XOMA 052, an anti-IL-1β monoclonal antibody, improves glucose control and β-cell function in the diet-induced obesity mouse model

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that IL-1β-mediated glucotoxicity plays a critical role in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although previous work has shown that inhibiting IL-1β can lead to improvements in glucose control and β-cell function, we hypothesized that more efficient targeting of IL-1β with a novel monoclonal antibody, XOMA 052, would reveal an effect on additional parameters affecting metabolic disease. In the diet-induced obesity model, XOMA 052 was administered to mice fed either normal or high-fat diet (HFD) for up to 19 wk. XOMA 052 was administered as a prophylactic treatment or as a therapy. Mice were analyzed for glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, insulin secretion, and lipid profile. In addition, the pancreata were analyzed for β-cell apoptosis, proliferation, and β-cell mass. Mice on HFD exhibited elevated glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin secretion, and elevated lipid profile, which were prevented by XOMA 052. XOMA 052 also reduced β-cell apoptosis and increased β-cell proliferation. XOMA 052 maintained the HFD-induced compensatory increase in β-cell mass, while also preventing the loss in β-cell mass seen with extended HFD feeding. Analysis of fasting insulin and glucose levels suggests that XOMA 052 prevented HFD-induced insulin resistance. These studies provide new evidence that targeting IL-1β in vivo could improve insulin sensitivity and lead to β-cell sparing. This is in addition to previously reported benefits on glycemic control. Taken together, the data presented suggest that XOMA 052 could be effective for treating many aspects of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Copyright © 2010 by The Endocrine Society.