Anti-obesity effects of the dual-active adenosine A2A/A3 receptor-ligand LJ-4378

Abstract

Abstract Background and objectives A 2A adenosine receptor (A 2A AR)-mediated signaling in adipose tissues has been investigated as a potential target for obesity-related metabolic diseases. LJ-4378 has been developed as a dual-acting ligand with A 2A AR agonist and A 3 adenosine receptor (A 3 AR) antagonist activity. The current study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity effects of LJ-4378 and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods Immortalized brown adipocytes were used for in vitro analysis. A high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and cell death-inducing DFFA-like effector A reporter mouse models were used for in vivo experiments. The effects of LJ-4378 on lipolysis and mitochondrial metabolism were evaluated using immunoblotting, mitochondrial staining, and oxygen consumption rate analyses. The in vivo anti-obesity effects of LJ-4378 were evaluated using indirect calorimetry, body composition analyses, glucose tolerance tests, and histochemical analyses. Results In vitro LJ-4378 treatment increased the levels of brown adipocyte markers and mitochondrial proteins, including uncoupling protein 1. The effects of LJ-4378 on lipolysis of adipocytes were more potent than those of the A 2A AR agonist or A 3 AR antagonist. In vivo, LJ-4378 treatment increased energy expenditure by 17.0% ( P value < 0.0001) compared to vehicle controls. LJ-4378 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment for 10 days reduced body weight and fat content by 8.24% ( P value < 0.0001) and 24.2% ( P value = 0.0044), respectively, and improved glucose tolerance in the HFD-fed mice. LJ-4378 increased the expression levels of brown adipocyte markers and mitochondrial proteins in interscapular brown and inguinal white adipose tissue. Conclusion These findings support the in vivo anti-obesity effects of LJ-4378, and suggest a novel therapeutic approach to combat obesity and related metabolic diseases.

Topics & Concepts