DW14006 as a Direct AMPKα Activator Ameliorates Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Mice

Xu Xu1, Wei Wang2,3, Zhengyu Wang4

  • 1Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.

Diabetes
|July 11, 2020
PubMed

Insights

A novel compound, DW14006, directly activates AMP-activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα) to effectively treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). This treatment improves nerve function by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetic mice.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a significant complication of diabetes.
  • AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mitochondrial function are crucial in DPN pathogenesis.
  • Oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to DPN development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic potential of DW14006, a direct AMPKα activator, for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which DW14006 ameliorates DPN in preclinical models.

Main Methods:

  • Administration of DW14006 to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 and BKS db/db type 2 diabetic mice.
  • Assessment of neurological function, neurite outgrowth, mitochondrial bioenergetics, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
  • Validation using AMPKα-RNAi in STZ-induced diabetic mice.

Main Results:

  • DW14006 significantly ameliorated DPN in both type 1 and type 2 diabetic mouse models.
  • DW14006 enhanced neurite outgrowth and improved neurological function in diabetic mice.
  • Treatment with DW14006 improved mitochondrial function and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation by targeting AMPKα.

Conclusions:

  • DW14006, a direct AMPKα activator, demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for DPN.
  • The compound counteracts key DPN risk factors including mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
  • DW14006 represents a promising leading compound for DPN treatment development.