Rapamycin-ameliorated diabetic symptoms involved in increasing adiponectin expression in diabetic mice on a high-fat
Fang-Hua Gong1, Yan-Na Ye1, Jin-Meng Li1
1School of Pharmacy, Wenzhou Medical University, Chashan College Park, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Abstract:
Recent studies showed that rapamycin improved diabetic complications. Here, we investigated the metabolic effects of rapamycin in type 2 diabetes model (T2DM) mice. Mice were treated with a daily intraperitoneal injection of rapamycin at 2 mg/kg or vehicle only for 3 weeks and were maintained on a high-fat diet. The treated diabetic mice exhibited decreased body weight, blood glucose levels, and fat mass. FGF21 expression was suppressed in C57B/L6 mice, but adiponectin expression increased both in FGF21 KO and C57B/L6 mice. These results suggest that rapamycin may alleviate FGF21 resistance in mice on a high-fat diet. The reduction of adipose tissue mass of the diabetic mice may be due to the increased adiponectin.
Insights
Rapamycin treatment reduced body weight, blood glucose, and fat mass in type 2 diabetic mice. This suggests rapamycin may improve metabolic health by increasing adiponectin and potentially overcoming FGF21 resistance.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic research
- Pharmacology
- Diabetes complications
Background:
- Recent studies indicate rapamycin's potential in managing diabetic complications.
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the metabolic effects of rapamycin in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes.
- To explore rapamycin's impact on key metabolic markers and hormone expression.
Main Methods:
- Mice with type 2 diabetes were treated with rapamycin (2 mg/kg daily) or vehicle for 3 weeks.
- Animals were maintained on a high-fat diet throughout the study.
- Measurements included body weight, blood glucose, fat mass, FGF21, and adiponectin expression.
Main Results:
- Rapamycin treatment led to decreased body weight, blood glucose levels, and fat mass in diabetic mice.
- Adiponectin expression was increased in both FGF21 knockout and C57B/L6 mice.
- FGF21 expression was suppressed in C57B/L6 mice.
Conclusions:
- Rapamycin may alleviate FGF21 resistance in high-fat diet-induced type 2 diabetes.
- Increased adiponectin levels may contribute to the observed reduction in adipose tissue mass.
