Epsilon Open Archive

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes is a devastating disease affecting hundreds of millions worldwide. Lipid accumulation in peripheral non-adipose tissues is a major driver of insulin resistance, a central pathophysiological defect of this disease. Plasma free fatty acids (FFA), derived from adipose tissue lipolysis, are an important source of the intracellular lipid pools. Hence, adipose tissue antilipolysis may be an approach for reversing peripheral tissue lipid overload and the down-stream negative consequences, including insulin resistance.

Nicotinic acid (NiAc) is a potent inhibitor of adipose lipolysis, acutely reducing plasma FFA concentrations. However, a major FFA rebound occurs upon abrupt NiAc washout and sustained exposures are associated with tolerance development, with FFA returning to pre-dose levels. A key principle of this work was the use of precisely defined plasma NiAc exposure profiles, produced using a programmable, implantable mini-pump. Metabolic consequences of NiAc-induced FFA lowering were assessed in a translationally relevant preclinical model of the metabolic syndrome, the obese Zucker rat.

A feedback turnover model adequately described acute FFA responses to NiAc. This model aided in designing a gradual NiAc termination protocol which minimized FFA rebound. The strategy of around-the-clock exposure failed to deliver sustained FFA lowering, due to tolerance development. By contrast, an intermittent strategy succeeded in preserving acute FFA lowering and insulin sensitizing effects. A more complex model was required in order to capture the development of complete tolerance in response to sustained NiAc exposure. Further experiments revealed that NiAc timed to feeding decreased triglycerides in liver and heart and reduced plasma fructosamine. During an oral glucose tolerance test, plasma FFA levels were reduced with amelio¬ration of hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia. By contrast, NiAc timed to fasting did not reduce tissue lipids, ameliorate glucose intolerance or dyslipidemia.

In conclusion, the NiAc exposure profile has a major influence on metabolic control. A macro-pharmacologic approach succeed in identifying a rational NiAc delivery profile that suppressed rebound and tolerance and profoundly improved metabolic control in obese Zucker rats. The work shows the power of a multi-disciplinary drug discovery approach, using a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics combined with knowledge of metabolic physiology.