Effects of CP-900691, A Novel Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α Agonist on Diabetic Nephropathy in the BTBR ob/ob mouse

Piperidine-based peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonists are agents that are efficacious in improving lipid, glycemic, and inflammatory indicators in diabetes and obesity. This study sought to determine whether CP-900691 ((S)-3-[3-(1-carboxy-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid 4-trifluoromethyl-benzyl ester) (CP), a member of this novel class of agents, by decreasing plasma triglycerides, could prevent diabetic nephropathy in the BTBR ob/ob mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. 4-week old female BTBR WT and BTBR ob/ob mice received either regular chow or one containing CP (3 mg/kg/day) for 14 weeks. CP elevated plasma high-density lipoprotein, albuminuria and urinary excretion of 8-epi PGF(2)(α), a product of the non-enzymatic metabolism of arachidonic acid and whose production is elevated in oxidative stress, in BTBR WT mice. In BTBR ob/ob mice, CP reduced plasma triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acids, fasting blood glucose, body weight, and plasma interleukin-6, while concomitantly improving insulin resistance. Despite these beneficial metabolic effects, CP had no effect on elevated plasma insulin, 8-epi PGF(2)(α) excretion and albuminuria, and surprisingly, did not ameliorate the development of diabetic nephropathy, having no effect on the accumulation of renal macrophages, glomerular hypertrophy and increased mesangial matrix expansion. In addition, CP did not increase plasma high-density lipoprotein in BTBR ob/ob mice, while paradoxically increasing total cholesterol levels. These findings indicate that 8-epi PGF(2)(α), possibly along with hyperinsulinemia and inflammatory and dysfunctional lipoproteins, is integral to the development of diabetic nephropathy and should be considered as a potential target of therapy in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.