Dual CCR2/CCR5 antagonist treatment attenuates adipose inflammation, but not microvascular complications in ob/ob

Phillipe D O'Brien1, Lucy M Hinder1, Sebastian D Parlee2

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Insights

Chemokine receptor (CCR) antagonists did not improve nerve or kidney function in diabetic mice, likely due to severe hyperglycemia. Further research is needed to determine their efficacy in other models or with improved glycemic control.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Immunology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) are significant complications of diabetes with few treatment options.
  • Inflammation, particularly macrophage involvement, is implicated in the pathogenesis of DPN and DKD.
  • Chemokine receptor (CCR) antagonists have shown promise in ameliorating DKD in experimental models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic potential of CCR2 and CCR5 antagonism for diabetic complications, specifically DPN and DKD.
  • To assess the effects of a dual CCR2-CCR5 antagonist (MK-0812) on nerve function, kidney disease, and metabolic parameters in a mouse model of diabetes.

Main Methods:

  • Five-week-old ob/ob mice, a model of type 2 diabetes, were treated with MK-0812, a CCR2-CCR5 antagonist, for 8 weeks.
  • Comprehensive phenotyping included assessments of DPN, DKD, and metabolic parameters.
  • Macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue was evaluated.

Main Results:

  • MK-0812 treatment reduced macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue.
  • However, the antagonist showed no significant beneficial effect on metabolic parameters, nerve function (DPN), or kidney disease (DKD) in ob/ob mice.
  • These findings contrast with previous studies suggesting benefits of CCR antagonists for DKD and hyperglycemia.

Conclusions:

  • CCR signaling blockade with MK-0812 was ineffective in ameliorating DPN and DKD in the ob/ob mouse model.
  • The lack of efficacy is hypothesized to be due to the severe hyperglycemia characteristic of this model.
  • Further studies are warranted to evaluate MK-0812 in alternative animal models or in conjunction with improved glycemic control for the prevention of diabetic complications.

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