Patrice Marques

and 13 more

Background and Purpose: Selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are widely used to treat metabolic complications; however, the limited effect of PPARα agonists on glucose metabolism and the adverse effects associated with selective PPARγ activators have stimulated the development of novel pan-PPAR agonists to treat metabolic disorders. Here, we synthesised a new prenylated benzopyran (BP-2) and evaluated its PPAR-activating properties, anti-inflammatory effects and impact on metabolic derangements. Experimental Approach: BP-2 was used in transactivation assays to evaluate its agonism to PPARα, PPARβ/δ and PPARγ. A parallel-plate flow chamber was employed to investigate its effects on TNFα-induced leucocyte-endothelium interactions, and flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to determine its effects on the expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and chemokines and p38-MAPK/NF-κB activation. PPARs/RXRα interactions were determined using a gene silencing approach. Analysis of its impact on metabolic abnormalities and inflammation was performed in ob/ob mice. Key Results: BP-2 displayed strong PPARα activity, with moderate and weak activity against PPARβ/δ and PPARγ activity, respectfully. In vitro, BP-2 reduced TNFα-induced endothelial ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and fractalkine/CX3CL1 expression, suppressed mononuclear cell arrest via PPARβ/δ-RXRα interactions and decreased p38-MAPK/NF-κB activation. In vivo, BP-2 improved the circulating levels of glucose and triglycerides in ob/ob mice, suppressed T-lymphocyte/macrophage infiltration and proinflammatory markers in the liver and white adipose tissue, but increased the expression of the M2-like macrophage marker CD206. Conclusion and Implications: BP-2 emerges as a novel pan-PPAR lead candidate to normalise glycaemia/triglyceridaemia and minimise inflammation in metabolic disorders, likely preventing the development of further cardiovascular complications.