Effect of RU486 on hepatic and adipocyte gene expression improves diabetes control in obesity-type 2 diabetes

Cortisol has wide-ranging actions, namely in gluconeogenesis and glycogenesis and exerts its effects through the glucocorticoid receptor. In the present study, we examined effects of glucocorticoid receptor blockade on type 2 diabetes control using the antagonist, RU486. Obese diabetic mice received daily injections of vehicle or RU486 over 28 days. Food intake, body weight, and plasma glucose were measured frequently. At 28 days, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and plasma triglycerides were assessed. Epididymal white adipose tissue and liver were excised for measurement of gene expression. Daily administration of RU486 had no effect on body weight or food intake, but plasma glucose concentrations were significantly lowered (1.4-1.6-fold; p<0.05 to p<0.001). Glucose concentrations were also significantly reduced (2.2-fold; p<0.001) following a glucose challenge. Similarly, exogenous insulin evoked a significantly greater reduction in plasma glucose (3.6-fold; p<0.01). Gene expression analysis revealed a significant reduction in hepatic mRNA of key enzymes, namely PEPCK-C (25%; p<0.01) and G6 Pase (32%; p<0.01) and also 11beta-HSD1 (18%; p<0.05). Investigation of adipose tissue gene expression also demonstrated reduced expression in 11beta-HSD1 (47%; p<0.05) and LPL (47%; p<0.001). These data demonstrate wide-ranging effects of glucocorticoid receptor antagonism on gene expression and metabolism, illustrating the therapeutic potential of specific glucocorticoid receptor antagonists in obesity-related diabetes.