Metabolomic profile of diet-induced obesity mice in response to humanin and small humanin-like peptide 2 treatment

INTRODUCTION: The mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) are a novel group of natural occurring peptides that have important signaling functions and biological activity. Both humanin and small-humanin-like peptide 2 (SHLP2) have been reported to act as insulin sensitizers and modulate metabolism. OBJECTIVES: By using a metabolomic approach, this study explores how the plasma metabolite profile is regulated in response to humanin and SHLP2 treatment in a diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model. The results also shed light on the potential mechanism underlying MDPs’ insulin sensitization effects. METHODS: Plasma samples were obtained from DIO mice subjected to vehicle (water) treatment, or peptide treatment with either humanin analog S14G (HNG) or SHLP2 (n = 6 per group). Vehicle or peptides were given as intraperitoneal (IP) injections twice a day at dose of 2.5 mg/kg/injection for 3 days. Metabolites in plasma samples were comprehensively identified and quantified using UPLC-MS/MS. RESULTS: HNG and SHLP2 administration significantly altered the concentrations of amino acid and lipid metabolites in plasma. Among all the metabolic pathways, the glutathione and sphingolipid metabolism responded most strongly to the peptide treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that humanin and SHLP2 can lower several markers associated with age-related metabolic disorders. With the previous understanding of the effects of humanin and SHLP2 on cardiovascular function, insulin sensitization, and anti-inflammation, this metabolomic discovery provides a more comprehensive molecular explanation of the mechanism of action for humanin and SHLP2 treatment. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s11306-019-1549-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.