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Nifedipine, a calcium-channel blocker, attenuated glucose intolerance and white adipose tissue dysfunction in type 2

Masaru Iwai1, Harumi Kanno, Shinji Inaba

  • 1Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology and Pharmacology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Japan.

American Journal of Hypertension
|September 18, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Nifedipine treatment in type 2 diabetic mice improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. It also reduced white adipose tissue by promoting adipocyte differentiation and antioxidant activity.

Area of Science:

  • Metabolic research
  • Pharmacology
  • Diabetes research

Background:

  • Type 2 diabetes is characterized by glucose intolerance and altered white adipose tissue.
  • Investigating the metabolic effects of nifedipine is crucial for understanding its therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the metabolic actions of nifedipine on glucose intolerance and white adipose tissue in type 2 diabetic mice.
  • To explore nifedipine's impact on adipocyte differentiation and related molecular pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Male KK-A(y) mice, a model for type 2 diabetes, were administered nifedipine (1.5 mg/kg/day) in their diet for 5 weeks.
  • Key metabolic parameters, including glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, body weight, and white adipose tissue characteristics, were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Nifedipine treatment led to a tendency for decreased body weight and reduced white adipose tissue weight.
  • Improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were observed, along with decreased plasma insulin levels without food restriction.
  • Nifedipine increased adipocyte number and expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein, indicating enhanced adipocyte differentiation.
  • Expression of adiponectin, insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate-1, and glucose transporter type-4 was upregulated, while nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity was attenuated and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased in white adipose tissue.

Conclusions:

  • Nifedipine enhances insulin sensitivity and reduces white adipose tissue in type 2 diabetic mice.
  • These effects are potentially mediated by the stimulation of adipocyte differentiation and improved antioxidant capacity.

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