Glucocerebroside ameliorates the metabolic syndrome in OB/OB mice

Glucocerebroside (GC) is a naturally occurring glycolipid that may alter natural killer T (NKT) cell function. To determine the effect of GC on the metabolic derangements and immune profile in leptin-deficient mice, Ob/Ob mice were treated by daily injections of GC for 8 weeks and followed for various metabolic and immunological parameters. Marked amelioration of the metabolic alterations characteristic of leptin-deficient mice was observed in GC-treated animals compared with controls. A significant decrease in liver size and hepatic fat content were observed in GC-treated mice. Near-normalization of glucose tolerance and decreased serum triglyceride levels were observed. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of peripheral and intrahepatic lymphocytes revealed a 1.6-fold increase of the peripheral/intrahepatic NKT lymphocyte ratio. A 33% decrease of serum interferon-gamma level and a 2.6-fold increase of serum interleukin 10 level were noted in GC-treated mice. Immune modulation by GC may have a role in the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and other immune-mediated disorders.