High-fat diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in CYP4a14-/- mice is mediated by 20-HETE

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) has been shown to positively correlate with body mass index, hyperglycemia, and plasma insulin levels. This study seeks to identify a causal relationship between 20-HETE and obesity-driven insulin resistance. Cyp4a14-/- male mice, a model of 20-HETE overproduction, were fed a regular or high-fat diet (HFD) for 15 wk. 20-SOLA [2,5,8,11,14,17-hexaoxanonadecan-19-yl 20-hydroxyeicosa-6( Z),15( Z)-dienoate], a 20-HETE antagonist, was administered from week 0 or week 7 of HFD. HFD-fed mice gained significant weight (16.7 ± 3.2 vs. 3.8 ± 0.35 g, P < 0.05) and developed hyperglycemia (157 ± 3 vs. 121 ± 7 mg/dl, P < 0.05) and hyperinsulinemia (2.3 ± 0.4 vs. 0.5 ± 0.1 ng/ml, P < 0.05) compared with regular diet-fed mice. 20-SOLA attenuated HFD-induced weight gain (9.4 ± 1 vs. 16.7 ± 3 g, P < 0.05) and normalized the hyperglycemia (157 ± 7 vs. 102 ± 5 mg/dl, P < 0.05) and hyperinsulinemia (1.1 ± 0.1 vs. 2.3 ± 0.4 ng/ml, P < 0.05). The impaired glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance in HFD-fed mice evidenced by reduced insulin and glucose tolerance were also ameliorated by 20-SOLA. Circulatory and adipose tissue 20-HETE levels significantly increased in HFD-fed mice correlating with impaired insulin signaling, including reduction in insulin receptor tyrosine (Y972) phosphorylation and increased serine (S307) phosphorylation of the insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1). 20-SOLA treatments prevented changes in insulin signaling. These findings indicate that 20-HETE contributes to HFD-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and impaired insulin signaling.

Ablation of soluble epoxide hydrolase reprogram white fat to beige-like fat through an increase in mitochondrial integrity, HO-1-adiponectin in vitro and in vivo

We have shown that epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), specifically 11,12- and 14,15-EETs, reduce adipogenesis in human mesenchymal stem cells and mouse preadipocytes (3T-3L1). In this study, we explore the effects of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) deletion on various aspects of adipocyte-function, including programing for white vs. beige-like fat, and mitochondrial and thermogenic gene-expressions. We further hypothesize that EETs and heme-oxygenase 1 (HO-1) form a synergistic, functional module whose effects on adipocyte and vascular function is greater than the effects of sEH deletion alone. In in vitro studies, we examined the effect of sEH inhibitors on MSC-derived adipocytes. MSC-derived adipocytes exposed to AUDA, an inhibitor of sEH, exhibit an increased number of small and healthy adipocytes, an effect reproduced by siRNA for sEH. in vivo studies indicate that sEH deletion results in a significant decrease in adipocyte size, inflammatory adipokines NOV, TNFα, while increasing adiponectin (p < 0.05). These findings are associated with a decrease in body weight (p < 0.05), and visceral fat (p < 0.05). Importantly, sEH deletion was associated with a significant increase in Mfn1, COX 1, UCP1 and adiponectin (p < 0.03). sEH deletion was manifested by a significant increase in EETs isomers 5,6-EET, 8,9-EET, 11,12-EET, and 14,15-EET and an increased EETs/DHETEs ratio. Notably, activation of HO-1 gene expression further increased the levels of EETs, suggesting that the antioxidant HO-1 system protects EETs from degradation by ROS. These results are novel in that sEH deletion, while increasing EET levels, resulted in reprograming of white fat to express mitochondrial and thermogenic genes, a phenotype characteristic of beige-fat. Thus, EETs agonist(s) and sEH inhibitors may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of metabolic syndrome and obesity.

EET enhances renal function in obese mice resulting in restoration of HO-1-Mfn1/2 signaling, and decrease in hypertension through inhibition of sodium chloride co-transporter

BACKGROUND

We have previously reported that epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) has multiple beneficial effects on renal and adipose tissue function, in addition to its vasodilatory action; it increases insulin sensitivity and inhibits inflammation. In an examination of the signaling mechanisms by which EET reduces renal and peri-renal fat function, we hypothesized that EET ameliorates obesity-induced renal dysfunction by improving sodium excretion, reducing the sodium-chloride cotransporter NCC, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing mitochondrial and thermogenic gene levels in PGC-1α dependent mice.

METHODS

EET-agonist treatment normalized glucose metabolism, renal ENaC and NCC protein expression, urinary sodium excretion and blood pressure in obese (db/db) mice. A marked improvement in mitochondrial integrity, thermogenic genes, and PGC-1α-HO-1-adiponectin signaling occurred. Knockout of PGC-1α in EET-treated mice resulted in a reversal of these beneficial effects including a decrease in sodium excretion, elevation of blood pressure and an increase in the pro-inflammatory adipokine nephroblastoma overexpressed gene (NOV). In the elucidation of the effects of EET on peri-renal adipose tissue, EET increased adiponectin, mitochondrial integrity, thermogenic genes and decreased NOV, i.e. "Browning' peri-renal adipose phenotype that occurs under high fat diets. Taken together, these data demonstrate a critical role of an EET agonist in the restoration of healthy adipose tissue with reduced release of inflammatory molecules, such as AngII and NOV, thereby preventing their detrimental impact on sodium absorption and NCC levels and the development of obesity-induced renal dysfunction.

CYP-450 Epoxygenase Derived Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid Contribute To Reversal of Heart Failure in Obesity-Induced Diabetic Cardiomyopathy via PGC-1 α Activation

We have previously shown that an Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid (EET) -agonist has pleiotropic effects and reverses cardiomyopathy by decreasing inflammatory molecules and increasing antioxidant signaling. We hypothesized that administration of an EET agonist would increase Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (PGC-1α), which controls mitochondrial function and induction of HO-1 and negatively regulates the expression of the proinflammatory adipokines CCN3/NOV in cardiac and pericardial tissues. This pathway would be expected to further improve left ventricular (LV) systolic function as well as increase insulin receptor phosphorylation. Measurement of the effect of an EET agonist on oxygen consumption, fractional shortening, blood glucose levels, thermogenic and mitochondrial signaling proteins was performed. Control obese mice developed signs of metabolic syndrome including insulin resistance, hypertension, inflammation, LV dysfunction, and increased NOV expression in pericardial adipose tissue. EET agonist intervention decreased pericardial adipose tissue expression of NOV, while normalized FS, increased PGC-1α, HO-1 levels, insulin receptor phosphorylation and improved mitochondrial function, theses beneficial effect were reversed by deletion of PGC-1α. These studies demonstrate that an EET agonist increases insulin receptor phosphorylation, mitochondrial and thermogenic gene expression, decreased cardiac and pericardial tissue NOV levels, and ameliorates cardiomyopathy in an obese mouse model of the metabolic syndrome.

Abstract 024: PGC-1α is a Critical Activator of HO-1 That Protects Against Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Mice Through Recruitment of Mitochondrial Fusion Proteins and Function

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) is associated with cardiovascular complications, which are characterized by increased oxidative stress (ROS) and inhibition of anti-oxidant genes such as heme oxygenase (HO-1), Super oxide dismutase (SOD2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α). The latter that controls mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative metabolism, and increased degradation of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). Inhibition of these genes leads to increased myocardial stiffness and the development of cardiac hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction.

Aim: To assess whether PGC-1α plays a significant role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy in chronically obese mice.

Methods: Leptin resistant (db/db) mice develop cardiomyopathy at the age of 5-6 month. Mice were treated with the EET agonist (EET-A) and with either lentivirus (Ln)- PGC-1α (Sh) or EET-A-Ln-PGC-1α scrambled for 3 additional months.

Results: db mice exhibited impaired glucose tolerance, increased fasting blood glucose (366±21.9mg/dL vs.112±9.2 mg/dL, p<0.004), decreased oxygen consumption (VO 2 ) (25.09±1.1ml/min vs. 55.37±5.92ml/min, p<0.002) and heart weight (0.17±0.02g vs.0.12±0.006g, p<0.05) compared to WT mice. EET agonists treatments improved fasting glucose levels (366±21.9mg/dL vs. 134±18.4 mg/dL, p<0.007) and oxygen consumption (25.09±1.1ml/min vs. 33.7±3.75ml/min, p<0.018), and reduced heart weight (0.17±0.02g vs.0.13±0.002g, p<0.0026). HO-1 levels were increased in cardiac tissue 22-fold (p<0.016). The beneficial effects of EET were reversed inhibition of PGC-1α in the EET-A-Ln PGC-1α (Sh) not in EET-A-Ln-PGC-1α scrambled group. The inhibition of PGC-1α (52% reduction, p<0.022) resulted in a reduction in the beneficial effects of EET-A as manifested by weight gain, the development of severe dilated cardiomyopathy and the attenuation of HO-1 and SOD2 (90% and 76% reduction respectively, p<0.02) and a decrease in mitochondrial fusion proteins Mfn1, 2 and OPa1.

Conclusion: EET mediated restoration of mitochondrial function by PGC1α is essential for the enhancement of HO-1-myocyte contraction and the prevention of LV dysfunction in chronic obesity.

Abstract P608: Obesity Induced Hypertension Exacerbated Through Upregulation Of Renal Naci Cotransporter, Reversed By Increasing Pgc-1α-ho-1 Gene Expression To Restore Mitochondrial Function

Introduction: Hypertension caused by chronic obesity as a result of high calorie food intake or in leptin receptor deficient db/db mice may be linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Previously we and others have shown that an epoxyeicosatrienoic acid agonist (EET-A), reduced adiposity and ROS resulting in normalization of BP by unknown mechanisms. We hypothesize that EET-A will attenuate BP by restoring mitochondrial function through increasing the PGC-1α-HO-1 axis and increasing urinary sodium excretion by downregulating NCC channels.

Methods: Db/db mice at 16-wks of age were divided into 3 treatment groups and for an additional 16-wks received: A) control, B) EET-A 1.5mg/100g BW i.p. 2x/week and C) EET-A and lentiviral (Ln)- PGC-1α shRNA (to suppress PGC-1α protein). Oxygen consumption (VO 2 ), visceral fat and blood glucose were determined. Additionally, renal tissues were harvested to measure the type 2 Na-K-Cl cotransporters (NKCC2), epithelial Na channels- (ENaC), NaCl cotransporters (NCC), PGC-1α, HO-1, insulin receptors, and mitochondrial biogenesis markers.

Results: At the conclusion of 32 weeks:

Group A, developed hypertension and presented with decreased urinary Na excretion, decreased VO 2 , decreased downstream PGC-1α signaling, and mitochondrial dysfunction. There were increased levels of NCCs but not of NKCC2s or ENaCs. Renal PGC-1α, HO-1, pAMPK, and mitochondrial fusion protein Mfn 1/2, and Opa1 were decreased, p<0.05.

Group B, exhibited restoration of renal levels of PGC-1α, HO-1, pAMPK, and mitochondrial biogenesis proteins Mfn 1/2 and Opa1. NCC expression was reduced and was associated with an increase in urinary Na excretion; (p<0.05).

The beneficial effect of EET-A observed in group B was suppressed in group C using Ln- PGC-1α shRNA which suppressed PGC-1α expression in renal tissue > 50% and was accompanied by the onset of even more severe suppression of urinary Na excretion than in Group A.

Conclusion: Treatment of obese mice with EET-agonists leads to the recruitment of PGC-1α-HO-1 which enhances mitochondrial function and induces the downregulation of NCC channels and increased sodium excretion. EET may serve as a powerful therapeutic agent for the treatment of obesity induced hypertension.

Abstract P127: EET-mediated Recruitment of PGC-1α, Restores Mitochondrial Function, LV Function, and Ameliorates Development of Cardiovascular Disease in Db Mice That is Reversed by Lentiviral- PGC-1α (Sh)

Background: Obesity and diabetes are independently associated with the development of cardiac events that occur in db mice that are linked to a decrease in heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and epoxyeicosatrienoics (EETs). An increase in HO-1 and EET levels is associated with a decrease of ROS, adiposity and increased mitochondrial function in several animal models. The roles and inter-relationship of HO-1, EET, and PGC-1α in cardiomyopathy pathogenesis has not been investigated.

Methods: Obese (db) mice 5 wks of age were allowed to acclimate for 17 wks, and then divided into 3 groups. A) Control, B) EET-A in drinking water, and C) EET-A and lentiviral (Ln) PGC-1α Sh, which decreased PGC1α by 40-60 %. Echocardiography was performed at 5 and 34 wks, serum and heart tissue were harvested to measure signaling and mitochondrial fusion proteins.

Results: Group A) developed hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and LV dysfunction. These changes were associated with decreases in PGC-1α, HO-1, MnSOD, and mitochondrial fusion associated proteins; Mfn 1/2 and OPA-1: Group B), received EET-A, and displayed normal levels of glucose, adipose adiponectin (p<0.05), insulin sensitivity, and increased levels of HO-1, PGC1α (p<0.02), insulin receptor phosphorylation (p<0.05), and Mfn 1/2 and OPA1 (p<0.001) when compared to normal levels of young (5 wks) db mice, before the development of cardiomyopathy: and group C) inhibition of PGC1α by Ln-PGC1- (Sh) prevented EET from restoring LV function and fractional shortening (p<0.05) EET-A- Ln-PGC1α (Sh) animals display a worsening of intrinsic myocardial contraction compared to db control. This is likely related to a decrease in the cardiac mitochondrial network. The latter was reciprocally correlated to HO-1-PGC1α levels that diminished as obesity/diabetes progressed.

Conclusion: An EET-A agonist ameliorates adiposity, BP elevation, mitochondrial function and cardiomyopathy as a result of increased levels of PGC1α and HO-1-expression. Suppression of PGC1α by Ln PGC1α (Sh) worsened insulin resistance suggesting targeting mitochondrial fusion/fission may be a promising therapy for diabetes and heart disease.

Abstract P233: Diabetic Cardiomyopathy is Reversed by Increased Mitochondrial Bioenergetics Due to PGC-1α Activation by EET Treatment of Obese Mice

Introduction: Obesity and diabetes are associated with progressive cardiac fibrosis that, sequentially, results in diastolic dysfunction, reduced contractility, and ultimately heart failure. Contributing factors include hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and a reduction in AMPK signaling. PGC-1α activates mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation and is decreased in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). We hypothesize that an epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) agonist (EET-A) will increase PGC-1α levels in a db mouse model of DM attenuate cardiomyopathy, and prevent heart failure.

Methods: Db mice (4-wks), were allowed to acclimatize for 16-wks and were then divided into 3 treatment groups for an additional 16 wks: A) control, B) EET-A 1.5mg/100g BW 2 weeks and C) EET-A-Ln-PGC-1α shRNA. Ln-PGC-1α shRNA suppressed PGC-1α protein in heart tissue by 40-50%. Oxygen consumption (VO 2 ), and blood glucose was determined. Heart tissues were harvested to measure PGC-1α, HO-1, pAMPK, PGC-1α, echocardiographic fractional shortening, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and mitofusion protein markers.

Results: All mice developed heart failure by the end of 16 weeks and were characterized by a decrease in myocardial contractility, an increase in insulin resistance and blood pressure, decreased VO 2 , the appearance of mitochondria dysfunction and a decrease in AMPK and downstream PGC-1α signaling. Mice treated with EET-A demonstrated an increase in PGC-1α levels, improved mitochondrial function and oxidative phosphorylation (p<0.01 vs control), increased NO bioavailability (p<0.05 vs control), and normalization of glucose metabolism, insulin levels, VO 2 and LV systolic function (p<0.05 vs control). All of these findings were suppressed by PGC-1α inhibition which was accompanied by the onset of even more severe LV dysfunction than in the control group.

Conclusion: Increased EET levels result in activation of PGC-1α-HO-1 which reverses diabetes induced insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cardiomyopathy. EET may have potential as a powerful agent for therapeutic application in the treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Abstract P172: Activation of Pgc1α by EET Stimulates Insulin Sensitivity, Normalizes Blood Pressure and Increases Mitochondrial Oxphos in Obese Mice

Background/Objectives: Obesity is a risk factor in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, predominantly as a result of cardiovascular complications. Increased adiposity is a systemic condition characterized by increased oxidative stress (ROS), inflammation, inhibition of anti-oxidant genes such as HO-1 and increased degradation of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs).

Hypothesis: We postulate that EETs increase peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) activity, which controls mitochondrial function, oxidative metabolism and may also increase antioxidants and HO-1 gene expression.

Methods: C57/B16 mice were fed a high fat (HF) diet for 26 wks. The protocol comprised three groups: A) WT, B) HF control and C) HF-treated with EET agonist (EET-A). Renal and visceral fat tissues were harvested to measure signaling protein. Consumption was measured at 6 and 24 wks. Mice were used to assess insulin levels, insulin sensitivity, blood pressure and mitochondrial OXPHOS and mitochondrial biogenesis (Mfn1, 2 and Opa1), and oxygen consumption (VO 2 ).

Results: Animals on a HF diet exhibited increased body weight, fat content, fasting blood glucose levels, systolic blood pressure (BP) and a significant reduction in VO 2 . Administration of EET-A to HF-fed mice decreased the RQ (VCO 2 /VO 2 ) ratio and normalized BP. The HF diet produced increased levels of the adipogenic markers MEST, aP2, C/EBPα and FAS. EET-A attenuated these perturbations through an increase in renal and adipose tissue PGC1α levels. The EET-mediated HO-1 induction increased mitochondrial function as measured by OXPHOS, MnSOD and thermogenic genes, TFAM, UCP1 and SIRT 1. EET-A also increased adiponectin levels, and insulin receptor phosphorylation IRP Tyr 972 and 1146 and normalized glucose levels.

Conclusion: These data show that an EET agonist increased PGC-1α-HO-1 levels thereby providing metabolic protection and increased VO 2 consumption in HF-induced obesity in mice. This novel finding suggests that the EET-mediated PGC-1α activation is essential to increase HO-1 levels, mitochondrial biogenesis, and to decrease mitochondrial ROS and adiposity.

PGC-1 alpha regulates HO-1 expression, mitochondrial dynamics and biogenesis: Role of epoxyeicosatrienoic acid

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Obesity is a risk factor in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, predominantly as a result of cardiovascular complications. Increased adiposity is a systemic condition characterized by increased oxidative stress (ROS), increased inflammation, inhibition of anti-oxidant genes such as HO-1 and increased degradation of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). We previously demonstrated that EETs attenuate mitochondrial ROS. We postulate that EETs increase peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), which controls mitochondrial function, oxidative metabolism and induction of HO-1.

METHODS

Cultured murine adipocytes and mice fed a high fat (HF) diet were used to assess functional relationship between EETs, HO-1 and (PGC-1α) using an EET analogue (EET-A) and lentivirus to knock down the PPARGC1A gene.

RESULTS

EET-A increased PGC-1α and HO-1 in cultured adipocytes and increased the expression of genes involved in thermogenesis and adipocyte browning (UCP1 and PRDM16, respectively). PGC-1α knockdown prevented EET-A-induced HO-1expression, suggesting that PGC-1α is upstream of HO-1. MRI data obtained from fat tissues showed that EET-A administration to mice on a HF diet significantly reduced total body fat content, subcutaneous and visceral fat deposits and reduced the VAT: SAT ratio. Moreover EET-A normalized the VO2 and RQ (VCO2/VO2) in mice fed a HF diet, an effect that was completely prevented in PGC-1α deficient mice. In addition, EET-A increased mitochondrial biogenesis and function as measured by OPA1, MnSOD, Mfn1, Mfn2, and SIRT3, an effect that was inhibited by knockdown of PGC-1α.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our findings show that EET-A increased PGC-1α thereby increasing mitochondrial viability, increased fusion potential thereby providing metabolic protection and increased VO2 consumption in HF-induced obesity in mice, thus demonstrating that the EET-mediated increase in HO-1 levels require PGC-1α expression.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acids Regulate Adipocyte Differentiation of Mouse 3T3 Cells, Via PGC-1α Activation, Which Is Required for HO-1 Expression and Increased Mitochondrial Function

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) contributes to browning of white adipose stem cells to ameliorate obesity/diabetes and insulin resistance. In the current study, we show that EET altered preadipocyte function, enhanced peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor γ coactivator α (PGC-1α) expression, and increased mitochondrial function in the 3T3-L1 preadipocyte subjected to adipogenesis. Cells treated with EET resulted in an increase, P < 0.05, in PGC-1α and a decrease in mitochondria-derived ROS (MitoSox), P < 0.05. The EET increase in heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels is dependent on activation of PGC-1α as cells deficient in PGC-1α (PGC-1α knockout adipocyte cell) have an impaired ability to express HO-1, P < 0.02. Additionally, adipocytes treated with EET exhibited an increase in mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD) in a PGC-1α-dependent manner, P < 0.05. The increase in PGC-1α was associated with an increase in β-catenin, P < 0.05, adiponectin expression, P < 0.05, and lipid accumulation, P < 0.02. EET decreased heme levels and mitochondria-derived ROS (MitoSox), P < 0.05, compared to adipocytes that were untreated. EET also decreased mesoderm-specific transcript (MEST) mRNA and protein levels (P < 0.05). Adipocyte secretion of EET act in an autocrine/paracrine manner to increase PGC-1α is required for activation of HO-1 expression. This is the first study to dissect the mechanism by which the antiadipogenic and anti-inflammatory lipid, EET, induces the PGC-1α signaling cascade and reprograms the adipocyte phenotype by regulating mitochondrial function and HO-1 expression, leading to an increase in healthy, that is, small, adipocytes and a decrease in adipocyte enlargement and terminal differentiation. This is manifested by an increase in mitochondrial function and an increase in the canonical Wnt signaling cascade during adipocyte proliferation and terminal differentiation.

Abstract 015: Increased 20-HETE Levels Contribute to Impaired Glucose Metabolism and Type 2 Diabetes in Cyp4a14 Knockout Mice Fed on High Fat Diet

20-HETE (20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid) is a cytochrome P450 ω-hydroxylase metabolite of arachidonic acid that promotes endothelial dysfunction, microvascular remodeling and hypertension. Previous studies have shown that urinary 20-HETE levels correlate with BMI and plasma insulin levels. However, there is no direct evidence for the role of 20-HETE in the regulation of glucose metabolism, obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this study we examined the effect of 20-SOLA (2,5,8,11,14,17-hexaoxanonadecan-19-yl-20-hydroxyeicosa-6(Z),15(Z)-dienoate), a water-soluble 20-HETE antagonist, on blood pressure, weight gain and blood glucose in Cyp4a14 knockout (Cyp4a14-/-) mice fed high-fat diet (HFD). The Cyp4a14-/- male mice exhibit high vascular 20-HETE levels and display 20-HETE-dependent hypertension. There was no difference in weight gain and fasting blood glucose between Cyp4a14-/- and wild type (WT) on regular chow. When subjected to HFD for 15 weeks, a significant increase in weight was observed in Cyp4a14-/- as compared to WT mice (56.5±3.45 vs. 30.2±0.7g, p<0.05). Administration of 20-SOLA (10mg/kg/day in drinking water) significantly attenuated the weight gain (28.7±1.47g, p<0.05) and normalized blood pressure in Cyp4a14-/- mice on HFD (116±0.3 vs. 172.7±4.6mmHg, p<0.05). HFD fed Cyp4a14-/- mice exhibited hyperglycemia as opposed to normal glucose levels in WT on a HFD (154±1.9 vs. 96.3±3.0 mg/dL, p<0.05). 20-SOLA prevented the HFD-induced hyperglycemia in Cyp4a14-/- mice (91±8mg/dL, p<0.05). Plasma insulin levels were markedly high in Cyp4a14-/- mice vs. WT on HFD (2.66±0.7 vs. 0.58±0.18ng/mL, p<0.05); corrected by the treatment with 20-SOLA (0.69±0.09 ng/mL, p<0.05). Importantly, glucose and insulin tolerance tests showed impaired glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance in Cyp4a14-/- mice on HFD; ameliorated by treatment with 20-SOLA. This novel finding that blockade of 20-HETE actions by 20-SOLA prevents HFD-induced obesity and restores glucose homeostasis in Cyp4a14-/- mice suggests that 20-HETE contributes to obesity, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in HFD induced metabolic disorder. The molecular mechanisms underlying 20-HETE mediated metabolic dysfunction are being currently explored.