Open AccessEffects of liraglutide on metabolic syndrome in WBN/Kob diabetic fatty rats supplemented with a high‐fat diet
Author(s) -
Kaji Noriyuki,
Takagi Yoshiichi,
Matsuda Satomi,
Takahashi Anna,
Fujio Sakurako,
Asai Fumitoshi
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
animal models and experimental medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2576-2095
DOI - 10.1002/ame2.12106
Subject(s) - liraglutide , endocrinology , medicine , dyslipidemia , triglyceride , diabetes mellitus , diet induced obese , type 2 diabetes , cholesterol , insulin resistance
Background Liraglutide, a GLP‐1 receptor agonist, has recently been used to treat metabolic syndrome (MS) because of its anti‐diabetic and anti‐obesity effects. We have previously shown that Wistar Bonn Kobori diabetic and fatty (WBN/Kob‐Lepr fa , WBKDF) rats fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) developed MS including marked obesity, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. To obtain further information on WBKDF‐HFD rats as a severe MS model, we performed a pharmacological investigation into the anti‐MS effects of liraglutide in this model. Methods Seven‐week‐old male WBKDF‐HFD rats were allocated to three groups (N = 8 in each group): a vehicle group, a low‐dose liraglutide group, and a high‐dose liraglutide group. They received subcutaneous injections of either saline or liraglutide at doses of 75 or 300 μg/kg body weight once daily for 4 weeks. Results Results showed that liraglutide treatment reduced body weight gain and food intake in a dose‐dependent manner. The marked hyperglycemia and the glucose tolerance were also significantly ameliorated in the liraglutide‐treated groups. Moreover, liraglutide also reduced the plasma triglyceride concentration and liver fat accumulation. Conclusions The present study demonstrated that liraglutide could significantly alleviate MS in WBKDF‐HFD rats, and the reaction to liraglutide is similar to human patients with MS. WBKDF‐HFD rats are therefore considered to be a useful model for research on severe human MS.