, and diminished expression of macrophage-specific marker 4F/80. These data were consistent with decreased epididymal fat-pad mass and interleukin (IL)-6 release by inflamed adipose tissue. Thus, ETC-1002 may provide further clinical benefits for patients with cardiometabolic risk factors by reducing systemic inflammation linked to insulin resistance and vascular complications of metabolic syndrome.
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Pinkosky SL, Filippov S, Srivastava RAK, Hanselman JC, Bradshaw CD, Hurley TR, Cramer CT, Spahr MA, Brant AF, Houghton JL, Baker C, Naples M, Adeli K, Newton RS. AMP-activated protein kinase and ATP-citrate lyase are two distinct molecular targets for ETC-1002, a novel small molecule regulator of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. J Lipid Res 2012; 54:134-51. [PMID: 23118444 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m030528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
ETC-1002 (8-hydroxy-2,2,14,14-tetramethylpentadecanedioic acid) is a novel investigational drug being developed for the treatment of dyslipidemia and other cardio-metabolic risk factors. The hypolipidemic, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-obesity, and glucose-lowering properties of ETC-1002, characterized in preclinical disease models, are believed to be due to dual inhibition of sterol and fatty acid synthesis and enhanced mitochondrial long-chain fatty acid β-oxidation. However, the molecular mechanism(s) mediating these activities remained undefined. Studies described here show that ETC-1002 free acid activates AMP-activated protein kinase in a Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase β-independent and liver kinase β 1-dependent manner, without detectable changes in adenylate energy charge. Furthermore, ETC-1002 is shown to rapidly form a CoA thioester in liver, which directly inhibits ATP-citrate lyase. These distinct molecular mechanisms are complementary in their beneficial effects on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in vitro and in vivo. Consistent with these mechanisms, ETC-1002 treatment reduced circulating proatherogenic lipoproteins, hepatic lipids, and body weight in a hamster model of hyperlipidemia, and it reduced body weight and improved glycemic control in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. ETC-1002 offers promise as a novel therapeutic approach to improve multiple risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome and benefit patients with cardiovascular disease.
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Srivastava RAK, Pinkosky SL, Filippov S, Hanselman JC, Cramer CT, Newton RS. AMP-activated protein kinase: an emerging drug target to regulate imbalances in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism to treat cardio-metabolic diseases. J Lipid Res 2012; 53:2490-514. [PMID: 22798688 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.r025882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a metabolic sensor of energy metabolism at the cellular as well as whole-body level. It is activated by low energy status that triggers a switch from ATP-consuming anabolic pathways to ATP-producing catabolic pathways. AMPK is involved in a wide range of biological activities that normalizes lipid, glucose, and energy imbalances. These pathways are dysregulated in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS), which represents a clustering of major cardiovascular risk factors including diabetes, lipid abnormalities, and energy imbalances. Clearly, there is an unmet medical need to find a molecule to treat alarming number of patients with MetS. AMPK, with multifaceted activities in various tissues, has emerged as an attractive drug target to manage lipid and glucose abnormalities and maintain energy homeostasis. A number of AMPK activators have been tested in preclinical models, but many of them have yet to reach to the clinic. This review focuses on the structure-function and role of AMPK in lipid, carbohydrate, and energy metabolism. The mode of action of AMPK activators, mechanism of anti-inflammatory activities, and preclinical and clinical findings as well as future prospects of AMPK as a drug target in treating cardio-metabolic disease are discussed.
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Filippov S, Lister RJ, Pinkosky SL, Bradshaw CD, Hanselman JC, Hurley TR, Spahr MA, Srivastava RA, Newton RS. Abstract 465: ETC-1002, a Novel Dicarboxylic Fatty Acid Analog, Inhibits Inflammatory Response in Primary Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages as Well as in Adipose Tissue of Insulin-Resistant Mice via AMPK-Dependent Mechanisms. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2012. [DOI: 10.1161/atvb.32.suppl_1.a465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
ETC-1002, a small molecule regulator of imbalances in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, is an investigational drug currently in Phase 2 development to treat dyslipidemia and other cardiometabolic risk factors. In hyperlipidemic LDL receptor-deficient mice, robust antiatherosclerotic activities of ETC-1002 coincided with reduced levels of inflammatory markers in mouse atheroma. To further investigate anti-inflammatory properties of ETC-1002, human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) differentiated in autologous serum were stimulated with 100 ng/ml of LPS in the absence or presence of the 10 μM and 30 μM of ETC-1002. TLR4-mediated activation of downstream kinases as well as the production of pro-inflammatory mediators were assessed with phosphokinase and protein arrays. Lower levels of JNK, cJUN, p38 and ERK phosphorylation in cells treated with ETC-1002 were consistent with reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 and MIP1α) and chemokines (CXCL10, CXCL1, CCL2 and CCL5). ETC-1002 at 30 mg/kg dose largely diminished thioglycolate-induced homing of neutrophils and macrophages into the mouse peritoneal cavity, supporting the inhibitory effect of ETC-1002 on leukocyte chemotactic and inflammatory activity. Furthermore, in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance, epididymal fat pad mass and IL-6 release by inflamed adipose tissue were significantly attenuated (by 32% and 80% respectively) in animals treated with ETC-1002. Importantly, enhanced levels of AMPK phosphorylation, changes in intracellular energy charge coupled with reduced basal rates of sterol and fatty acid synthesis by human MDMs strongly supported AMPK-dependent anti-inflammatory effects of ETC-1002. Thus, our data suggest that ETC-1002, via stimulation of AMPK activity, may provide additional clinical benefits for patients with metabolic syndrome by reducing systemic inflammation and other cardiometabolic abnormalities linked to vascular disease.
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Hanselman JC, Srivastava RA, Hurley TR, Filippov S, Spahr MA, Bradshaw CD, Cramer CT, Lister RJ, Pinkosky SL, Newton RS. Abstract 292: ETC-1002 Reduces Body Weight Gain and Hepatic Triglyceride Content and Improves Glycemic Control in a Mouse Model of Diet-Induced Obesity. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2012. [DOI: 10.1161/atvb.32.suppl_1.a292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
ETC-1002 is an investigational drug currently in Phase 2 clinical development to treat dyslipidemia and other cardiometabolic risk factors. Previously, ETC-1002 prevented hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis in rodent models; and improved hepatic triglycerides (TG) as well as fasting blood glucose and insulin in the KKA
y
insulin resistant mouse model via putative mechanisms including activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. In the present study we investigated the effect of ETC-1002 on body weight, hepatic TG and insulin sensitivity in a diet-induced obese (DIO) mouse model. C57BL/6 mice were fed a 60% high-fat diet beginning at 11 weeks of age. At 12 weeks of age mice were assigned to treatment groups and administered vehicle or ETC-1002 at 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg/day for 9 weeks. A separate cohort of mice was maintained on standard rodent chow diet throughout the study as a comparator. Food consumption, body weight, hepatic TG content, fasting blood glucose, fasting plasma insulin, insulin tolerance tests, and glucose tolerance tests were measured. Mice developed obesity, hyperinsulinemia, mild hyperglycemia and elevated hepatic triglycerides in response to the high-fat diet. ETC-1002 results were dose-dependent and statistically significant at doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg/day. ETC-1002 attenuated body weight gain 8% and 15% with no effect on food consumption. Body weight changes were associated with 12% and 32% decreases in epididymal fat pad mass. Hepatic TG content was also reduced with ETC-1002 by 34% and 46%; respectively. ETC-1002 treatment reduced fasting blood glucose 11% and 16%; plasma insulin 80% and 95%; and resulted in significant improvements in insulin tolerance tests (19% and 22% reduction in AUC) with modestly improved glucose tolerance (not significant). In an intervention study with a 12 week lead-in on high-fat diet, comparable effects on body weight, hepatic TG, and insulin sensitivity were observed. In summary, ETC-1002 reduced obesity and hepatic TG and improved glycemic parameters in a high-fat fed diet-induced mouse model of disease. The present data in the DIO mouse, combined with previously reported efficacy in rodent models supports ETC-1002 as a regulator of imbalances in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.
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Homan R, Hanselman JC, Bak-Mueller S, Washburn M, Lester P, Jensen HE, Pinkosky SL, Castle C, Taylor B. Atherosclerosis in Octodon degus (degu) as a model for human disease. Atherosclerosis 2010; 212:48-54. [PMID: 20630529 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2010.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2010] [Revised: 04/30/2010] [Accepted: 06/01/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Animal models of atherosclerosis are essential to elucidate disease mechanisms and develop new therapies. Each model features advantages and disadvantages in exemplifying the pathophysiology of human atherosclerosis. Diet-induced development of atherosclerosis in Octodon degus (degu) was examined to demonstrate the potential of the degu as a model of human atherosclerosis. METHODS Degus were fed for 16 weeks with either normal chow or chow containing 0.25% cholesterol and 6% palm oil to induce atherosclerosis. The lipid compositions of plasma lipoproteins and aortas were determined. Locations of aortic lesions were mapped by imaging of fluorescently stained aortic lesions. Lesion morphology in the brachiocephalic artery was detected by histological staining. RESULTS Total plasma cholesterol in chow-fed degus was distributed approximately 60% in HDL, 30% in LDL and less than 10% in VLDL. Cholesterol-fed degus exhibited 4- to 5-fold increases in total plasma cholesterol, principally in the VLDL and LDL fractions. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity of similar magnitude to that in human plasma was detected in chow-fed degu plasma. Cholesterol-fed degus developed cholesteryl ester-rich atherosclerotic lesions throughout the aorta. Histological examination of lesions in the brachiocephalic artery showed well-formed, foam cell-rich lesions populated with inflammatory cells. It is also noteworthy that all the degus in this study exhibited hyperglycemia. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that degus have a human-like lipoprotein metabolism and develop extensive atherosclerosis with cholesterol feeding in the presence of hyperglycemia. These features, combined with the manageable size and handling characteristics, point to the potential of the degu as a useful model for atherosclerosis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reynold Homan
- AlphaCore Pharma, 333 Parkland Plaza, Suite 5, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Harper JM, Galecki AT, Burke DT, Pinkosky SL, Miller RA. Quantitative trait loci for insulin-like growth factor I, leptin, thyroxine, and corticosterone in genetically heterogeneous mice. Physiol Genomics 2003; 15:44-51. [PMID: 12865502 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00063.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Genotype information was collected at 87 loci in a group of 1,108 UM-HET3 mice bred as the progeny of [BALB/cJ x C57BL/6J]F1 mothers and [C3H/HeJ x DBA/2J]F1 fathers, for which thyroxine (T4), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), and leptin levels had been measured at 4 and 15 mo of age. The data provided significant evidence for quantitative trait loci (QTL) modulating IGF-I levels on chromosomes 1, 3, 8, 10, and 17; for loci affecting T4 on chromosomes 4, 15, and 17; and for leptin on chromosome 3. Fecal levels of corticosterone at 17 mo of age were influenced by a QTL on chromosome 1. Nine other gene/hormone associations reached a nominal P < 0.01, providing suggestive but not statistical evidence for additional QTL. QTL with an influence on a given hormone were in nearly all cases additive, with little or no evidence for epistasis. Of the 12 strongest QTL, 5 had effects that were age dependent, having more effect in 15-mo-old than in 4-mo-old mice in all but one case; the other QTL had effects that were apparently age-independent. These results show that the genetic controls over late-life hormone levels are complex and dependent on effects of genes that act both early and late in the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Harper
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, USA
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Harper JM, Wolf N, Galecki AT, Pinkosky SL, Miller RA. Hormone levels and cataract scores as sex-specific, mid-life predictors of longevity in genetically heterogeneous mice. Mech Ageing Dev 2003; 124:801-10. [PMID: 12875743 DOI: 10.1016/s0047-6374(03)00133-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Serum levels of thyroxine (T4), leptin, and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), as well as cataract severity, were evaluated as predictors of life span in a population of genetically heterogeneous mice (UM-HET3). Long life span was predicted by low levels of leptin at age 4 months in females, and by low levels of IGF-I at age 15 months and high levels of T4 at age 4 months, in males. Cataract severity at either 18 or 24 months was also a significant predictor of life span in females only, but in contrast to what has been reported in human studies, relatively severe cataract was correlated with longer life span. Additional work is needed to evaluate the role of these hormones as potential modulators of the aging process, and to resolve the conflicting data obtained for cataract severity as a predictor of life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Harper
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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