GLP-1/glucagon coagonism restores leptin responsiveness in obese mice chronically maintained on an obesogenic diet

C Clemmensen, J Chabenne, B Finan, L Sullivan… - Diabetes, 2014 - Am Diabetes Assoc
C Clemmensen, J Chabenne, B Finan, L Sullivan, K Fischer, D Küchler, L Sehrer…
Diabetes, 2014Am Diabetes Assoc
We recently reported restoration of leptin responsiveness in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice
using a pharmacologically optimized, polyethylene-glycolated (PEG)-leptin analog in
combination with exendin-4 or FGF21. However, the return of leptin action required
discontinuation of high-fat diet (HFD) exposure. Here we assess whether a single peptide
possessing balanced coagonism at the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucagon
receptors can restore leptin responsiveness in DIO mice maintained on a HFD. DIO mice …
We recently reported restoration of leptin responsiveness in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice using a pharmacologically optimized, polyethylene-glycolated (PEG)-leptin analog in combination with exendin-4 or FGF21. However, the return of leptin action required discontinuation of high-fat diet (HFD) exposure. Here we assess whether a single peptide possessing balanced coagonism at the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptors can restore leptin responsiveness in DIO mice maintained on a HFD. DIO mice were treated with PEG-GLP-1/glucagon (30 nmol/kg every fourth day) to induce an ∼15% body weight loss, upon which they were randomized to continue PEG-GLP-1/glucagon therapy or reassigned to receive supplemental daily PEG-leptin (185 nmol/kg/day). The addition of PEG-leptin to PEG-GLP-1/glucagon resulted in an ∼18% greater weight loss as compared with PEG-GLP-1/glucagon alone and was accompanied by further decreases in food intake and improved glucose and lipid metabolism. The beneficial effect of PEG-leptin supplementation occurred after an initial body weight loss similar to what we previously reported following reduced dietary fat along with PEG-leptin and exendin-4 or FGF21 cotreatment. In summary, we report that GLP-1/glucagon coagonism restores leptin responsiveness in mice maintained on a HFD, thus emphasizing the translational value of this polypharmacotherapy for the treatment of obesity and diabetes.
Am Diabetes Assoc