Cited by 44Muscle Physiology and DisordersNeurogenetic and Muscular Disorders ResearchAdipose Tissue and Metabolism

AdipoRon, a new therapeutic prospect for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

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Abou‐Samra, Michel, Selvais, Camille M., Boursereau, Raphael, Lecompte, Sophie, Noel, Laurence, Brichard, Sonia M.·2020·Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle

Abstract

Background: Adiponectin (ApN) is a hormone known to exhibit insulin‐sensitizing, fat‐burning, and anti‐inflammatory properties in several tissues, including the skeletal muscle. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating disease characterized by dystrophin deficiency with subsequent chronic inflammation, myofiber necrosis, and impaired regeneration. Previously, we showed that transgenic up‐regulation of ApN could significantly attenuate the dystrophic phenotype in mdx mice (model of DMD). Recently, an orally active ApN receptor agonist, AdipoRon, has been identified. This synthetic small molecule has the advantage of being more easily produced and administrable than ApN. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of AdipoRon on the dystrophic muscle. Methods: Four‐week‐old mdx mice (n = 6–9 per group) were orally treated with AdipoRon (mdx‐AR) for 8 weeks and compared with untreated (mdx) mice and to control (wild‐type) mice. In vivo functional tests were carried out to measure the global force and endurance of mice. Ex vivo biochemical and molecular analyses were performed to evaluate the pathophysiology of the skeletal muscle. Finally, in vitro tests were conducted on primary cultures of healthy and DMD human myotubes. Results: AdipoRon treatment mitigated oxidative stress (−30% to 45% for 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal and peroxiredoxin 3, P < 0.0001) as well as inflammation in muscles of mdx mice (−35% to 65% for interleukin 1 beta, tumour necrosis factor alpha, and cluster of differentiation 68, a macrophage maker, P < 0.0001) while increasing the anti‐inflammatory cytokine, interleukin 10 (~5‐fold, P < 0.0001). AdipoRon also improved the myogenic programme as assessed by a ~2‐fold rise in markers of muscle proliferation and differentiation (P < 0.01 or less vs. untreated mdx). Plasma lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase were reduced by 30–40% in mdx‐AR mice, reflecting less sarcolemmal damage (P < 0.0001). When compared with untreated mdx mice, mdx‐AR mice exhibited enhanced physical performance with an increase in both muscle force and endurance and a striking restoration of the running capacity during eccentric exercise. AdipoRon mainly acted through ApN receptor 1 by increasing AMP‐activated protein kinase signalling, which led to repression of nuclear factor‐kappa B, up‐regulation of utrophin (a dystrophin analogue), and a switch towards an oxidative and more resistant fibre phenotype. The effects of AdipoRon were then recapitulated in human DMD myotubes. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that AdipoRon exerts several beneficial effects on the dystrophic muscle. This molecule could offer promising therapeutic prospect for managing DMD or other muscle and inflammatory disorders.

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Authors
Abou‐Samra, M., Selvais, C. M., Boursereau, R., Lecompte, S., Noel, L., & Brichard, S. M.
Affiliations
  • UCLouvain (BE)
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector Université Catholique de Louvain Brussels Belgium
Corresponding author
Abou‐Samra, Michel
Venue
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2020-01-21
Volume
11
Issue
2
Pages
518-533
ISSN
  • 2190-5991 (ISSN-L)
  • 2190-6009
OpenAlex
W3001361857
Cited by
44
References
65
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 2
FWCI
2.19
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Digital Access to Libraries (Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), l'Université de Namur (UNamur) and the Université Saint-Louis (USL-B)) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
Koning Boudewijnstichting
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Muscle Physiology and Disorders
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Genetics › Neurogenetic and Muscular Disorders Research
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Adipose Tissue and Metabolism
Keywords
AdipoRon, adiponectin receptor agonist, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, mdx mice, oxidative stress, muscle inflammation, myogenesis, muscle regeneration, muscle strength and endurance, eccentric exercise, IL-10, peroxiredoxin 3, 4-hydroxynonenal, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase
MeSH terms
Animals, Female, Humans, Male, Piperidines, Survival Analysis, Mice, Inbred mdx, Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne, Mice

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