ObjectivesAMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates the coordination of anabolic and catabolic processes and is an attractive therapeutic target for T2DM, obesity and metabolic syndrome. We report the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of CNX-012-570 is an orally bioavailable small molecule (molecular weight of 530 Daltons) that directly activates AMPK in DIO and db/db animal models of diabetes.MethodsActivity and efficacy of the compound was tested in cell based as well as cell free systems in vitro. Male C57BL/6 mice fed with high fat diet (HFD) were assigned to either vehicle or CNX-012-570 (3 mg/kg, orally once a day) for 8 weeks (n = 8). Genetically diabetic db/db mice on chow diet were dosed with vehicle control or CNX-012-570 (2.5 mg/kg, orally once a day) for 6 weeks (n = 8).ResultsCNX-012-570 is a highly potent and orally bioavailable compound activating AMPK in both cell and cell free systems. It inhibits lipolysis (33%) and gluconeogenesis (28%) in 3T3L1 cells and rat primary hepatocytes respectively. The efficacy of the molecule was translated to both DIO and db/db animal models of diabetes. CNX-012-570 has reduced fasting blood glucose levels by 14%, body weight by 24% and fasting serum triglycerides (TG) by 24%. CNX-012-570 showed a 22% reduction in fed serum cholesterol levels and 19% increase in HDL levels.In db/db mice model, CNX-012-570 has shown 18% decrease in fed glucose and 32% decrease in fasting glucose with a 2.57% reduction in absolute HbA1c. Decrease in serum insulin and glucose AUC indicates the increased insulin sensitivity. Body weight was reduced by 13% with increased browning of adipose tissue and decreased inguinal and mesenteric fat mass. There was significant reduction in liver TG and liver total cholesterol.ConclusionsCNX-012-570 has the potential to control hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. It also reduces body weight gain with an additional benefit of minimizing cardiovascular risks in diabetics.

BackgroundIn addition to their role in growth, cellular differentiation and homeostasis Retinoid X Receptors (RXR) regulate multiple physiological and metabolic pathways in various organs that have beneficial glucose and lipid (cholesterol) lowering, insulin sensitizing and anti-obesity effects. Rexinoids, compounds that specifically binds and activate RXR, are therefore considered as potential therapeutics for treating metabolic syndrome. Apparently many of the rexinoids developed in the past increased triglycerides, caused hepatomegaly and also suppressed the thyroid hormone axis. The aim of this study is to evaluate CNX-013-B2, a potent and highly selective rexinoid, for its potential to treat multiple risk factors of the metabolic syndrome.MethodsCNX-013-B2 was selected in a screening system designed to identify compounds that selectively activated only a chosen sub-set of heterodimer partners of RXR of importance to treat insulin resistance. Male C57BL/6j mice (n = 10) on high fat diet (HFD) and 16 week old ob/ob mice (n = 8) were treated orally with CNX-013-B2 (10 mg/kg twice daily) or vehicle for 10 weeks and 4 weeks respectively. Measurement of plasma glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol including LDL-C, glycerol, free fatty acids, feed intake, body weight, oral glucose tolerance and non-shivering thermogenesis were performed at selected time points. After study termination such measurements as organ weight, triglyceride content, mRNA levels, protein phosphorylation along with histological analysis were performed.ResultsCNX-013-B2 selectively activates PPARs- α, β/δ and γ and modulates activity of LXR, THR and FXR. In ob/ob mice a significant reduction of 25% in fed glucose (p < 0.001 ), a 14% (p < 0.05) reduction in serum total cholesterol and 18% decrease (p < 0.01) in LDL-C and in DIO mice a reduction of 12% (p < 0.01 ) in fasting glucose, 20% in fed triglyceride (p < 0.01) and total cholesterol (p < 0.001) levels, coupled with enhanced insulin sensitivity, cold induced thermogenesis and 7% reduction in body weight were observed.ConclusionCNX-013-B2 is an orally bio available selective rexinoid that can be used as a novel therapeutic agent for management of multiple risk factors of the metabolic syndrome without the risk of side effects reported to be associated with rexinoids.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1758-5996-6-83) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.