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A soluble activin receptor type IIB does not improve blood glucose in streptozotocin-treated mice

Qian Wang1, Tingqing Guo2, Jennifer Portas3

  • 11. Current Addresses: Pathology Department, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, New York, USA.

International Journal of Biological Sciences
|January 7, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Myostatin inhibition increased muscle mass in type 1 diabetes models. However, this treatment unexpectedly worsened hyperglycemia and elevated corticosterone, suggesting potential counterproductive effects for T1DM patients.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Diseases
  • Muscle Physiology

Background:

  • Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is characterized by decreased muscle mass.
  • Myostatin (MSTN) is a negative regulator of muscle growth; its inhibition can increase muscle mass.
  • The impact of MSTN inhibition on T1DM-related muscle loss and hyperglycemia is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of MSTN inhibition on muscle mass and blood glucose levels in a mouse model of T1DM.
  • To determine if blocking MSTN signaling can mitigate hyperglycemia and muscle atrophy associated with T1DM.

Main Methods:

  • A mouse model of T1DM was established using streptozotocin (STZ) to induce pancreatic beta-cell destruction.
  • After diabetes onset, mice were treated with a soluble MSTN/activin receptor fusion protein (ACVR2B:Fc) or a vehicle control.
  • Body weight, muscle mass, blood glucose levels, and serum corticosterone were measured.

Main Results:

  • ACVR2B:Fc treatment led to significant increases in body weight and muscle mass compared to controls.
  • Unexpectedly, ACVR2B:Fc treatment reproducibly exacerbated hyperglycemia within a week.
  • Elevated serum corticosterone levels were observed in mice treated with ACVR2B:Fc.

Conclusions:

  • MSTN/activin inhibitors effectively increase muscle mass in a T1DM model.
  • Despite increasing muscle mass, MSTN inhibition may worsen hyperglycemia in T1DM.
  • These findings suggest MSTN inhibitors might be counterproductive for improving overall health in T1DM patients.
Keywords:
activin receptorglucocorticoidmuscle hypertrophymyostatintype 1 diabetes

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