The effect of Semaglutide on mitochondrial function and insulin sensitivity in a myotube model of insulin resistance

Semaglutide (SEMA) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) that has recently emerged as a popular pharmacological treatment for type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance due to its weight loss properties. Previous studies have examined the metabolic effects of SEMA using supra-pharmacokinetically (but not pharmacokinetically attainable) concentrations. The aim of the present study was to determine the metabolic effects of pharmacokinetically attainable levels of SEMA on mitochondrial function and metabolism, which are often reduced during insulin resistance.

C2C12 myotubes were treated for 24 h with SEMA at 10 nM which approximates pharmacokinetically attainable blood concentrations in vivo. Metabolic gene expression was measured using qRT-PCR. pAkt expression was assessed using Western blot. Seahorse metabolic assays were also used to measure mitochondrial and glycolytic metabolism. Fluorescent staining was used to assess mitochondrial and lipid content.

Treatment with SEMA did not alter mitochondrial function, content, or related gene expression. Similarly, SEMA had no significant effect on glycolytic metabolism or related gene expression, nor did it alter cellular lipid content or lipogenic signaling.

High concentrations of SEMA may promote mitochondrial function during in vitro experiments, however the findings from the present report suggest pharmacokinetically attainable levels of SEMA do not alter myotube metabolism or expression of related molecular targets. Disparities in the present report and past observations may be a result of the lower concentrations of SEMA used in the present experiments. Further in vivo studies will be necessary to elucidate the full metabolic effects of SEMA on skeletal muscle.