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Kajani S, Laker RC, Ratkova E, Will S, Rhodes CJ. Hepatic glucagon action: beyond glucose mobilization. Physiol Rev 2024; 104:1021-1060. [PMID: 38300523 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00028.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucagon's ability to promote hepatic glucose production has been known for over a century, with initial observations touting this hormone as a diabetogenic agent. However, glucagon receptor agonism [when balanced with an incretin, including glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) to dampen glucose excursions] is now being developed as a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of metabolic diseases, like metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic disease/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASLD/MASH), and may also have benefit for obesity and chronic kidney disease. Conventionally regarded as the opposing tag-team partner of the anabolic mediator insulin, glucagon is gradually emerging as more than just a "catabolic hormone." Glucagon action on glucose homeostasis within the liver has been well characterized. However, growing evidence, in part thanks to new and sensitive "omics" technologies, has implicated glucagon as more than just a "glucose liberator." Elucidation of glucagon's capacity to increase fatty acid oxidation while attenuating endogenous lipid synthesis speaks to the dichotomous nature of the hormone. Furthermore, glucagon action is not limited to just glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism, as traditionally reported. Glucagon plays key regulatory roles in hepatic amino acid and ketone body metabolism, as well as mitochondrial turnover and function, indicating broader glucagon signaling consequences for metabolic homeostasis mediated by the liver. Here we examine the broadening role of glucagon signaling within the hepatocyte and question the current dogma, to appreciate glucagon as more than just that "catabolic hormone."
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarina Kajani
- Early Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Rhianna C Laker
- Early Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Ekaterina Ratkova
- Early Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Sarah Will
- Early Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Christopher J Rhodes
- Early Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
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McGlone ER, Tan TMM. Glucagon-based therapy for people with diabetes and obesity: What is the sweet spot? Peptides 2024; 176:171219. [PMID: 38615717 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
People with obesity and type 2 diabetes have a high prevalence of metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease, hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular disease. Glucagon increases hepatic glucose production; it also decreases hepatic fat accumulation, improves lipidemia and increases energy expenditure. Pharmaceutical strategies to antagonize the glucagon receptor improve glycemic outcomes in people with diabetes and obesity, but they increase hepatic steatosis and worsen dyslipidemia. Co-agonism of the glucagon and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors has emerged as a promising strategy to improve glycemia in people with diabetes and obesity. Addition of glucagon receptor agonism enhances weight loss, reduces liver fat and ameliorates dyslipidemia. Prior to clinical use, however, further studies are needed to investigate the safety and efficacy of glucagon and GLP-1 receptor co-agonists in people with diabetes and obesity and related conditions, with specific concerns regarding a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal side effects, loss of muscle mass and increases in heart rate. Furthermore, co-agonists with differing ratios of glucagon:GLP-1 receptor activity vary in their clinical effect; the optimum balance is yet to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Rose McGlone
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tricia M-M Tan
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Suba K, Patel Y, Martin-Alonso A, Hansen B, Xu X, Roberts A, Norton M, Chung P, Shrewsbury J, Kwok R, Kalogianni V, Cheng S, Liu X, Kalyviotis K, Rutter GA, Jones B, Minnion J, Owen BM, Pantazis P, Distaso W, Drucker DJ, Tan TM, Bloom SR, Murphy KG, Salem V. Intra-islet glucagon signalling regulates beta-cell connectivity, first-phase insulin secretion and glucose homoeostasis. Mol Metab 2024:101947. [PMID: 38677509 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterised by the loss of first-phase insulin secretion. We studied mice with β-cell selective loss of the glucagon receptor (Gcgrfl/fl X Ins-1Cre), to investigate the role of intra-islet glucagon receptor signalling on pan-islet calcium activity and insulin secretion. METHODS Metabolic profiling was conducted on Gcgrβ-cell-/- and littermate controls. Crossing with GCaMP6f (STOP flox) animals further allowed for β-cell specific expression of a fluorescent calcium indicator. These islets were functionally imaged in vitro and in vivo. Wild-type mice were transplanted with islets expressing GCaMP6f in β-cells into the anterior eye chamber and placed on a high fat diet. Part of the cohort received a glucagon analogue (GCG-analogue) for 40 days and the control group were fed to achieve weight matching. Calcium imaging was performed regularly during the development of hyperglycaemia and in response to GCG-analogue treatment. RESULTS Gcgrβ-cell-/- mice exhibited higher glucose levels following intraperitoneal glucose challenge (control 12.7 mmol/L ± 0.6 vs. Gcgrβ-cell-/- 15.4 mmol/L ± 0.0 at 15 min, p = 0.002); fasting glycaemia was not different to controls. In vitro, Gcgrβ-cell-/- islets showed profound loss of pan-islet [Ca2+]I waves in response to glucose which was only partially rescued in vivo. Diet induced obesity and hyperglycaemia also resulted in a loss of co-ordinated [Ca2+]I waves in transplanted islets. This was reversed with GCG-analogue treatment, independently of weight-loss (n = 8). CONCLUSION These data provide novel evidence for the role of intra-islet GCGR signalling in sustaining synchronised [Ca2+]I waves and support a possible therapeutic role for glucagonergic agents to restore the insulin secretory capacity lost in T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Suba
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom; Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Y Patel
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - A Martin-Alonso
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - B Hansen
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - X Xu
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - A Roberts
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - M Norton
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - P Chung
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - J Shrewsbury
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - R Kwok
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - V Kalogianni
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - S Cheng
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - X Liu
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - K Kalyviotis
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - G A Rutter
- CHUM Research Center, University of Montreal, QC, Canada; Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; Lee Kong Chian Imperial Medical School, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - B Jones
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - J Minnion
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - B M Owen
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - P Pantazis
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - W Distaso
- Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - D J Drucker
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - T M Tan
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - S R Bloom
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - K G Murphy
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - V Salem
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom; Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom.
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Brouwers B, Rao G, Tang Y, Rodríguez Á, Glass LC, Hartman ML. Incretin-based investigational therapies for the treatment of MASLD/MASH. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2024; 211:111675. [PMID: 38636848 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2024.111675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the most common form of chronic liver disease. It exists as either simple steatosis or its more progressive form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The global prevalence of MASLD is estimated to be 32% among adults and is projected to continue to rise with increasing rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. While simple steatosis is often considered benign and reversible, MASH is progressive, potentially leading to the development of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment of MASH is therefore directed at slowing, stopping, or reversing the progression of disease. Evidence points to improved liver histology with therapies that result in sustained body weight reduction. Incretin-based molecules, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), alone or in combination with glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and/or glucagon receptor agonists, have shown benefit here, and several are under investigation for MASLD/MASH treatment. In this review, we discuss current published data on GLP-1, GIP/GLP-1, GLP-1/glucagon, and GLP-1/GIP/glucagon RAs in MASLD/MASH, focusing on their efficacy on liver histology, liver fat, and MASH biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Girish Rao
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Gong B, Yao Z, Zhou C, Wang W, Sun L, Han J. Glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs: Miracle drugs are blooming? Eur J Med Chem 2024; 269:116342. [PMID: 38531211 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), secreted by L cells in the small intestine, assumes a central role in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Its influence on insulin secretion and gastric emptying positions it as a therapeutic linchpin. However, the limited applicability of native GLP-1 stems from its short half-life, primarily due to glomerular filtration and the inactivating effect of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV). To address this, various structural modification strategies have been developed to extend GLP-1's half-life. Despite the commendable efficacy displayed by current GLP-1 receptor agonists, inherent limitations persist. A paradigm shift emerges with the advent of unimolecular multi-agonists, such as the recently introduced tirzepatide, wherein GLP-1 is ingeniously combined with other gastrointestinal hormones. This novel approach has captured the spotlight within the diabetes and obesity research community. This review summarizes the physiological functions of GLP-1, systematically explores diverse structural modifications, delves into the realm of unimolecular multi-agonists, and provides a nuanced portrayal of the developmental prospects that lie ahead for GLP-1 analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Gong
- College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, China; College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Zhihong Yao
- College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, China; College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Chenxu Zhou
- College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, China
| | - Wenxi Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Lidan Sun
- College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, China.
| | - Jing Han
- School of Chemistry & Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China.
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Golubic R, Kennet J, Parker V, Robertson D, Luo D, Hansen L, Jermutus L, Ambery P, Ryaboshapkina M, Surakala M, Laker RC, Venables M, Koulman A, Park A, Evans M. Dual glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucagon receptor agonism reduces energy intake in type 2 diabetes with obesity. Diabetes Obes Metab 2024. [PMID: 38562018 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To establish which components of energy balance mediate the clinically significant weight loss demonstrated with use of cotadutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)/glucagon receptor dual agonist, in early-phase studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a phase 2a, single-centre, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes. Following a 16-day single-blind placebo run-in, participants were randomized 2:1 to double-blind 42-day subcutaneous treatment with cotadutide (100-300 μg daily) or placebo. The primary outcome was percentage weight change. Secondary outcomes included change in energy intake (EI) and energy expenditure (EE). RESULTS A total of 12 participants (63%) in the cotadutide group and seven (78%) in the placebo group completed the study. The mean (90% confidence interval [CI]) weight change was -4.0% (-4.9%, -3.1%) and -1.4% (-2.7%, -0.1%) for the cotadutide and placebo groups, respectively (p = 0.011). EI was lower with cotadutide versus placebo (-41.3% [-66.7, -15.9]; p = 0.011). Difference in EE (per kJ/kg lean body mass) for cotadutide versus placebo was 1.0% (90% CI -8.4, 10.4; p = 0.784), assessed by doubly labelled water, and -6.5% (90% CI -9.3, -3.7; p < 0.001), assessed by indirect calorimetry. CONCLUSION Weight loss with cotadutide is primarily driven by reduced EI, with relatively small compensatory changes in EE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajna Golubic
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jane Kennet
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Victoria Parker
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Darren Robertson
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dan Luo
- Statistics, Biometrics Oncology, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Lars Hansen
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Lutz Jermutus
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Phil Ambery
- Late Clinical Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Ryaboshapkina
- Translational Science and Experimental Medicine, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Rhianna C Laker
- Bioscience Metabolism, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Albert Koulman
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Adrian Park
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark Evans
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Blüher M, Rosenstock J, Hoefler J, Manuel R, Hennige AM. Dose-response effects on HbA 1c and bodyweight reduction of survodutide, a dual glucagon/GLP-1 receptor agonist, compared with placebo and open-label semaglutide in people with type 2 diabetes: a randomised clinical trial. Diabetologia 2024; 67:470-482. [PMID: 38095657 PMCID: PMC10844353 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-023-06053-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS The aim of this study was to assess the dose-response effects of the subcutaneous glucagon receptor/glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor dual agonist survodutide (BI 456906) on HbA1c levels and bodyweight reduction. METHODS This Phase II, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study, conducted in clinical research centres, assessed survodutide in participants aged 18-75 years with type 2 diabetes, an HbA1c level of 53-86 mmol/mol (7.0-10.0%) and a BMI of 25-50 kg/m2 on a background of metformin therapy. Participants were randomised via interactive response technology to receive survodutide (up to 0.3, 0.9, 1.8 or 2.7 mg once weekly [qw; dose group (DG) 1-4, respectively] or 1.2 or 1.8 mg twice weekly [DG 5 and 6, respectively]), placebo or semaglutide (up to 1.0 mg qw). Participants and all those involved in the trial conduct/analysis were blinded; the semaglutide arm was open-label. The primary endpoint was absolute change from baseline in HbA1c after 16 weeks' treatment. The key secondary endpoint was relative change from baseline in bodyweight after 16 weeks' treatment. RESULTS A total of 413 participants were randomised (DG1, n=50; DG2, n=50; DG3, n=52; DG4, n=50; DG5, n=51; DG6, n=50; semaglutide, n=50; placebo, n=60). The full analysis set comprised 411 treated participants (DG6, n=49; placebo, n=59). Adjusted mean (95% CI) HbA1c decreased from baseline (mean ± SD 64.7±9.2 mmol/mol [8.07±0.84%] after 16 weeks' treatment: DG1 (n=41), -9.92 mmol/mol (-12.27, -7.56; -0.91% [-1.12, -0.69]); DG2 (n=46), -15.95 mmol/mol (-18.27, -13.63; -1.46% [-1.67, -1.25]); DG3 (n=36), -18.72 mmol/mol (-21.15, -16.29; -1.71% [-1.94, -1.49]); DG4 (n=33), -17.01 mmol/mol (-19.59, -14.43; -1.56% [-1.79, -1.32]); DG5 (n=44), -17.84 mmol/mol (-20.18, -15.51; -1.63% [-1.85, -1.42]); DG6 (n=36), -18.38 mmol/mol (-20.90, -15.87; -1.68% [-1.91, -1.45]). The mean reduction in HbA1c was similar with low-dose survodutide (DG2: -15.95 mmol/mol [-1.46%]; n=46) and semaglutide (-16.07 mmol/mol [-1.47%]; n=45). Mean (95% CI) bodyweight decreased dose-dependently up to -8.7% (-10.1, -7.3; DG6, n=37); survodutide ≥1.8 mg qw produced greater bodyweight reductions than semaglutide (-5.3% [-6.6, -4.1]; n=45). Adverse events (AEs) were reported for 77.8% of survodutide-treated participants (mainly gastrointestinal), 52.5% receiving placebo and 52.0% receiving semaglutide. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Survodutide reduced HbA1c levels and bodyweight after 16 weeks' treatment in participants with type 2 diabetes. Dose-related gastrointestinal AEs could be mitigated with slower dose escalations. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04153929 and EudraCT 2019-002390-60. FUNDING Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Ingelheim, Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Blüher
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München, University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
| | | | - Josef Hoefler
- Staburo GmbH, Munich, Germany, on behalf of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Raymond Manuel
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, CT, USA
| | - Anita M Hennige
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Biberach an der Riß, Germany.
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Goldenberg RM, Gilbert JD, Manjoo P, Pedersen SD, Woo VC, Lovshin JA. Management of type 2 diabetes, obesity, or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with high-dose GLP-1 receptor agonists and GLP-1 receptor-based co-agonists. Obes Rev 2024; 25:e13663. [PMID: 37968541 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D), obesity, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalacoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH) share mutual causalities. Medications that may offer clinical benefits to all three conditions are being developed. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are approved for the management of T2D and obesity and there is great interest in evaluating higher doses of available GLP-1RAs and developing novel GLP-1RA-based co-agonists to provide greater reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and body weight as well as modifying NAFLD/NASH complications in clinically meaningful ways. High-dose GLP-1RAs and multi-hormonal strategies including GLP-1R agonism have either already been approved or are in development for managing T2D, obesity, or NASH. We provide a mechanistic outline with a detailed summary of the available clinical data and ongoing trials that are adjudicating the impact of high-dose GLP-1RAs, unimolecular, and multimolecular GLP-1R-based co-agonists in populations living with T2D, obesity, or NASH. The available trial findings are aligned with preclinical observations, showing clinical efficacy and safety thus providing optimism for the expansion of GLP-1R-based drug classes for managing the triad of T2D, obesity and NASH. Development, access, and wide-spread utilization of these new therapeutic approaches will offer important opportunities to markedly improve the collective global burden of T2D, obesity, and NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeremy D Gilbert
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Priya Manjoo
- Department of Endocrinology, University of British Columbia, and Cardiometabolic Collaborative Clinic, Vancouver Island Health Authority, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sue D Pedersen
- C-ENDO Diabetes & Endocrinology Clinic Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vincent C Woo
- Section of Endocrinology, Health Sciences Centre, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Julie A Lovshin
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Spezani R, Marinho TS, Reis TS, Aguila MB, Mandarim-de-Lacerda CA. Cotadutide (GLP-1/Glucagon dual receptor agonist) modulates hypothalamic orexigenic and anorexigenic neuropeptides in obese mice. Peptides 2024; 173:171138. [PMID: 38147963 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamic neuropeptides linked to appetite and satiety were investigated in obese mice treated with cotadutide (a dual receptor agonist of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1R)/Glucagon (GCGR)). Twelve-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed a control diet (C group, n = 20) or a high-fat diet (HF group, n = 20) for ten weeks. Each group was further divided, adding cotadutide treatment and forming groups C, CC, HF, and HFC for four additional weeks. The hypothalamic arcuate neurons were labeled by immunofluorescence, and protein expressions (Western blotting) for neuropeptide Y (NPY), proopiomelanocortin (POMC), agouti-related protein (AgRP), and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART). Cotadutide enhanced POMC and CART neuropeptides and depressed NPY and AGRP neuropeptides. In addition, gene expressions (RT-qPCR) determined that Lepr (leptin receptor) and Calcr (calcitonin receptor) were diminished in HF compared to C but enhanced in CC compared to C and HFC compared to HF. Besides, Socs3 (suppressor of cytokine signaling 3) was decreased in HFC compared to HF, while Sst (somatostatin) was higher in HFC compared to HF; Tac1 (tachykinin 1) and Mc4r (melanocortin-4-receptor) were lower in HF compared to C but increased in HFC compared to HF. Also, Glp1r and Gcgr were higher in HFC compared to HF. In conclusion, the findings are compelling, demonstrating the effects of cotadutide on hypothalamic neuropeptides and hormone receptors of obese mice. Cotadutide modulates energy balance through the gut-brain axis and its associated signaling pathways. The study provides insights into the mechanisms underlying cotadutide's anti-obesity effects and its possible implications for obesity treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Spezani
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Biology, Biomedical Center, The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thatiany Souza Marinho
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Biology, Biomedical Center, The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thiago Santos Reis
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Biology, Biomedical Center, The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcia Barbosa Aguila
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Biology, Biomedical Center, The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos A Mandarim-de-Lacerda
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Biology, Biomedical Center, The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Luna-Marco C, Iannantuoni F, Hermo-Argibay A, Devos D, Salazar JD, Víctor VM, Rovira-Llopis S. Cardiovascular benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists through effects on mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 213:19-35. [PMID: 38220031 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Overloaded glucose levels in several metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative stress and altered mitochondrial homeostasis, particularly in the cardiovascular system, contribute to the development of chronic comorbidities of diabetes. Diabetes-associated hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia can directly damage vascular vessels and lead to coronary artery disease or stroke, and indirectly damage other organs and lead to kidney dysfunction, known as diabetic nephropathy. The new diabetes treatments include Na+-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (iSGLT2) and glucagon-like 1 peptide receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), among others. The iSGLT2 are oral anti-diabetic drugs, whereas GLP-1RA are preferably administered through subcutaneous injection, even though GLP-1RA oral formulations have recently become available. Both therapies are known to improve both carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, as well as to improve cardiovascular and cardiorenal outcomes in diabetic patients. In this review, we present an overview of current knowledge on the relationship between oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cardiovascular therapeutic benefits of iSGLT2 and GLP-1RA. We explore the benefits, limits and common features of the treatments and remark how both are an interesting target in the prevention of obesity, T2D and cardiovascular diseases, and emphasize the lack of a complete understanding of the underlying mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Luna-Marco
- INCLIVA (Biomedical Research Institute Valencia), Valencia, Spain
| | - Francesca Iannantuoni
- Service of di Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine, Ospedale Infermi, AUSL Romagna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Alberto Hermo-Argibay
- Service of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region (FISABIO), University Hospital Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Deédeni Devos
- Service of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region (FISABIO), University Hospital Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan D Salazar
- Service of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region (FISABIO), University Hospital Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Víctor M Víctor
- INCLIVA (Biomedical Research Institute Valencia), Valencia, Spain; Service of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region (FISABIO), University Hospital Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia; National Network of Biomedical Research on Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd).
| | - Susana Rovira-Llopis
- INCLIVA (Biomedical Research Institute Valencia), Valencia, Spain; Service of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region (FISABIO), University Hospital Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia.
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11
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Bosch R, Petrone M, Arends R, Vicini P, Sijbrands EJG, Hoefman S, Snelder N. Characterisation of cotadutide's dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonistic effects on glycaemic control using an in vivo human glucose regulation quantitative systems pharmacology model. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38403793 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cotadutide is a dual GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist with balanced agonistic activity at each receptor designed to harness the advantages on promoting liver health, weight loss and glycaemic control. We characterised the effects of cotadutide on glucose, insulin, GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon over time in a quantitative manner using our glucose dynamics systems model (4GI systems model), in combination with clinical data from a multiple ascending dose/Phase 2a (MAD/Ph2a) study in overweight and obese subjects with a history of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (NCT02548585). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The cotadutide PK-4GI systems model was calibrated to clinical data by re-estimating only food related parameters. In vivo cotadutide efficacy was scaled based on in vitro potency. The model was used to explore the effect of weight loss on insulin sensitivity and predict the relative contribution of the GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonistic effects on glucose. KEY RESULTS Cotadutide MAD/Ph2a clinical endpoints were successfully predicted. The 4GI model captured a positive effect of weight loss on insulin sensitivity and showed that the stimulating effect of glucagon on glucose production counteracts the GLP-1 receptor-mediated decrease in glucose, resulting in a plateau for glucose decrease around a 200-μg cotadutide dose. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The 4GI quantitative systems pharmacology model was able to predict the clinical effects of cotadutide on glucose, insulin, GLP-1, glucagon and GIP given known in vitro potency. The analyses demonstrated that the quantitative systems pharmacology model, and its successive refinements, will be a valuable tool to support the clinical development of cotadutide and related compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcella Petrone
- Clinical Pharmacology, Quantitative Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rosalin Arends
- Clinical Pharmacology, Quantitative Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Paolo Vicini
- Clinical Pharmacology, Quantitative Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Eric J G Sijbrands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Melander SA, Kayed A, Andreassen KV, Karsdal MA, Henriksen K. OXM-104, a potential candidate for the treatment of obesity, NASH and type 2 diabetes. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 962:176215. [PMID: 38056618 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dual glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptor agonists are therapeutic agents with an interesting liver-specific mode of action suitable for metabolic complications. In this study, dual GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist OXM-104 is compared head-to-head with the once-daily dual GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist cotadutide and GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide to explore the metabolic efficacy of OXM-104. METHODS The in vitro potencies of OXM-104, cotadutide and semaglutide were assessed using reporter assays. In addition, in vivo efficacy was investigated using mouse models of diet-induced obesity (DIO mice), diabetes (db/db mice) and diet-induced NASH mice (MS-NASH). RESULTS OXM-104 was found to only activate the GLP-1 and glucagon with no cross-reactivity at the (GIP) receptor. Cotadutide was also found to activate the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, whereas semaglutide only showed activity at the GLP-1 receptor. OXM-104, cotadutide, and semaglutide elicited marked reductions in body weight and improved glucose control. In contrast, hepatoprotective effects, i.e., reductions in steatosis and fibrosis, as well as liver fibrotic biomarkers, were more prominent with OXM-104 and cotadutide than those seen with semaglutide, demonstrated by an improved NAFLD activity score (NAS) by OXM-104 and cotadutide, underlining the importance of the glucagon receptor. CONCLUSION These results show that dual GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonism is superior to GLP-1 alone. OXM-104 was found to be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of metabolic complications such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kim Henriksen
- Nordic Bioscience, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; KeyBioscience AG, Stans, Switzerland
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13
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Monfeuga T, Norlin J, Bugge A, Gaalsgaard ED, Prada-Medina CA, Latta M, Veidal SS, Petersen PS, Feigh M, Holst D. Evaluation of long acting GLP1R/GCGR agonist in a DIO and biopsy-confirmed mouse model of NASH suggest a beneficial role of GLP-1/glucagon agonism in NASH patients. Mol Metab 2024; 79:101850. [PMID: 38065435 PMCID: PMC10772820 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The metabolic benefits of GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists on glycemic and weight control are well established as therapy for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Glucagon's ability to increase energy expenditure is well described, and the combination of these mechanisms-of-actions has the potential to further lower hepatic steatosis in metabolic disorders and could therefore be attractive for the treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Here, we have investigated the effects of a dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist NN1177 on hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and inflammation in a preclinical mouse model of NASH. Having observed strong effects on body weight loss in a pilot study with NN1177, we hypothesized that direct engagement of the hepatic glucagon receptor (GCGR) would result in a superior effect on steatosis and other liver related parameters as compared to the GLP-1R agonist semaglutide at equal body weight. METHODS Male C57Bl/6 mice were fed a diet high in trans-fat, fructose, and cholesterol (Diet-Induced Obese (DIO)-NASH) for 36 weeks. Following randomization based on the degree of fibrosis at baseline, mice were treated once daily with subcutaneous administration of a vehicle or three different doses of NN1177 or semaglutide for 8 weeks. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were assessed by immunohistochemistry and morphometric analyses. Plasma levels of lipids and liver enzymes were determined, and hepatic gene expression was analyzed by RNA sequencing. RESULTS NN1177 dose-dependently reduced body weight up to 22% compared to vehicle treatment. Plasma levels of ALT, a measure of liver injury, were reduced in all treatment groups with body weight loss. The dual agonist reduced hepatic steatosis to a greater extent than semaglutide at equal body weight loss, as demonstrated by three independent methods. Both the co-agonist and semaglutide significantly decreased histological markers of inflammation such as CD11b and Galectin-3, in addition to markers of hepatic stellate activation (αSMA) and fibrosis (Collagen I). Interestingly, the maximal beneficial effects on above mentioned clinically relevant endpoints of NN1177 treatment on hepatic health appear to be achieved with the middle dose tested. Administering the highest dose resulted in a further reduction of liver fat and accompanied by a massive induction in genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and resulted in exaggerated body weight loss and a downregulation of a module of co-expressed genes involved in steroid hormone biology, bile secretion, and retinol and linoleic acid metabolism that are also downregulated due to NASH itself. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that, in a setting of overnutrition, the liver health benefits of activating the fasting-related metabolic pathways controlled by the glucagon receptor displays a bell-shaped curve. This observation is of interest to the scientific community, due to the high number of ongoing clinical trials attempting to leverage the positive effects of glucagon biology to improve metabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Monfeuga
- AI & Digital Research, Research & Early Development, Novo Nordisk Research Centre Oxford, UK
| | - Jenny Norlin
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Park, DK-2750 Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Anne Bugge
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Park, DK-2750 Maaloev, Denmark
| | | | - Cesar A Prada-Medina
- AI & Digital Research, Research & Early Development, Novo Nordisk Research Centre Oxford, UK
| | - Markus Latta
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Park, DK-2750 Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Sanne S Veidal
- Gubra A/S, Hørsholm Kongevej 11, B, DK-2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Pia S Petersen
- Gubra A/S, Hørsholm Kongevej 11, B, DK-2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Michael Feigh
- Gubra A/S, Hørsholm Kongevej 11, B, DK-2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Dorte Holst
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Park, DK-2750 Maaloev, Denmark.
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14
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Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists are approved treatments for Type 2 diabetes mellitus, with liraglutide and semaglutide also approved for the treatment of obesity. The natural gut hormone oxyntomodulin is a weak dual agonist of the glucagon receptor (GCGR) and GLP-1R. Development of poly-agonists mimicking oxyntomodulin, such as the novel dual GCGR/GLP-1R agonist survodutide, represents an important step towards a more effective treatment for people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Survodutide is a 29-amino acid peptide derived from glucagon, with the incorporation of potent GLP-1 activities. It contains a C18 diacid which mediates binding to albumin, thereby prolonging the half-life to enable once-weekly subcutaneous dosing. The utilisation of GCGR agonism aims to enhance body weight-lowering effects by increasing energy expenditure in addition to the anorectic action of GLP-1R agonists. Glucose-lowering efficacy of survodutide has been demonstrated in a Phase II trial in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity and was associated with clinically meaningful body weight loss. These data highlight the potential of dual GCGR/GLP-1R agonism for reducing glycated haemoglobin and body weight in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and for greater therapeutic efficacy compared with GLP-1R agonism alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Klein
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Robert Augustin
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Anita M Hennige
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany.
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15
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Pocai A. G protein-coupled receptors and obesity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1301017. [PMID: 38161982 PMCID: PMC10757641 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1301017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have emerged as important drug targets for various chronic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. Obesity is a complex chronic disease that requires long term management predisposing to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. The therapeutic landscape for GPCR as targets of anti-obesity medications has undergone significant changes with the approval of semaglutide, the first peptide glucagon like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) achieving double digit weight loss (≥10%) and cardiovascular benefits. The enhanced weight loss, with the expected beneficial effect on obesity-related complications and reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), has propelled the commercial opportunity for the obesity market leading to new players entering the space. Significant progress has been made on approaches targeting GPCRs such as single peptides that simultaneously activate GIP and/or GCGR in addition to GLP1, oral tablet formulation of GLP-1, small molecules nonpeptidic oral GLP1R and fixed-dose combination as well as add-on therapy for patients already treated with a GLP-1 agonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Pocai
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Research & Development, Spring House, PA, United States
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16
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Parker VER, Robertson D, Erazo-Tapia E, Havekes B, Phielix E, de Ligt M, Roumans KHM, Mevenkamp J, Sjoberg F, Schrauwen-Hinderling VB, Johansson E, Chang YT, Esterline R, Smith K, Wilkinson DJ, Hansen L, Johansson L, Ambery P, Jermutus L, Schrauwen P. Cotadutide promotes glycogenolysis in people with overweight or obesity diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Nat Metab 2023; 5:2086-2093. [PMID: 38066113 PMCID: PMC10730390 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00938-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Cotadutide is a dual glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucagon receptor agonist under development for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is a complex disease with no approved pharmacotherapies, arising from an underlying state of systemic metabolic dysfunction in association with T2DM and obesity. Cotadutide has been shown to improve glycaemic control, body weight, lipids, liver fat, inflammation and fibrosis. We conducted a two-part, randomized phase 2a trial in men and women with overweight or obesity diagnosed with T2DM to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cotadutide compared with placebo and liraglutide. The primary endpoints were change from baseline to day 28 of treatment in postprandial hepatic glycogen (part A) and to day 35 of treatment in fasting hepatic glycogen (part B) with cotadutide versus placebo. Secondary endpoints in part B were changes in fasting hepatic glycogen with cotadutide versus the mono glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, liraglutide, and change in hepatic fat fraction. The trial met its primary endpoint. We showed that cotadutide promotes greater reductions in liver glycogen and fat compared with placebo and liraglutide. Safety and tolerability findings with cotadutide were comparable to those of previous reports. Thus, this work provides evidence of additional benefits of cotadutide that could be attributed to glucagon receptor engagement. Our results suggest that cotadutide acts on the glucagon receptor in the human liver to promote glycogenolysis and improve the metabolic health of the liver. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT03555994 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria E R Parker
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Darren Robertson
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Edmundo Erazo-Tapia
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Bas Havekes
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Esther Phielix
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marlies de Ligt
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Kay H M Roumans
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Julian Mevenkamp
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Folke Sjoberg
- Clinical Trial Consultants AB, Uppsala, Sweden
- Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Vera B Schrauwen-Hinderling
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Yi-Ting Chang
- Early Clinical Development, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Russell Esterline
- Late-stage Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Kenneth Smith
- Centre of Metabolism, Ageing and Physiology, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby, UK
| | - Daniel J Wilkinson
- Centre of Metabolism, Ageing and Physiology, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby, UK
| | - Lars Hansen
- Late-stage Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Philip Ambery
- Late-stage Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lutz Jermutus
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Patrick Schrauwen
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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17
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Spezani R, Marcondes-de-Castro IA, Marinho TS, Reis-Barbosa PH, Cardoso LEM, Aguila MB, Mandarim-de-Lacerda CA. Cotadutide improves brown adipose tissue thermogenesis in obese mice. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 217:115852. [PMID: 37832793 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
We studied the effect of cotadutide, a dual agonist glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1)/Glucagon, on interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) remodeling and thermogenesis of obese mice. Twelve-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed a control diet (C group, n = 20) or a high-fat diet (HF group, n = 20) for ten weeks. Then, animals were redivided, adding cotadutide treatment: C, CC, HF, and HFC for four additional weeks. The multilocular brown adipocyte structure showed fat conversion (whitening), hypertrophy, and structural disarray in the HF group, which was reverted in cotadutide-treated animals. Cotadutide enhances the body temperature, thermogenesis, and sympathetic innervation (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α, β3 adrenergic receptor, interleukin 6, and uncoupled protein 1), reduces pro-inflammatory markers (disintegrin and metallopeptidase domain, morphogenetic protein 8a, and neuregulin 4), and improves angiogenesis (vascular endothelial growth factor A, and perlecan). In addition, cotadutide enhances lipolysis (perilipin and cell death-inducing DNA fragmentation factor α), mitochondrial biogenesis (nuclear respiratory factor 1, transcription factor A mitochondrial, mitochondrial dynamin-like GTPase, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α), and mitochondrial fusion/fission (dynamin-related protein 1, mitochondrial fission protein 1, and parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase). Cotadutide reduces endoplasmic reticulum stress (activating transcription factor 4, C/EBP homologous protein, and growth arrest and DNA-damage inducible), and extracellular matrix markers (lysyl oxidase, collagen type I α1, collagen type VI α3, matrix metallopeptidases 2 and 9, and hyaluronan synthases 1 and 2). In conclusion, the experimental evidence is compelling in demonstrating cotadutide's thermogenic effect on obese mice's iBAT, contributing to unraveling its action mechanisms and the possible translational benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Spezani
- Pharmacology Section, Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology. The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ilitch A Marcondes-de-Castro
- Pharmacology Section, Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology. The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thatiany S Marinho
- Metabolism Section, Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology. The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro H Reis-Barbosa
- Metabolism Section, Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology. The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiz E M Cardoso
- Extracellular Matrix Section, Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology. The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcia B Aguila
- Nutrition Section, Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology. The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Carlos A Mandarim-de-Lacerda
- Pharmacology Section, Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology. The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Nutrition Section, Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology. The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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18
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Genchi VA, Palma G, Sorice GP, D'Oria R, Caccioppoli C, Marrano N, Biondi G, Caruso I, Cignarelli A, Natalicchio A, Laviola L, Giorgino F, Perrini S. Pharmacological modulation of adaptive thermogenesis: new clues for obesity management? J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:2213-2236. [PMID: 37378828 PMCID: PMC10558388 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02125-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adaptive thermogenesis represents the main mechanism through which the body generates heat in response to external stimuli, a phenomenon that includes shivering and non-shivering thermogenesis. The non-shivering thermogenesis is mainly exploited by adipose tissue characterized by a brown aspect, which specializes in energy dissipation. A decreased amount of brown adipose tissue has been observed in ageing and chronic illnesses such as obesity, a worldwide health problem characterized by dysfunctional adipose tissue expansion and associated cardiometabolic complications. In the last decades, the discovery of a trans-differentiation mechanism ("browning") within white adipose tissue depots, leading to the generation of brown-like cells, allowed to explore new natural and synthetic compounds able to favour this process and thus enhance thermogenesis with the aim of counteracting obesity. Based on recent findings, brown adipose tissue-activating agents could represent another option in addition to appetite inhibitors and inhibitors of nutrient absorption for obesity treatment. PURPOSE This review investigates the main molecules involved in the physiological (e.g. incretin hormones) and pharmacological (e.g. β3-adrenergic receptors agonists, thyroid receptor agonists, farnesoid X receptor agonists, glucagon-like peptide-1, and glucagon receptor agonists) modulation of adaptive thermogenesis and the signalling mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Genchi
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - G Palma
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - G P Sorice
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - R D'Oria
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - C Caccioppoli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - N Marrano
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - G Biondi
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - I Caruso
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - A Cignarelli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - A Natalicchio
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - L Laviola
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - F Giorgino
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - S Perrini
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
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19
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Andreasen CR, Andersen A, Vilsbøll T. The future of incretins in the treatment of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Diabetologia 2023; 66:1846-1858. [PMID: 37498367 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-023-05966-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
In the last few decades, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists have changed current guidelines and improved outcomes for individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, the dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR)/GLP-1R agonist, tirzepatide, has demonstrated superior efficacy regarding improvements in HbA1c and body weight in people with type 2 diabetes. This has led to increasing scientific interest in incretin hormones and incretin interactions, and several compounds based on dual- and multi-agonists are now being investigated for the treatment of metabolic diseases. Herein, we highlight the key scientific advances in utilising incretins for the treatment of obesity and, potentially, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The development of multi-agonists with multi-organ targets may alter the natural history of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine R Andreasen
- Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital - Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Andreas Andersen
- Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital - Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Tina Vilsbøll
- Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital - Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark.
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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20
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Ruocco C, Malavazos AE, Ragni M, Carruba MO, Valerio A, Iacobellis G, Nisoli E. Amino acids contribute to adaptive thermogenesis. New insights into the mechanisms of action of recent drugs for metabolic disorders are emerging. Pharmacol Res 2023; 195:106892. [PMID: 37619907 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Adaptive thermogenesis is the heat production by muscle contractions (shivering thermogenesis) or brown adipose tissue (BAT) and beige fat (non-shivering thermogenesis) in response to external stimuli, including cold exposure. BAT and beige fat communicate with peripheral organs and the brain through a variegate secretory and absorption processes - controlling adipokines, microRNAs, extracellular vesicles, and metabolites - and have received much attention as potential therapeutic targets for managing obesity-related disorders. The sympathetic nervous system and norepinephrine-releasing adipose tissue macrophages (ATM) activate uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), expressed explicitly in brown and beige adipocytes, dissolving the electrochemical gradient and uncoupling tricarboxylic acid cycle and the electron transport chain from ATP production. Mounting evidence has attracted attention to the multiple effects of dietary and endogenously synthesised amino acids in BAT thermogenesis and metabolic phenotype in animals and humans. However, the mechanisms implicated in these processes have yet to be conclusively characterized. In the present review article, we aim to define the principal investigation areas in this context, including intestinal microbiota constitution, adipose autophagy modulation, and secretome and metabolic fluxes control, which lead to increased brown/beige thermogenesis. Finally, also based on our recent epicardial adipose tissue results, we summarise the evidence supporting the notion that the new dual and triple agonists of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and glucagon (GCG) receptor - with never before seen weight loss and insulin-sensitizing efficacy - promote thermogenic-like amino acid profiles in BAT with robust heat production and likely trigger sympathetic activation and adaptive thermogenesis by controlling amino acid metabolism and ATM expansion in BAT and beige fat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ruocco
- Center for Study and Research on Obesity, Department of Biomedical Technology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, via Vanvitelli, 32, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Alexis Elias Malavazos
- Endocrinology Unit, Clinical Nutrition and Cardiovascular Prevention Service, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Edmondo Malan, 2, San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, via della Commenda, 10, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Ragni
- Center for Study and Research on Obesity, Department of Biomedical Technology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, via Vanvitelli, 32, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele O Carruba
- Center for Study and Research on Obesity, Department of Biomedical Technology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, via Vanvitelli, 32, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Valerio
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Gianluca Iacobellis
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, 1400 NW 12th Ave, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Enzo Nisoli
- Center for Study and Research on Obesity, Department of Biomedical Technology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, via Vanvitelli, 32, 20129 Milan, Italy.
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21
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Li Y, Zhou Q, Dai A, Zhao F, Chang R, Ying T, Wu B, Yang D, Wang MW, Cong Z. Structural analysis of the dual agonism at GLP-1R and GCGR. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2303696120. [PMID: 37549266 PMCID: PMC10438375 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2303696120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and glucagon receptor (GCGR), two members of class B1 G protein-coupled receptors, play important roles in glucose homeostasis and energy metabolism. They share a high degree of sequence homology but have different functionalities. Unimolecular dual agonists of both receptors developed recently displayed better clinical efficacies than that of monotherapy. To study the underlying molecular mechanisms, we determined high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structures of GLP-1R or GCGR in complex with heterotrimeric Gs protein and three GLP-1R/GCGR dual agonists including peptide 15, MEDI0382 (cotadutide) and SAR425899 with variable activating profiles at GLP-1R versus GCGR. Compared with related structures reported previously and supported by our published pharmacological data, key residues responsible for ligand recognition and dual agonism were identified. Analyses of peptide conformational features revealed a difference in side chain orientations within the first three residues, indicating that distinct engagements in the deep binding pocket are required to achieve receptor selectivity. The middle region recognizes extracellular loop 1 (ECL1), ECL2, and the top of transmembrane helix 1 (TM1) resulting in specific conformational changes of both ligand and receptor, especially the dual agonists reshaped ECL1 conformation of GLP-1R relative to that of GCGR, suggesting an important role of ECL1 interaction in executing dual agonism. Structural investigation of lipid modification showed a better interaction between lipid moiety of MEDI0382 and TM1-TM2 cleft, in line with its increased potency at GCGR than SAR425899. Together, the results provide insightful information for the design and development of improved therapeutics targeting these two receptors simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Qingtong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Antao Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
| | - Fenghui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
| | - Rulue Chang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai201203, China
| | - Tianlei Ying
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Beili Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
| | - Dehua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan572025, China
| | - Ming-Wei Wang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan572025, China
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-0033, Japan
- School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical College, Haikou570228, China
| | - Zhaotong Cong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
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22
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Vishnoi S, Bhattacharya S, Walsh EM, Okoh GI, Thompson D. Computational Peptide Design Cotargeting Glucagon and Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptors. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:4934-4947. [PMID: 37523325 PMCID: PMC10428222 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Peptides are sustainable alternatives to conventional therapeutics for G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) linked disorders, promising biocompatible and tailorable next-generation therapeutics for metabolic disorders including type-2 diabetes, as agonists of the glucagon receptor (GCGR) and the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R). However, single agonist peptides activating GLP-1R to stimulate insulin secretion also suppress obesity-linked glucagon release. Hence, bioactive peptides cotargeting GCGR and GLP-1R may remediate the blood glucose and fatty acid metabolism imbalance, tackling both diabetes and obesity to supersede current monoagonist therapy. Here, we design and model optimized peptide sequences starting from peptide sequences derived from earlier phage-displayed library screening, identifying those with predicted molecular binding profiles for dual agonism of GCGR and GLP-1R. We derive design rules from extensive molecular dynamics simulations based on peptide-receptor binding. Our newly designed coagonist peptide exhibits improved predicted coupled binding affinity for GCGR and GLP-1R relative to endogenous ligands and could in the future be tested experimentally, which may provide superior glycemic and weight loss control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubham Vishnoi
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, Limerick V94T9PX, Ireland
| | - Shayon Bhattacharya
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, Limerick V94T9PX, Ireland
| | | | | | - Damien Thompson
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, Limerick V94T9PX, Ireland
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23
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Wewer Albrechtsen NJ, Holst JJ, Cherrington AD, Finan B, Gluud LL, Dean ED, Campbell JE, Bloom SR, Tan TMM, Knop FK, Müller TD. 100 years of glucagon and 100 more. Diabetologia 2023; 66:1378-1394. [PMID: 37367959 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-023-05947-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The peptide hormone glucagon, discovered in late 1922, is secreted from pancreatic alpha cells and is an essential regulator of metabolic homeostasis. This review summarises experiences since the discovery of glucagon regarding basic and clinical aspects of this hormone and speculations on the future directions for glucagon biology and glucagon-based therapies. The review was based on the international glucagon conference, entitled 'A hundred years with glucagon and a hundred more', held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in November 2022. The scientific and therapeutic focus of glucagon biology has mainly been related to its role in diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the glucose-raising properties of glucagon have been leveraged to therapeutically restore hypoglycaemia. The hyperglucagonaemia evident in type 2 diabetes has been proposed to contribute to hyperglycaemia, raising questions regarding underlying mechanism and the importance of this in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Mimicry experiments of glucagon signalling have fuelled the development of several pharmacological compounds including glucagon receptor (GCGR) antagonists, GCGR agonists and, more recently, dual and triple receptor agonists combining glucagon and incretin hormone receptor agonism. From these studies and from earlier observations in extreme cases of either glucagon deficiency or excess secretion, the physiological role of glucagon has expanded to also involve hepatic protein and lipid metabolism. The interplay between the pancreas and the liver, known as the liver-alpha cell axis, reflects the importance of glucagon for glucose, amino acid and lipid metabolism. In individuals with diabetes and fatty liver diseases, glucagon's hepatic actions may be partly impaired resulting in elevated levels of glucagonotropic amino acids, dyslipidaemia and hyperglucagonaemia, reflecting a new, so far largely unexplored pathophysiological phenomenon termed 'glucagon resistance'. Importantly, the hyperglucagonaemia as part of glucagon resistance may result in increased hepatic glucose production and hyperglycaemia. Emerging glucagon-based therapies show a beneficial impact on weight loss and fatty liver diseases and this has sparked a renewed interest in glucagon biology to enable further pharmacological pursuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolai J Wewer Albrechtsen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Jens J Holst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alan D Cherrington
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Brian Finan
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Lise Lotte Gluud
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Gastro Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - E Danielle Dean
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jonathan E Campbell
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology Division, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Stephen R Bloom
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tricia M-M Tan
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Filip K Knop
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Timo D Müller
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München Neuherberg, Germany
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24
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Ouberai MM, Gomes Dos Santos AL, Kinna S, Hornigold DC, Baker D, Naylor J, Liang L, Corkill DJ, Welland ME. Self-assembled GLP-1/glucagon peptide nanofibrils prolong inhibition of food intake. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1217021. [PMID: 37554763 PMCID: PMC10406450 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1217021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Oxyntomodulin (Oxm) hormone peptide has a number of beneficial effects on nutrition and metabolism including increased energy expenditure and reduced body weight gain. Despite its many advantages as a potential therapeutic agent, Oxm is subjected to rapid renal clearance and protease degradation limiting its clinical application. Previously, we have shown that subcutaneous administration of a fibrillar Oxm formulation can significantly prolong its bioactivity in vivo from a few hours to a few days. Methods We used a protease resistant analogue of Oxm, Aib2-Oxm, to form nanfibrils depot and improve serum stability of released peptide. The nanofibrils and monomeric peptide in solution were characterized by spectroscopic, microscopic techniques, potency assay, QCM-D and in vivo studies. Results We show that in comparison to Oxm, Aib2-Oxm fibrils display a slower elongation rate requiring higher ionic strength solutions, and a higher propensity to dissociate. Upon subcutaneous administration of fibrillar Aib2-Oxm in rodents, a 5-fold increase in bioactivity relative to fibrillar Oxm and a significantly longer bioactivity than free Aib2-Oxm were characterized. Importantly, a decrease in food intake was observed up to 72-hour post-administration, which was not seen for free Aib2-Oxm. Conclusion Our findings provides compelling evidence for the development of long-lasting peptide fibrillar formulations that yield extended plasma exposure and enhanced in vivo pharmacological response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam M. Ouberai
- Nanoscience Centre, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ana L. Gomes Dos Santos
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sonja Kinna
- Nanoscience Centre, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - David C. Hornigold
- Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Diseases, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - David Baker
- Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Diseases, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline Naylor
- Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Diseases, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lihuan Liang
- Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Diseases, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic J. Corkill
- Bioscience In Vivo, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mark E. Welland
- Nanoscience Centre, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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25
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Amatya R, Lee D, Min KA, Shin MC. Pharmaceutical Strategies to Improve Druggability of Potential Drug Candidates in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1963. [PMID: 37514148 PMCID: PMC10386216 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become globally prevalent and is the leading cause of chronic liver disease. Although NAFLD is reversible without medical intervention in the early stage, the condition could be sequentially worsened to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and, eventually, cirrhosis and hepatic cancer. The progression of NAFLD is related to various factors such as genetics, pre-disposed metabolic disorders, and immunologic factors. Thankfully, to date, there have been accumulating research efforts and, as a result, different classes of potent drug candidates have been discovered. In addition, there have also been various attempts to explore pharmaceutical strategies to improve the druggability of drug candidates. In this review, we provided a brief overview of the drug candidates that have undergone clinical trials. In the latter part, strategies for developing better drugs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reeju Amatya
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju Daero, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghee Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju Daero, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Ah Min
- College of Pharmacy and Inje Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Inje University, 197 Injero, Gimhae 50834, Republic of Korea
| | - Meong Cheol Shin
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju Daero, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
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26
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Spezani R, Marinho TS, Macedo Cardoso LE, Aguila MB, Mandarim-de-Lacerda CA. Pancreatic islet remodeling in cotadutide-treated obese mice. Life Sci 2023; 327:121858. [PMID: 37315839 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cause morphofunctional alterations in pancreatic islet alpha and beta cells. Therefore, we hypothesize that the new GLP-1/Glucagon receptor dual agonist cotadutide may benefit islet cell arrangement and function. Twelve-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were fed a control diet (C, 10 % kJ fat) or a high-fat diet (HF, 50 % kJ fat) for ten weeks. Then, the animals were divided into four groups for an additional 30 days and daily treated with subcutaneous cotadutide (30 nmol/kg) or vehicle: C, CC (control+cotadutide), HF, and HFC (high-fat+cotadutide). Cotadutide led to weight loss and reduced insulin resistance in the HFC group, increasing insulin receptor substrate 1 and solute carrier family 2 gene expressions in isolated islets. Also, cotadutide enhanced transcriptional factors related to islet cell transdifferentiation, decreasing aristaless-related homeobox and increasing the paired box 4 and 6, pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1, v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family protein A, neurogenin 3, and neurogenic differentiation 1. In addition, cotadutide improved the proliferating cell nuclear antigen, NK6 homeobox 1, B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2, but lessening caspase 3. Furthermore, cotadutide mitigated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-responsive genes, reducing transcription factor 4, DNA-damage-inducible transcript 3, and growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible 45. In conclusion, our data demonstrated significant beneficial actions of cotadutide in DIO mice, such as weight loss, glycemic control, and insulin resistance improvement. In addition, cotadutide counteracted the pathological adaptive cellular arrangement of the pancreatic islet in obese mice, improving the markers of the transdifferentiating pathway, proliferation, apoptosis, and ER stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Spezani
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Disease, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology, The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thatiany Souza Marinho
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Disease, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology, The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiz E Macedo Cardoso
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Disease, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology, The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcia Barbosa Aguila
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Disease, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology, The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Alberto Mandarim-de-Lacerda
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Disease, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology, The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Klein G, Petrone M, Yang Y, Hoang T, Hazlett S, Hansen L, Flor A. Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Cotadutide, a GLP-1 and Glucagon Receptor Dual Agonist, in Individuals with Renal Impairment: A Single-Dose, Phase I, Bridging Study. Clin Pharmacokinet 2023; 62:881-890. [PMID: 37140727 PMCID: PMC10256642 DOI: 10.1007/s40262-023-01239-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Cotadutide is a balanced glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucagon receptor dual agonist under development for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and type 2 diabetes with chronic kidney disease. We evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety and immunogenicity of a single dose of cotadutide in individuals with varying degrees of renal impairment. METHODS In this phase I bridging study, individuals 18-85 years of age, with a body mass index of 17-40 kg/m2 and varying degrees of renal function {end-stage renal disease (ESRD; creatinine clearance [CrCl] < 20 mL/min); severe renal impairment (CrCl ≥ 20 to < 30 mL/min); lower moderate renal impairment (CrCl ≥ 30 to < 44 mL/min); upper moderate renal impairment (CrCl ≥ 45 to < 60 mL/min); normal renal function (CrCl ≥ 90 mL/min)} were treated with a single dose of subcutaneous cotadutide 100 µg under fasted conditions in the lower abdomen. The co-primary endpoints were area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to 48 h (AUC48) and the maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) for cotadutide. Safety and immunogenicity were secondary endpoints. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03235375). RESULTS A total of 37 individuals were enrolled in the study (only three enrolled in the ESRD group, therefore this group was excluded from the primary PK analysis). AUC48 and Cmax values for cotadutide were similar across all renal function groups {severe renal impairment vs. normal renal function: AUC48 geometric mean ratio (GMR) 0.99 (90% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-1.29); lower moderate renal impairment versus normal renal function: AUC48 GMR 1.01 (90% CI 0.79-1.30); upper moderate renal impairment versus normal renal function: AUC48 GMR 1.09 (90% CI 0.82-1.43)}. A sensitivity analysis that combined the ESRD and severe renal impairment groups did not show notable changes in the AUC48 and Cmax GMRs. The incidences of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE) ranged from 42.9 to 72.7% across all groups and were mostly mild to moderate in severity. Only one patient had a grade III or worse TEAE during the study period. No positive antidrug antibody results were observed. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the PK and tolerability of cotadutide are unaffected by renal function and that dose adjustments may not be required in individuals with renal impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcella Petrone
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ye Yang
- Early Biometrics and Statistical Innovation, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | | | - Sheila Hazlett
- Late-Stage Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Lars Hansen
- Early Clinical Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Armando Flor
- Early Clinical Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
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Jungnik A, Arrubla Martinez J, Plum-Mörschel L, Kapitza C, Lamers D, Thamer C, Schölch C, Desch M, Hennige AM. Phase I studies of the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the dual glucagon receptor/glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist BI 456906. Diabetes Obes Metab 2023; 25:1011-1023. [PMID: 36527386 DOI: 10.1111/dom.14948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM To report two phase I studies of the novel subcutaneous glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor/glucagon receptor (GLP-1R/GCGR) dual agonist BI 456906 versus placebo in healthy volunteers and people with overweight/obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS A phase Ia study (NCT03175211) investigated single rising doses (SRDs) of BI 456906 in 24 males with a body mass index (BMI) of 20-<30 kg/m2 . A phase Ib study (NCT03591718) investigated multiple rising doses (MRDs) of BI 456906 (escalated over 6 [Part A] or 16 [Part B] weeks) in 125 adults with a BMI of 27-40 kg/m2 . RESULTS In the SRD study (N = 24), mean body weight decreased with increasing BI 456906 dose. In the MRD study, the maximum decreases in placebo-corrected mean body weight were at week 6 (-5.79%, dosage schedule [DS] 1; Part A) and week 16 (-13.8%, DS7; Part B). BI 456906 reduced plasma amino acids and glucagon, indicating target engagement at GCGRs and GLP-1Rs. Drug-related adverse events (AEs) increased with BI 456906 dose. The most frequent drug-related AE with SRDs was decreased appetite (n = 9, 50.0%), and two subjects (8.3%) did not complete the trial because of AEs (nausea and vomiting). During MRD Part A (N = 80), 10 subjects (12.5%) discontinued BI 456906, most commonly because of a cardiac or vascular AE (n = 6, 7.5%); during Part B (N = 45), eight subjects (17.8%) discontinued BI 456906, mainly because of AEs (n = 6, 13.3%), most commonly gastrointestinal disorders. CONCLUSIONS BI 456906 produced a placebo-corrected body weight loss of 13.8% (week 16), highlighting its potential to promote clinically meaningful body weight loss in people with overweight/obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christoph Kapitza
- Profil Institute for Metabolic Research, Neuss, Germany
- Profil Mainz GmbH & Co. KG, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Claus Thamer
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH, Biberach, Germany
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29
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Zhihong Y, Chen W, Qianqian Z, Lidan S, Qiang Z, Jing H, Wenxi W, Bhawal R. Emerging roles of oxyntomodulin-based glucagon-like peptide-1/glucagon co-agonist analogs in diabetes and obesity. Peptides 2023; 162:170955. [PMID: 36669563 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.170955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Oxyntomodulin (OXM) is an endogenous peptide hormone secreted from the intestines following nutrient ingestion that activates both glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptors. OXM is known to exert various effects, including improvement in glucose tolerance, promotion of energy expenditure, acceleration of liver lipolysis, inhibition of food intake, delay of gastric emptying, neuroprotection, and pain relief. The antidiabetic and antiobesity properties have led to the development of biologically active and enzymatically stable OXM-based analogs with proposed therapeutic promise for metabolic diseases. Structural modification of OXM was ongoing to enhance its potency and prolong half-life, and several GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist-based therapies are being explored in clinical trials for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. In the present article, we provide a brief overview of the physiology of OXM, focusing on its structural-activity relationship and ongoing clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhihong
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China; College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Wang Chen
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Zhu Qianqian
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Sun Lidan
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China.
| | - Zhou Qiang
- The First Hospital of Jiaxing & The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China.
| | - Han Jing
- School of Chemistry & Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Wang Wenxi
- The First Hospital of Jiaxing & The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China; College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Ruchika Bhawal
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Institute of Biotechnology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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30
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Hope DCD, Tan TMM. Glucagon and energy expenditure; Revisiting amino acid metabolism and implications for weight loss therapy. Peptides 2023; 162:170962. [PMID: 36736539 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.170962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Glucagon receptor (GCGR)-targeted multi-agonists are being developed for the treatment of obesity and metabolic disease. GCGR activity is utilised for its favourable weight loss and metabolic properties, including increased energy expenditure (EE) and hepatic lipid metabolism. GLP1R and GIPR activities are increasingly present in a multi-agonist strategy. Due to the compound effect of increased satiety, reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure, the striking weight loss effects of these multi-agonists has been demonstrated in pre-clinical models of obesity. The precise contribution and mechanism of GCGR activity to enhanced energy expenditure and weight loss in both rodents and humans is not fully understood. In this review, our understanding of glucagon-mediated EE is explored, and an amino acid-centric paradigm contributing to this phenomenon is presented. The current progress of GCGR-targeted multi-agonists in development is also highlighted with a focus on the implications of glucagon-stimulated hypoaminoacidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C D Hope
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - T M-M Tan
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
Within the past couple decades glucagon receptor agonism has drawn attention as a therapeutic tool for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. In both mice and humans glucagon-induced enhancements in energy expenditure and suppression of food intake suggest promising utility, therefore interest has advanced in the synthetic optimization of glucagon-based pharmacology to further resolve the physiological and cellular underpinnings. Modifications within the glucagon peptide sequence have allowed for greater solubility, stability, circulating half-life, and understanding of the structure-function potential behind partial and "super"-agonists. This knowledge gained from such modifications has provided a basis for the development of long-acting therapeutically useful glucagon analogues, chimeric unimolecular dual- and tri-agonists, and novel strategies for the targeting of nuclear hormones into glucagon receptor-expressing tissues. In this review, we summarize the peptide path leading to these glucagon-based developments in the field of anti-diabetes and anti-obesity pharmacology, while highlighting the associated biological and therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Novikoff
- Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Timo D Müller
- Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.
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32
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Zhang X, Cai Y, Yao Z, Chi H, Li Y, Shi J, Zhou Z, Sun L. Discovery of novel OXM-based glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)/glucagon receptor dual agonists. Peptides 2023; 161:170948. [PMID: 36646385 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.170948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Novel glucagon receptor (GCGR) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) dual agonists are reported to have improved efficacy over GLP-1R mono-agonists in treating type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity. Here, we describe the discovery of a novel oxyntomodulin (OXM) based GLP-1R/GCGR dual agonist with potent and balanced potency toward GLP-1R and GCGR. The lead peptide OXM-7 was obtained via stepwise rational design and long-acting modification. In ICR and db/db mice, OXM-7 exhibited prominent acute and long-acting hypoglycemic effects. In diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice, twice-daily administration of OXM-7 produced significant weight loss, normalized lipid metabolism, and improved glucose control. In DIO-nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) mice, OXM-7 treatment significantly reversed hepatic steatosis, and reduced serum and hepatic lipid levels. These preclinical data suggest the therapeutic potential of OXM-7 as a novel anti-diabetic, anti-steatotic and/or anti-obesity agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Zhang
- Food and Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Jiangsu Food & Pharmaceutical Science College, Huaian 223003, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yuchen Cai
- School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Zhihong Yao
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Heng Chi
- Food and Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Jiangsu Food & Pharmaceutical Science College, Huaian 223003, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yan Li
- Food and Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Jiangsu Food & Pharmaceutical Science College, Huaian 223003, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jingjing Shi
- Food and Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Jiangsu Food & Pharmaceutical Science College, Huaian 223003, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Zhongbo Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, 98 Chengxiang Road, Baise 533000, Guangxi, PR China.
| | - Lidan Sun
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, Zhejiang, PR China.
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Kayed A, Melander SA, Khan S, Andreassen KV, Karsdal MA, Henriksen K. The Effects of Dual GLP-1/Glucagon Receptor Agonists with Different Receptor Selectivity in Mouse Models of Obesity and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 384:406-416. [PMID: 36418115 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an unmet need for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) therapeutics, considering the increase in global obesity. Dual GLP-1/glucagon (GCG) receptor agonists have shown beneficial effects in circumventing the pathophysiology linked to NASH. However, dual GLP-1/GCG receptor agonists as a treatment of metabolic diseases need delicate optimization to maximize metabolism effects. The impacts of increased relative GLP-1/GCG receptor activity in NASH settings must be addressed to unleash the full potential. In this study, we investigated the potential of OXM-104 and OXM-101, two dual GLP-1/GCG receptor agonists with different receptor selectivity in the setting of NASH, to establish the relative receptor activities leading to the best metabolic outcome efficacies to reduce the gap between surgery and pharmacological interventions. We developed dual GLP-1/GCG receptor agonists with selective agonism. Despite the improved metabolic effects of OXM-101, we explored a hyperglycemic risk attached to increased relative GCG receptor agonism. Thirty-eight days of treatment with a dual GLP-1/GCG receptor agonist, OXM-104, with increased GLP-1 receptor agonism in obese NASH mice was found to ameliorate the development of NASH by lowering body weight, improving liver and lipid profiles, reducing the levels of the fibrosis marker PRO-C4, and improving glucose control. Similarly, dual GLP-1/GCG receptor agonist OXM-101 with increased relative GCG receptor agonism ameliorated NASH by eliciting dramatic body weight reductions to OXM-104, reflected in the improvement of liver and lipid enzymes and reduced PRO-C4 levels. Optimizing dual GLP-1/GCG agonists with increased relative GCG receptor agonism can provide the setting for future agonists to treat obesity, type 2 diabetes, and NASH without having a hyperglycemic risk. SIGNIFICANT STATEMENT: There is an unmet need for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) therapeutics, considering the increase in global obesity. Dual GLP-1/glucagon (GCG) receptor agonists have shown beneficial effects in circumventing the pathophysiology linked to NASH. Therefore, this study has examined OXM-104 and OXM-101, two dual GLP-1/GCG receptor agonists in the setting of NASH, to establish the relative receptor activities leading to the best metabolic outcome efficacies to reduce the gap between surgery and pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashref Kayed
- Nordic Bioscience Biomarkers and Research, Department of Endocrinology, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Simone Anna Melander
- Nordic Bioscience Biomarkers and Research, Department of Endocrinology, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Suheb Khan
- Nordic Bioscience Biomarkers and Research, Department of Endocrinology, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Kim Vietz Andreassen
- Nordic Bioscience Biomarkers and Research, Department of Endocrinology, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Morten Asser Karsdal
- Nordic Bioscience Biomarkers and Research, Department of Endocrinology, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Kim Henriksen
- Nordic Bioscience Biomarkers and Research, Department of Endocrinology, Herlev, Denmark
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Darbalaei S, Chang RL, Zhou QT, Chen Y, Dai AT, Wang MW, Yang DH. Effects of site-directed mutagenesis of GLP-1 and glucagon receptors on signal transduction activated by dual and triple agonists. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:421-433. [PMID: 35953646 PMCID: PMC9889767 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00962-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The paradigm of one drug against multiple targets, known as unimolecular polypharmacology, offers the potential to improve efficacy while overcoming some adverse events associated with the treatment. This approach is best exemplified by targeting two or three class B1 G protein-coupled receptors, namely, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), glucagon receptor (GCGR) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor for treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Some of the dual and triple agonists have already shown initial successes in clinical trials, although the molecular mechanisms underlying their multiplexed pharmacology remain elusive. In this study we employed structure-based site-directed mutagenesis together with pharmacological assays to compare agonist efficacy across two key signaling pathways, cAMP accumulation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation (pERK1/2). Three dual agonists (peptide 15, MEDI0382 and SAR425899) and one triple agonist (peptide 20) were evaluated at GLP-1R and GCGR, relative to the native peptidic ligands (GLP-1 and glucagon). Our results reveal the existence of residue networks crucial for unimolecular agonist-mediated receptor activation and their distinct signaling patterns, which might be useful to the rational design of biased drug leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Darbalaei
- The National Center for Drug Screening and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ru-Lue Chang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Qing-Tong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - An-Tao Dai
- The National Center for Drug Screening and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ming-Wei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, 572025, China.
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
| | - De-Hua Yang
- The National Center for Drug Screening and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, 572025, China.
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35
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Kurtzhals P, Østergaard S, Nishimura E, Kjeldsen T. Derivatization with fatty acids in peptide and protein drug discovery. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:59-80. [PMID: 36002588 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00529-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Peptides and proteins are widely used to treat a range of medical conditions; however, they often have to be injected and their effects are short-lived. These shortcomings of the native structure can be addressed by molecular engineering, but this is a complex undertaking. A molecular engineering technology initially applied to insulin - and which has now been successfully applied to several biopharmaceuticals - entails the derivatization of peptides and proteins with fatty acids. Various protraction mechanisms are enabled by the specific characteristics and positions of the attached fatty acid. Furthermore, the technology can ensure a long half-life following oral administration of peptide drugs, can alter the distribution of peptides and may hold potential for tissue targeting. Due to the inherent safety and well-defined chemical nature of the fatty acids, this technology provides a versatile approach to peptide and protein drug discovery.
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Zimmermann T, Thomas L, Baader-Pagler T, Haebel P, Simon E, Reindl W, Bajrami B, Rist W, Uphues I, Drucker DJ, Klein H, Santhanam R, Hamprecht D, Neubauer H, Augustin R. BI 456906: Discovery and preclinical pharmacology of a novel GCGR/GLP-1R dual agonist with robust anti-obesity efficacy. Mol Metab 2022; 66:101633. [PMID: 36356832 PMCID: PMC9679702 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obesity and its associated comorbidities represent a global health challenge with a need for well-tolerated, effective, and mechanistically diverse pharmaceutical interventions. Oxyntomodulin is a gut peptide that activates the glucagon receptor (GCGR) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and reduces bodyweight by increasing energy expenditure and reducing energy intake in humans. Here we describe the pharmacological profile of the novel glucagon receptor (GCGR)/GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) dual agonist BI 456906. METHODS BI 456906 was characterized using cell-based in vitro assays to determine functional agonism. In vivo pharmacological studies were performed using acute and subchronic dosing regimens to demonstrate target engagement for the GCGR and GLP-1R, and weight lowering efficacy. RESULTS BI 456906 is a potent, acylated peptide containing a C18 fatty acid as a half-life extending principle to support once-weekly dosing in humans. Pharmacological doses of BI 456906 provided greater bodyweight reductions in mice compared with maximally effective doses of the GLP-1R agonist semaglutide. BI 456906's superior efficacy is the consequence of increased energy expenditure and reduced food intake. Engagement of both receptors in vivo was demonstrated via glucose tolerance, food intake, and gastric emptying tests for the GLP-1R, and liver nicotinamide N-methyltransferase mRNA expression and circulating biomarkers (amino acids, fibroblast growth factor-21) for the GCGR. The dual activity of BI 456906 at the GLP-1R and GCGR was supported using GLP-1R knockout and transgenic reporter mice, and an ex vivo bioactivity assay. CONCLUSIONS BI 456906 is a potent GCGR/GLP-1R dual agonist with robust anti-obesity efficacy achieved by increasing energy expenditure and decreasing food intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Zimmermann
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88400 Biberach an der Riβ, Germany.
| | - Leo Thomas
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88400 Biberach an der Riβ, Germany.
| | - Tamara Baader-Pagler
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88400 Biberach an der Riβ, Germany.
| | - Peter Haebel
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88400 Biberach an der Riβ, Germany.
| | - Eric Simon
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88400 Biberach an der Riβ, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang Reindl
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88400 Biberach an der Riβ, Germany.
| | - Besnik Bajrami
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88400 Biberach an der Riβ, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang Rist
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88400 Biberach an der Riβ, Germany.
| | - Ingo Uphues
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88400 Biberach an der Riβ, Germany.
| | - Daniel J Drucker
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, University of Toronto, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada.
| | - Holger Klein
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88400 Biberach an der Riβ, Germany.
| | - Rakesh Santhanam
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88400 Biberach an der Riβ, Germany.
| | - Dieter Hamprecht
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88400 Biberach an der Riβ, Germany; Boehringer Ingelheim Research Italia, Via Lorenzini 8, 20139 Milano, Italy.
| | - Heike Neubauer
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88400 Biberach an der Riβ, Germany.
| | - Robert Augustin
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88400 Biberach an der Riβ, Germany.
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Hope DCD, Hinds CE, Lopes T, Vincent ML, Shrewsbury JV, Yu ATC, Davies I, Scott R, Jones B, Murphy KG, Minnion JS, Sardini A, Carling D, Lutz TA, Bloom SR, Tan TMM, Owen BM. Hypoaminoacidemia underpins glucagon-mediated energy expenditure and weight loss. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100810. [PMID: 36384093 PMCID: PMC9729826 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Glucagon analogs show promise as components of next-generation, multi-target, anti-obesity therapeutics. The biology of chronic glucagon treatment, in particular, its ability to induce energy expenditure and weight loss, remains poorly understood. Using a long-acting glucagon analog, G108, we demonstrate that glucagon-mediated body weight loss is intrinsically linked to the hypoaminoacidemia associated with its known amino acid catabolic action. Mechanistic studies reveal an energy-consuming response to low plasma amino acids in G108-treated mice, prevented by dietary amino acid supplementation and mimicked by a rationally designed low amino acid diet. Therefore, low plasma amino acids are a pre-requisite for G108-mediated energy expenditure and weight loss. However, preventing hypoaminoacidemia with additional dietary protein does not affect the ability of G108 to improve glycemia or hepatic steatosis in obese mice. These studies provide a mechanism for glucagon-mediated weight loss and confirm the hepatic glucagon receptor as an attractive molecular target for metabolic disease therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C D Hope
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Charlotte E Hinds
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tatiana Lopes
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew L Vincent
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jed V Shrewsbury
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Arthur T C Yu
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Iona Davies
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Scott
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ben Jones
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kevin G Murphy
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - James S Minnion
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Alessandro Sardini
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David Carling
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Thomas A Lutz
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephen R Bloom
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tricia M M Tan
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Bryn M Owen
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Li Q, Yang Q, Han J, Liu X, Fu J, Yin J. Xenopus GLP-1-based glycopeptides as dual glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor/glucagon receptor agonists with improved in vivo stability for treating diabetes and obesity. Chin J Nat Med 2022; 20:863-872. [DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(22)60196-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Ueno H, Zhang W, Nakazato M. Regulation of feeding and therapeutic application of bioactive peptides. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 239:108187. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Elmelund E, Galsgaard KD, Johansen CD, Trammell SA, Bomholt AB, Winther-Sørensen M, Hunt JE, Sørensen CM, Kruse T, Lau JF, Grevengoed TJ, Holst JJ, Wewer Albrechtsen NJ. Opposing effects of chronic glucagon receptor agonism and antagonism on amino acids, hepatic gene expression, and alpha cells. iScience 2022; 25:105296. [PMID: 36325048 PMCID: PMC9618771 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The pancreatic hormone, glucagon, is known to regulate hepatic glucose production, but recent studies suggest that its regulation of hepatic amino metabolism is equally important. Here, we show that chronic glucagon receptor activation with a long-acting glucagon analog increases amino acid catabolism and ureagenesis and causes alpha cell hypoplasia in female mice. Conversely, chronic glucagon receptor inhibition with a glucagon receptor antibody decreases amino acid catabolism and ureagenesis and causes alpha cell hyperplasia and beta cell loss. These effects were associated with the transcriptional regulation of hepatic genes related to amino acid uptake and catabolism and by the non-transcriptional modulation of the rate-limiting ureagenesis enzyme, carbamoyl phosphate synthetase-1. Our results support the importance of glucagon receptor signaling for amino acid homeostasis and pancreatic islet integrity in mice and provide knowledge regarding the long-term consequences of chronic glucagon receptor agonism and antagonism. Glucagon receptor agonism increases amino acid catabolism and hepatic CPS-1 activity Glucagon receptor signaling regulates the number of pancreatic alpha cells Glucagon regulates the hepatic transcription of genes involved in amino acid metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Elmelund
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katrine D. Galsgaard
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian D. Johansen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Samuel A.J. Trammell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna B. Bomholt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Winther-Sørensen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jenna E. Hunt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte M. Sørensen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Kruse
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Research Chemistry, Novo Nordisk Park, 2760 Måløv, Denmark
| | - Jesper F. Lau
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Research Chemistry, Novo Nordisk Park, 2760 Måløv, Denmark
| | - Trisha J. Grevengoed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens J. Holst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nicolai J. Wewer Albrechtsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Bispebjerg & Frederiksberg Hospitals, University of Copenhagen, 2400 Bispebjerg, Denmark
- Corresponding author
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Wang Y, Wu Y, Wang A, Wang A, Alkhalidy H, Helm R, Zhang S, Ma H, Zhang Y, Gilbert E, Xu B, Liu D. An olive-derived elenolic acid stimulates hormone release from L-cells and exerts potent beneficial metabolic effects in obese diabetic mice. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1051452. [PMID: 36386896 PMCID: PMC9664001 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1051452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin resistance and progressive decline in functional β-cell mass are two key factors for developing type 2 diabetes (T2D), which is largely driven by overweight and obesity, a significant obstacle for effective metabolic control in many patients with T2D. Thus, agents that simultaneously ameliorate obesity and act on multiple pathophysiological components could be more effective for treating T2D. Here, we report that elenolic acid (EA), a phytochemical, is such a dual-action agent. we show that EA dose-dependently stimulates GLP-1 secretion in mouse clonal L-cells and isolated mouse ileum crypts. In addition, EA induces L-cells to secrete peptide YY (PYY). EA induces a rapid increase in intracellular [Ca2+]i and the production of inositol trisphosphate in L-cells, indicating that EA activates phospholipase C (PLC)-mediated signaling. Consistently, inhibition of (PLC) or Gαq ablates EA-stimulated increase of [Ca2+]i and GLP-1 secretion. In vivo, a single dose of EA acutely stimulates GLP-1 and PYY secretion in mice, accompanied with an improved glucose tolerance and insulin levels. Oral administration of EA at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks normalized the fasting blood glucose and restored glucose tolerance in high-fat diet-induced obese (DIO) mice to levels that were comparable to chow-fed mice. In addition, EA suppresses appetite, reduces food intake, promotes weight loss, and reverses perturbated metabolic variables in obese mice. These results suggest that EA could be a dual-action agent as an alternative or adjuvant treatment for both T2D and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Yajun Wu
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Aiping Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Aihua Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Hana Alkhalidy
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Richard Helm
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Shijun Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Hongguang Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Gilbert
- School of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Dongmin Liu
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Virginia Tech Drug Discovery Center, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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Abstract
Although the physiological role of glucagon receptor signaling in the liver is well defined, the impact of glucagon receptor (Gcgr) signaling on white adipose tissue (WAT) continues to be debated. Although numerous studies propose that glucagon stimulates WAT lipolysis, we lack evidence that physiological concentrations of glucagon regulate WAT lipolysis. In turn, we performed studies in both wild-type and WAT Gcgr knockout mice to determine if glucagon regulates lipolysis at WAT in the mouse. We assessed the effects of fasting and acute exogenous glucagon administration in wild-type C57BL/6J and GcgrAdipocyte+/+ versus GcgrAdipocyte-/- mice. Using an ex vivo lipolysis protocol, we further examined the direct effects of glucagon on physiologically (fasted) and pharmacologically stimulated lipolysis. We found that adipocyte Gcgr expression did not affect fasting-induced lipolysis or hepatic lipid accumulation in lean or diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Acute glucagon administration did not affect serum nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), leptin, or adiponectin concentration, but did increase serum glucose and FGF21, regardless of genotype. Glucagon did not affect ex vivo lipolysis in explants from either GcgrAdipocyte+/+ or GcgrAdipocyte-/- mice. Gcgr expression did not affect fasting-induced or isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis from WAT explants. Moreover, glucagon receptor signaling at WAT did not affect body weight or glucose homeostasis in lean or DIO mice. Our studies have established that physiological levels of glucagon do not regulate WAT lipolysis, either directly or indirectly. Given that glucagon receptor agonism can improve dyslipidemia and decrease hepatic lipid accumulation, it is critical to understand the tissue-specific effects of glucagon receptor action. Unlike the crucial role of hepatic glucagon receptor signaling in maintaining glucose and lipid homeostasis, we observed no metabolic consequence of WAT glucagon receptor deletion.NEW & NOTEWORTHY It has been postulated that glucagon stimulates lipolysis and fatty acid release from white adipose tissue. We observed no metabolic effects of eliminating or activating glucagon receptor signaling at white adipose tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia Vasileva
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Tyler Marx
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Jacqueline L Beaudry
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer H Stern
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
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Jiménez-martí E, Hurtado-genovés G, Aguilar-ballester M, Martínez-hervás S, González-navarro H. Novel Therapies for Cardiometabolic Disease: Recent Findings in Studies with Hormone Peptide-Derived G Protein Coupled Receptor Agonists. Nutrients 2022; 14:3775. [PMID: 36145148 PMCID: PMC9503433 DOI: 10.3390/nu14183775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is provoking an important socioeconomic burden mainly in the form of cardiovascular disease (CVD). One successful strategy is the so-called metabolic surgery whose beneficial effects are beyond dietary restrictions and weight loss. One key underlying mechanism behind this surgery is the cooperative improved action of the preproglucagon-derived hormones, glucagon, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) which exert their functions through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Great success has been reached with therapies based on the GLP-1 receptor monoagonism; therefore, a logical and rational approach is the use of the dual and triagonism of GCPC to achieve complete metabolic homeostasis. The present review describes novel findings regarding the complex biology of the preproglucagon-derived hormones, their signaling, and the drug development of their analogues, especially those acting as dual and triagonists. Moreover, the main investigations into animal models and ongoing clinical trials using these unimolecular dual and triagonists are included which have demonstrated their safety, efficacy, and beneficial effects on the CV system. These therapeutic strategies could greatly impact the treatment of CVD with unprecedented benefits which will be revealed in the next years.
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Yadav P, Khurana A, Bhatti JS, Weiskirchen R, Navik U. Glucagon-like peptide 1 and fibroblast growth factor-21 in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: An experimental to clinical perspective. Pharmacol Res 2022; 184:106426. [PMID: 36075510 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which slowly progresses toward cirrhosis and finally leads to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus and the metabolic syndrome are major risk factors contributing to NAFLD. Targeting these risk factors is a rational option for inhibiting NASH progression. In addition, NASH could be treated with therapies that target the metabolic abnormalities causing disease pathogenesis (such as de novo lipogenesis and insulin resistance) as well with medications targeting downstream processes such as cellular damage, apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), is an incretin hormone dysregulated in both experimental and clinical NASH, which triggers many signaling pathways including fibroblast growth factor (FGF) that augments NASH pathogenesis. Growing evidence indicates that GLP-1 in concert with FGF-21 plays crucial roles in the conservation of glucose and lipid homeostasis in metabolic disorders. In line, GLP-1 stimulation improves hepatic ballooning, steatosis, and fibrosis in NASH. A recent clinical trial on NASH patients showed that the upregulation of FGF-21 decreases liver fibrosis and hepatic steatosis, thus improving the pathogenesis of NASH. Hence, therapeutic targeting of the GLP-1/FGF axis could be therapeutically beneficial for the remission of NASH. This review outlines the significance of the GLP-1/FGF-21 axis in experimental and clinical NASH and highlights the activity of modulators targeting this axis as potential salutary agents for the treatment of NASH.
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Palani A, Nawrocki AR, Orvieto F, Bianchi E, Mandić E, Pessi A, Huang C, Deng Q, Toussaint N, Walsh E, Reddy V, Ashley E, He H, Mumick S, Hawes B, Marsh D, Erion M, Nargund R, Carrington PE. Discovery of MK-1462: GLP-1 and Glucagon Receptor Dual Agonist for the Treatment of Obesity and Diabetes. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:1248-1254. [PMID: 35978682 PMCID: PMC9377002 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide-based analogues of the gut-derived incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1), stimulate insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. Currently marketed GLP1 receptor (GLP1R) agonists are safe and effective in the management of Type 2 diabetes but often offer only modest weight loss. This has prompted the search for safe and effective alternatives to enhance the weight loss component of these treatments. We have demonstrated that concomitant activation GLP1R and the glucagon receptor (GCGR) can improve glucose metabolism and provide superior weight loss when compared to selective GLP1R agonism in preclinical species. This paper will highlight chemistry structure-activity relationship optimization and summarize in vivo efficacy studies toward the discovery of a once daily balanced dual agonist 12 (MK-1462), which was advanced into clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anandan Palani
- Merck
& Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033 United States
| | - Andrea R. Nawrocki
- Merck
& Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033 United States
| | - Federica Orvieto
- Peptide
Chemistry Unit, Peptides and Small Molecules R&D, IRBM SpA, Via Pontina, Km 30.600, 00071 Roma, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bianchi
- Peptide
Chemistry Unit, Peptides and Small Molecules R&D, IRBM SpA, Via Pontina, Km 30.600, 00071 Roma, Italy
| | - Emanuela Mandić
- Peptide
Chemistry Unit, Peptides and Small Molecules R&D, IRBM SpA, Via Pontina, Km 30.600, 00071 Roma, Italy
| | | | - Chunhui Huang
- Merck
& Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033 United States
| | - Qiaolin Deng
- Merck
& Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033 United States
| | - Nathalie Toussaint
- Merck
& Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033 United States
| | - Erika Walsh
- Merck
& Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033 United States
| | - Vijay Reddy
- Merck
& Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033 United States
| | - Eric Ashley
- Merck
& Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033 United States
| | - Huaibing He
- Merck
& Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033 United States
| | - Sheena Mumick
- Merck
& Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033 United States
| | - Brian Hawes
- Merck
& Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033 United States
| | - Donald Marsh
- Merck
& Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033 United States
| | - Mark Erion
- Merck
& Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033 United States
| | - Ravi Nargund
- Merck
& Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033 United States
| | - Paul E. Carrington
- Merck
& Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033 United States
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Knerr PJ, Mowery SA, Douros JD, Premdjee B, Hjøllund KR, He Y, Kruse Hansen AM, Olsen AK, Perez-Tilve D, DiMarchi RD, Finan B. Next generation GLP-1/GIP/glucagon triple agonists normalize body weight in obese mice. Mol Metab 2022; 63:101533. [PMID: 35809773 PMCID: PMC9305623 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Pharmacological strategies that engage multiple mechanisms-of-action have demonstrated synergistic benefits for metabolic disease in preclinical models. One approach, concurrent activation of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), and glucagon (Gcg) receptors (i.e. triagonism), combines the anorectic and insulinotropic activities of GLP-1 and GIP with the energy expenditure effect of glucagon. While the efficacy of triagonism in preclinical models is known, the relative contribution of GcgR activation remains unassessed. This work aims to addresses that central question. Methods Herein, we detail the design of unimolecular peptide triagonists with an empirically optimized receptor potency ratio. These optimized peptide triagonists employ a protraction strategy permitting once-weekly human dosing. Additionally, we assess the effects of these peptides on weight-reduction, food intake, glucose control, and energy expenditure in an established DIO mouse model compared to clinically relevant GLP-1R agonists (e.g. semaglutide) and dual GLP-1R/GIPR agonists (e.g. tirzepatide). Results Optimized triagonists normalize body weight in DIO mice and enhance energy expenditure in a manner superior to that of GLP-1R mono-agonists and GLP-1R/GIPR co-agonists. Conclusions These pre-clinical data suggest unimolecular poly-pharmacology as an effective means to target multiple mechanisms contributing to obesity and further implicate GcgR activation as the differentiating factor between incretin receptor mono- or dual-agonists and triagonists. Details the design of unimolecular peptide triagonists for GLP-1R/GIPR/GCGR. Optimal weight-loss is achieved when receptor potency ratio is weighted toward GCGR vs GLP-1R or GIPR. These agonists are protracted for once-weekly human dosing. Optimized triagonists normalizes body weight & enhance energy expenditure in mice. Efficacy of optimized triagonists is superior to GLP-1R & GLP-1R/GIPR agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Knerr
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Yantao He
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | | | - Diego Perez-Tilve
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Brian Finan
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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Parker VER, Hoang T, Schlichthaar H, Gibb FW, Wenzel B, Posch MG, Rose L, Chang Y, Petrone M, Hansen L, Ambery P, Jermutus L, Heerspink HJL, McCrimmon RJ. Efficacy and safety of cotadutide, a dual glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucagon receptor agonist, in a randomized phase 2a study of patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Diabetes Obes Metab 2022; 24:1360-1369. [PMID: 35403793 PMCID: PMC9323481 DOI: 10.1111/dom.14712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM To assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of cotadutide in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this phase 2a study (NCT03550378), patients with body mass index 25-45 kg/m2 , estimated glomerular filtration rate 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2 and type 2 diabetes [glycated haemoglobin 6.5-10.5% (48-91 mmol/mol)] controlled with insulin and/or oral therapy combination, were randomized 1:1 to once-daily subcutaneous cotadutide (50-300 μg) or placebo for 32 days. The primary endpoint was plasma glucose concentration assessed using a mixed-meal tolerance test. RESULTS Participants receiving cotadutide (n = 21) had significant reductions in the mixed-meal tolerance test area under the glucose concentration-time curve (-26.71% vs. +3.68%, p < .001), more time in target glucose range on continuous glucose monitoring (+14.79% vs. -21.23%, p = .001) and significant reductions in absolute bodyweight (-3.41 kg vs. -0.13 kg, p < .001) versus placebo (n = 20). In patients with baseline micro- or macroalbuminuria (n = 18), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios decreased by 51% at day 32 with cotadutide versus placebo (p = .0504). No statistically significant difference was observed in mean change in estimated glomerular filtration rate between treatments. Mild/moderate adverse events occurred in 71.4% of participants receiving cotadutide and 35.0% receiving placebo. CONCLUSIONS We established the efficacy of cotadutide in this patient population, with significantly improved postprandial glucose control and reduced bodyweight versus placebo. Reductions in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios suggest potential benefits of cotadutide on kidney function, supporting further evaluation in larger, longer-term clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria E. R. Parker
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&DAstraZenecaCambridgeUK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yi‐Ting Chang
- Early Clinical Development, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&DAstraZenecaGaithersburgMDUSA
| | | | - Lars Hansen
- Early Clinical Development, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&DAstraZenecaGaithersburgMDUSA
| | - Philip Ambery
- Late Clinical Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&DAstraZenecaGothenburgSweden
| | - Lutz Jermutus
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&DAstraZenecaCambridgeUK
| | - Hiddo J. L. Heerspink
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and PharmacologyUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
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48
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Angelidi AM, Belanger MJ, Kokkinos A, Koliaki CC, Mantzoros CS. Novel Noninvasive Approaches to the Treatment of Obesity: From Pharmacotherapy to Gene Therapy. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:507-557. [PMID: 35552683 PMCID: PMC9113190 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent insights into the pathophysiologic underlying mechanisms of obesity have led to the discovery of several promising drug targets and novel therapeutic strategies to address the global obesity epidemic and its comorbidities. Current pharmacologic options for obesity management are largely limited in number and of modest efficacy/safety profile. Therefore, the need for safe and more efficacious new agents is urgent. Drugs that are currently under investigation modulate targets across a broad range of systems and tissues, including the central nervous system, gastrointestinal hormones, adipose tissue, kidney, liver, and skeletal muscle. Beyond pharmacotherapeutics, other potential antiobesity strategies are being explored, including novel drug delivery systems, vaccines, modulation of the gut microbiome, and gene therapy. The present review summarizes the pathophysiology of energy homeostasis and highlights pathways being explored in the effort to develop novel antiobesity medications and interventions but does not cover devices and bariatric methods. Emerging pharmacologic agents and alternative approaches targeting these pathways and relevant research in both animals and humans are presented in detail. Special emphasis is given to treatment options at the end of the development pipeline and closer to the clinic (ie, compounds that have a higher chance to be added to our therapeutic armamentarium in the near future). Ultimately, advancements in our understanding of the pathophysiology and interindividual variation of obesity may lead to multimodal and personalized approaches to obesity treatment that will result in safe, effective, and sustainable weight loss until the root causes of the problem are identified and addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki M Angelidi
- Section of Endocrinology, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew J Belanger
- Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Kokkinos
- First Department of Propaedeutic Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Chrysi C Koliaki
- First Department of Propaedeutic Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Section of Endocrinology, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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49
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Zhao S, Yan Z, Du Y, Li Z, Tang C, Jing L, Sun L, Yang Q, Tang X, Yuan Y, Han J, Jiang N. A GLP-1/glucagon/CCK-2 receptors tri-agonist provides new therapy for obesity and diabetes. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:4360-4377. [PMID: 35484823 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and glucagon receptor (GCGR) dual agonists have exerted promising therapeutic effects for the treatment of obesity and diabetes in clinical development. Moreover, GLP-1R and cholecystokinin 2 receptor (CCK-2R) dual agonists have been shown to restore pancreas function and improve glycemic control in many preclinical studies. In the present study, we describe for the first time that the beneficial effects of GLP-1R/GCGR and GLP-1R/CCK-2R dual agonists can be integrated into one peptide, resulting in significant anti-diabetes and anti-obesity effectiveness. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The in vitro potency of a novel GLP-1R/GCGR/CCK-2R tri-agonist (xGLP/GCG/gastrin) against GLP-1R, GCGR, CCK-1R and CCK-2R was determined on cells expressing the corresponding receptors by cAMP accumulation or ERK1/2 phosphorylation assays. The in vivo anti-diabetes and anti-obesity effects of xGLP/GCG/gastrin were studied in both db/db and diet induced obesity (DIO) mice. KEY RESULTS xGLP/GCG/gastrin was a potent and selective GLP-1R, GCGR, and CCK-2R tri-agonist. In DIO mice, the metabolic benefits of xGLP-1/GCG/gastrin such as reduction of body weight and hepatic lipid contents were significantly better than those of ZP3022 (GLP-1R/CCK-2R dual agonist) and liraglutide. In the short term study in db/db mice, xGLP/GCG/gastrin treatment exerted considerable effects on increasing islet numbers, islet areas, and insulin content. In the long-term treatment study in db/db mice, xGLP-1/GCG/gastrin displayed a significantly sustained improvement in glucose tolerance and glucose control compared with those of liraglutide, ZP3022, cotadutide (GLP-1R/GCGR dual agonist), and xGLP/GCG-15. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results demonstrate the therapeutic promise of xGLP-1/GCG/gastrin for obesity and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songfeng Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiming Yan
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Du
- Department of Pharmacology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeyun Li
- Department of Pharmacology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunli Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Jing
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Lidan Sun
- School of Chemistry & Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qimeng Yang
- School of Chemistry & Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueling Tang
- School of Chemistry & Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongliang Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Han
- School of Chemistry & Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Neng Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
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50
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Simonsen L, Lau J, Kruse T, Guo T, McGuire J, Jeppesen JF, Niss K, Sauerberg P, Raun K, Dornonville de la Cour C. Preclinical evaluation of a protracted GLP-1/glucagon receptor co-agonist: Translational difficulties and pitfalls. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264974. [PMID: 35245328 PMCID: PMC8896685 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During recent years combining GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonism with the purpose of achieving superior weight loss and metabolic control compared to GLP-1 alone has received much attention. The superior efficacy has been shown by several in preclinical models but has been difficult to reproduce in humans. In this paper, we present the pre-clinical evaluation of NN1177, a long-acting GLP-1/glucagon receptor co-agonist previously tested in clinical trials. To further investigate the contribution from the respective receptors, two other co-agonists (NN1151, NN1359) with different GLP-1-to-glucagon receptor ratios were evaluated in parallel. In the process of characterizing NN1177, species differences and pitfalls in traditional pre-clinical evaluation methods were identified, highlighting the translational challenges in predicting the optimal receptor balance in humans. In diet-induced obese (DIO) mice, NN1177 induced a dose-dependent body weight loss, primarily due to loss of fat mass, and improvement in glucose tolerance. In DIO rats, NN1177 induced a comparable total body weight reduction, which was in contrast mainly caused by loss of lean mass, and glucose tolerance was impaired. Furthermore, despite long half-lives of the three co-agonists, glucose control during steady state was seen to depend on compound exposure at time of evaluation. When evaluated at higher compound exposure, glucose tolerance was similarly improved for all three co-agonists, independent of receptor balance. However, at lower compound exposure, glucose tolerance was gradually impaired with higher glucagon receptor preference. In addition, glucose tolerance was found to depend on study duration where the effect of glucagon on glucose control became more evident with time. To conclude, the pharmacodynamic effects at a given GLP-1-to-glucagon ratio differs between species, depends on compound exposure and study length, complicating the identification of an optimally balanced clinical candidate. The present findings could partly explain the low number of clinical successes for this dual agonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte Simonsen
- Global Obesity & Liver Disease Research, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | - Jesper Lau
- Research Chemistry, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | - Thomas Kruse
- Research Chemistry, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | - Tingqing Guo
- Discovery Biology, Novo Nordisk Research Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Jim McGuire
- Incretin Biology, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | | | - Kristoffer Niss
- Bioinformatics & Data Mining, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | - Per Sauerberg
- Project and Alliance Management, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Raun
- Global Obesity & Liver Disease Research, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
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