Increased hepatic triglyceride level induced by a glucokinase activator in mice

• Published in: Fundamental Toxicological Sciences Vol. 5; no. 1; pp. 13 - 20
• Main Authors: Namekawa, Junichi, Yasui, Mari, Katayanagi, Atsuko, Shirai, Mitsuyuki, Asai, Fumitoshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Japanese Society of Toxicology 2018
• Subjects: GKA50; Glucokinase activator; Liver; Mice; Triglyceride
• ISSN: 2189-115X; 2189-115X
• DOI: 10.2131/fts.5.13

Glucokinase (GK) is an enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorylation of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate, and plays an important role in maintaining glucose homeostasis by regulating secretion of insulin from pancreatic β-cells and glucose metabolism in the liver. Recently, GK activators are expected as a novel therapeutic agent for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the increase in plasma triglyceride (TG) levels is one of the major issues for the development of GK activators. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the GK activator GKA50 on the plasma and hepatic TG in mice. Male CD-1 mice received a single oral dose of vehicle or GKA50 (15, 30, or 60 mg/kg), and plasma glucose and insulin levels were measured. Next, CD-1 mice received oral doses of vehicle or GKA50 (20 or 60 mg/kg) once daily for 4 days, and clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, blood chemistry, and hepatic TG were evaluated. In the single oral dose study, dose-dependent decrease in plasma glucose levels and increase in plasma insulin levels were observed. In the 4-day repeated dose study, there were no treatment-related changes in clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, or plasma TG levels. In the 60 mg/kg group, a significant increase in the hepatic TG level was observed. Additionally, the detailed analysis of TG species composition revealed marked increases in TGs mainly composed of 18:1 fatty acids. This study revealed that GKA50 enhanced insulin secretion and hepatic glucose utilization, and increased hepatic TGs, which were mainly composed of 18:1 fatty acids.