Norathyriol reverses obesity- and high-fat-diet-induced insulin resistance in mice through inhibition of PTP1B

Aim/hypothesis Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) negatively regulates insulin signalling. PTP1B deficiency improves obesity-induced insulin resistance and consequently improves type 2 diabetes in mice. Here, the small molecule norathyriol reversed obesity- and high-fat-diet-induced insulin resistance by inhibiting PTP1B. Methods The inhibitory mode of PTP1B was evaluated by using the double-reciprocal substrate in the presence of norathyriol. Primary cultured hepatocytes, myoblasts and white adipocytes were used to investigate the effect of norathyriol on insulin signalling. Glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity were characterised by glucose and insulin tolerance tests. Results Norathyriol was identified as a competitive inhibitor of PTP1B, with an IC50 of 9.59 +/- 0.39 mu mol/l. In cultured hepatocytes and myoblasts, norathyriol treatment blocked the PTP1B-mediated dephosphorylation of the insulin receptor. Intraperitoneal injection of norathyriol inhibited liver and muscle PTP1B activity in mice, thus contributing to the improved glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. However, these beneficial effects were abolished in PTP1B-deficient mice. Notably, oral administration of norathyriol protected mice from diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance through inhibition of hypothalamic PTP1B activity. Conclusions/interpretation Our results indicate that the small molecule norathyriol is a potent PTP1B inhibitor with good cell permeability and oral availability.