The absence of transthyretin does not impair regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism

Increased levels of neuropeptide Y have been reported in transthyretin-null mice. This effect might be related to transthyretin ligands (retinol and thyroxine) since, through binding to nuclear receptors, they modulate the expression of genes that control cellular metabolism. The retinoic X receptors form obligatory heterodimers with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and liver X receptors - potent regulators of fat, glucose and cholesterol homeostasis. We used transthyretin-null mice to investigate whether the absence of transthyretin influences metabolism. Transthyretin-null mice do not differ from controls in body weight and white adipose tissue morphology, nor in basal or fast-induced circulating levels of glucose, lipids, and leptin. Glucose tolerance tests show that transthyretin-null mice have normal capacity to remove and metabolize energy substrates. Expression of genes encoding lipid transporters and nuclear receptors are also similar in transthyretin-null and control mice. Therefore, the absence of transthyretin does not seem to influence the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism.