CNTO736, a Novel Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist, Ameliorates Insulin Resistance and Inhibits Very Low-Density Lipoprotein Production in High-Fat-Fed Mice

CNTO736 is a glucagon-like peptide (GLP) 1 receptor agonist that incorporates a GLP-1 peptide analog linked to the Mimeti-body platform. We evaluate the potential of acute and chronic CNTO736 treatment on insulin sensitivity and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) metabolism. For acute studies, diet-induced insulin-resistant C57BL/6 mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of CNTO736 or vehicle. Chronic effects were studied after 4 weeks of daily intraperitoneal administration. A hyperin-sulinemic-euglycemic clamp monitored insulin sensitivity. A single dose of CNTO736 reduced fasting plasma glucose levels (CNTO736, 4.4 +/- 1.0; control, 6.3 +/- 2.4 mM) and endogenous glucose production (EGP) (CNTO736, 39 +/- 11; control, 53 +/- 13 mu mol/min/kg) and increased insulin-mediated glucose uptake (CNTO736, 76 +/- 25; control, 54 +/- 13 mu mol/min/kg). Chronic administration of CNTO736 reduced fasting glucose levels (CNTO736, 4.1 +/- 0.8; control 6.0 +/- 1.0 mM), improved insulin-dependent glucose uptake (CNTO736, 84 +/- 19; control, 61 +/- 15 mu mol/min/kg), and enhanced inhibition of EGP (CNTO736, 91 +/- 18; control, 80 +/- 10% inhibition). In addition, chronic dosing with CNTO736 reduced fasting EGP (CNTO736, 39 +/- 9; control, 50 +/- 8 mu mol/min/kg) and VLDL production (CNTO736, 157 +/- 23; control, 216 +/- 36 mu mol/h/kg). These results indicate that CNTO736 reinforces insulin's action on glucose disposal and production in diet-induced insulin-resistant mice. In addition, CNTO736 reduces basal hepatic glucose and VLDL output in these animals. The data suggest that CNTO736 may be a useful tool in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.