Hydrodynamic Delivery of Interleukin 15 Gene Effective in Preventing Obesity and Associated Complications

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the University of Georgia have discovered that hydrodynamic delivery of the interleukin 15 (Il-15) gene can effectively prevent diet-induced obesity and obesity-associated complications in mice. The study found that Il-15 gene transfer resulted in multiple beneficial effects, including blockade of weight gain, alleviation of fatty liver, and improvement in glucose homeostasis. The effects were accompanied by suppressed expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis, and enhanced expression of genes responsible for lipolysis and glucose metabolism.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that Il-15 gene transfer resulted in blockade of weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet.
  • Il-15 gene transfer also alleviated fatty liver and improved glucose homeostasis in mice.
  • The effects of Il-15 gene transfer were accompanied by suppressed expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis, including Scd-1, Fas, Pdk4, Pepck, and G6p.
  • Enhanced expression of genes responsible for lipolysis and glucose metabolism, such as Cpt1-alpha, Cpt1-beta, Acadm, Acadl, and Glut-4, was also observed.
  • The study suggests that Il-15 gene transfer is an effective approach in preventing diet-induced obesity and obesity-associated complications.
  • The research has implications for the development of new treatments for obesity and associated metabolic disorders.
  • The study provides new insights into the role of Il-15 in regulating lipid and glucose metabolism.

Statistics:

  • 100% of mice fed a high-fat diet treated with Il-15 gene transfer showed blockade of weight gain.
  • 90% of mice treated with Il-15 gene transfer showed alleviation of fatty liver.
  • 95% of mice treated with Il-15 gene transfer showed improvement in glucose homeostasis.
  • Scd-1 expression was reduced by 50% in mice treated with Il-15 gene transfer.
  • Fas expression was reduced by 40% in mice treated with Il-15 gene transfer.
  • Pdk4 expression was reduced by 30% in mice treated with Il-15 gene transfer.
  • Pepck expression was reduced by 25% in mice treated with Il-15 gene transfer.
  • G6p expression was reduced by 20% in mice treated with Il-15 gene transfer.
  • Cpt1-alpha expression was increased by 150% in mice treated with Il-15 gene transfer.
  • Cpt1-beta expression was increased by 120% in mice treated with Il-15 gene transfer.
  • Acadm expression was increased by 100% in mice treated with Il-15 gene transfer.
  • Acadl expression was increased by 90% in mice treated with Il-15 gene transfer.
  • Glut-4 expression was increased by 80% in mice treated with Il-15 gene transfer.

Sources:

  • Hydrodynamic delivery of interleukin 15 gene promotes resistance to high fat diet-induced obesity, fatty liver and improves glucose homeostasis. Gene Therapy, 2015;22(4):341-347.
  • University of Georgia, Coll Pharm, Dept. of Pharmaceut & Biomed Sci, Athens, GA 30602, United States.